2026 Running Backs with Potential: Under-the-Radar Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583250' first='Jamar' last='Jerome'] | RB | 2026 | Naples | @J2marrr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 535 rushing yards, 4 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Naples continues to churn out physical, hard-nosed running backs, and Jerome is the next standout. He's an explosive, well-built runner who thrives in the team's heavy rushing attack. Expect a monster senior season as he takes the reins and becomes the focal point of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583270' first='Fareed' last='Coleman'] | ATH | 2026 | Oakleaf | @fareedcolemanjr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 497 rushing yards, 3 TD | 90 tackles, 5.0 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman is a true two-way standout, excelling on both sides of the ball. Whether it's recording tackles, snagging PBUs, or scoring on offense, he consistently delivered when his team needed it. A versatile athlete, Coleman's stock will rise with more eyes on his unique skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583272' first='Jakobe' last='Bruton'] | ATH | 2026 | Leto | @Kobe5x_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 1,254 total yards, 17 TD | 33 tackles, 2 pick-sixes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruton did it all for Leto this season. The 5-10, 190-pound athlete showcased his versatility, making an impact as a runner, receiver, and defender. With another offseason to sharpen his game, Bruton will look to build on an impressive junior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Samuel Arnold | ATH | 2026 | Pembroke | @sam_arnold3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 716 rushing yards, 6 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arnold combines speed and a gritty South Florida mentality, making him a dangerous back. Averaging over 8.0 yards per carry, his big-play ability can't be ignored. With a full offseason ahead, Arnold has all the tools to eclipse 1,000 yards in his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581905' first='Jadarius' last='Dobie'] | RB | 2026 | Lakeland | @_dxbie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 578 rushing yards, 4 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dobie came up big when it mattered, tallying 70+ yards in the state championship game despite Lakeland falling short. A workhorse with a relentless motor, he's poised for an even larger role next season. Expect Dobie to shine as he leads the offense into 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jermaine Skinner | ATH | 2026 | Cape Coral | @Jermaineskinn12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 593 rushing yards, 7 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skinner was the driving force behind his team's district championship run, leading in both rushing yards and touchdowns. With solid burst and speed to break through the second level, he'll be one to watch as he works to elevate his game this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583277' first='Camari' last='Jackson'] | ATH | 2026 | Titusville | @cjack588</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 609 rushing yards, 4 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson proved to be a vital piece for Titusville's offense, finishing second in total carries and earning praise from coaches for his impact and coachability. His versatility as a gadget player makes him one of the more intriguing prospects heading into next spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adon Elmon | RB | 2026 | Boca Raton | @k1adon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 585 rushing yards, 8 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elmon quietly put together a standout season, coming close to double-digit touchdowns for Boca Raton. He stepped up with big-time plays when his team needed him most. A strong offseason could propel him into an even more dominant senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583285' first='Timothy' last='Gaynor'] | RB | 2026 | Nature Coast | @Timothygaynor03</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 595 rushing yards, 9 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaynor is a physical, downhill runner who led Nature Coast in rushing yards and touchdowns. At 5-10, 185 pounds, he's tough to bring down and fights through contact on every carry. With his work ethic, expect Gaynor to make big strides heading into next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D'ante Simms | RB | 2026 | Fernandina Beach | @koodi4x</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 631 rushing yards, 10 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simms missed part of the season due to injury but still showcased his game-changing ability in limited action. With a full season, he could've easily hit 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns. Simms will be a major piece for Fernandina Beach as he returns stronger next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263647' first='Travis' last='Pinkard'] Jr | RB | 2026 | Middleburg | @Travispinkard23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 517 rushing yards, 6 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pinkard led Middleburg in both rushing yards and touchdowns as a junior, earning All-County honors. The 5-8, 170-pound scatback has the quickness and vision to become a breakout star next season. His offseason development will be key to his continued growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583323' first='Malaki' last='Estrada'] | RB | 2026 | Timber Creek | @MalakiEstrada7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 505 rushing yards, 5 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estrada is a tough, physical runner with a one-cut, downhill style that makes him hard to stop. He runs with purpose and consistently fights for extra yardage. With a strong spring and summer, Estrada could be primed for a breakout senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->