3A Ground Game: Top 2027 RBs Returning to Lead the Charge

Florida continues to produce premier football talent, and while quarterbacks and wideouts often grab headlines, the state's small-school running backs are showing they belong in the spotlight too.   The Class of 2027 is packed with rising stars who already possess advanced athleticism, versatility, and on-field production. These backs are explosive in space, patient behind blocks, and tough between the tackles—despite being underclassmen, many already lead their offenses and impact games on both sides of the ball.   This list shines a light on top performers from Florida's 3A classification, who are not only key contributors now but also college prospects to track long-term.   1. Nino Joseph – RB – Lely High (Naples)   Stats: 164 carries, 1,623 yards | 9.90 YPC | 231.9 YPG | 23 TDs | Long: 85 | 7 GP Size: 5'7", 175 lbs Offers: Purdue, FAU   Evaluation: Joseph was one of the most explosive backs in Florida regardless of classification. With nearly 10 yards a carry and over 230 yards per game, he's a big-play machine. He shows elite burst through the hole, lateral balance, and top-end acceleration once he hits open field. Defenses don't get a second chance to rally when he finds space—Joseph is a threat to score every time he touches the football.   2. [player_tooltip player_id='1612466' first='Caleb' last='Mattison'] – RB – Bishop Kenny High   Stats: 243 carries, 1,316 yards | 5.42 YPC | 101.2 YPG | 16 TDs | Long: 53 | 13 GP Size: 5'10", 201 lbs | 4.46 40 Offers: 8+ Division I   Evaluation: Mattison defines what it means to be a high-volume, high-trust back. He has the body and mindset to handle 20+ touches a night and wear defenses down over four quarters. He runs behind his pads, finishes runs, and rarely loses yardage. With legit verified speed and a durable frame, Mattison checks a lot of boxes for college staffs looking for a ready-made back.   3. Brady Stewart – RB – Aubrey Rogers High   Stats: 134 carries, 752 yards | 5.61 YPC | 83.6 YPG | 3 TDs | Long: 46 | 9 GP Size: 5'7", 160 lbs   Evaluation: Stewart plays with discipline and consistency. He's efficient with his touches, runs behind his pads, and consistently falls forward. His long snapping background also speaks to his versatility and reliability. While the TD total might not jump off the page, his impact on drives and situational execution makes him a trusted piece in any offensive scheme.   4. Tamauri Collins – RB – Tavares High   Stats: 75 carries, 706 yards | 9.41 YPC | 70.6 YPG | 13 TDs | 10 GP Size: 5'8", 175 lbs | 4.54 40 Offer: USF   Evaluation: Collins is an explosive weapon who makes the most of every touch. His 13 TDs on just 75 carries is elite production, and his burst out of cuts is legit. He's the kind of back who forces defenses to stay honest and opens up everything else on offense. He's a mismatch in the open field and has the verified speed to back it up.   5. Mason Lynch – RB/OLB – Menendez High   Stats: 145 carries, 683 yards | 4.71 YPC | 75.9 YPG | 11 TDs | Long: 30 | 9 GP Size: 5'10", 203 lbs | 315 lb bench   Evaluation: Lynch plays the position with linebacker-level toughness. He thrives in contact, runs through arm tackles, and brings consistent energy to every rep. He's physical and keeps the chains moving all night. Coaches love backs who set the tone physically, and Lynch does exactly that.   6. Antony Doston – RB/LB – Hudson High   Stats: 92 carries, 499 yards | 5.42 YPC | 49.9 YPG | 4 TDs | Long: 86 | 10 GP Size: 5'10", 170 lbs   Evaluation: Doston is a quick-cut runner with real field-flipping ability. His 86-yard long shows you what he's capable of when he gets a crease. He's compact, efficient, and doesn't need a lot of space to generate chunk plays. A high-upside back who could take a big leap with added volume.   7. Jonah Julien – RB/ATH – Pompano Beach High   Stats: 87 carries, 497 yards | 5.71 YPC | 71.0 YPG | 4 TDs | Long: 37 | 7 GP Size: 5'11", 170 lbs | 4.6 40   Evaluation: Julien is a fluid athlete who gets vertical in a hurry. He sees the field well and doesn't waste movement—he sticks his foot in the ground and goes. He's the type of back who can thrive as a zone runner or perimeter weapon. There's a lot to like in terms of projection, and his frame suggests room for continued growth.   8. [player_tooltip player_id='1718693' first='Charles' last='Benson'] – RB/OLB – West Florida High   Stats: 77 carries, 451 yards | 5.86 YPC | 45.1 YPG | 4 TDs | Long: 35 | 10 GP Size: 5'10", 195 lbs   Evaluation: Benson brings a physical, no-nonsense approach to every carry. He runs like a defender—downhill, aggressive, and fearless. There's nothing finesse about his game, and he plays with a tone-setting edge that coaches value. Reliable in short-yardage and red zone.   9. Michael Rodriguez – RB/CB – Dunedin High   Stats: 94 carries, 443 yards | 4.71 YPC | 73.8 YPG | 3 TDs | Long: 32 | 6 GP Size: 5'6", 140 lbs   Evaluation: Rodriguez is a crafty back who gets in and out of cuts well and knows how to hide behind blockers. His stride may be compact, but he navigates traffic with confidence and doesn't need much of a crease to get downhill. Efficient, instinctive, and makes defenders earn every stop.   10. Vincent Akridge – RB – Barron Collier High   Stats: 87 carries, 407 yards | 4.68 YPC | 37.0 YPG | 3 TDs | Long: 58 | 11 GP Size: 5'9", 185 lbs   Evaluation: Akridge is the kind of back you want in the trenches. He finds lanes, holds onto the football, and maximizes every touch. His 58-yard long shows he can pop one when the opportunity presents itself. He's a dependable runner who fits well in physical, grind-it-out game plans.

Florida continues to produce premier football talent, and while quarterbacks and wideouts often grab headlines, the state's small-school running backs are showing they belong in the spotlight too.