6A Heat: Class of 2027 RBs Ready to Run It Back

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 6A classification, who are not only key contributors now but also college prospects to track long-term.   [player_tooltip player_id='1671133' first='Amos' last='Bradford'] – RB – West Broward High   Stats: 1,227 yards | 111.5 YPG | 9.66 YPC | 127 att | 5 TD | 11 GP | 6'0" 170 lbs | Committed to University of Toledo   Evaluation: Bradford is an explosive playmaker with exceptional burst and breakaway speed, averaging an impressive 9.66 yards per carry. His size at 6 feet and 170 pounds allows him to navigate through tight windows with agility and balance. He consistently flips field position with long runs, highlighted by a 99-yard carry. His ability to produce at a high level with limited carries shows great efficiency and big-play capability. A dynamic back who excels in open space and can change the game in a moment's notice.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263710' first='Makael' last='Williams'] – RB – Pace High   Stats: 1,213 yards | 101.1 YPG | 8.03 YPC | 151 att | 14 TD | 12 GP | 5'10" 185 lbs | Offers: USF, North Alabama, South Alabama, Toledo   Evaluation: Williams combines size and speed with a smooth running style that generates consistent yardage. He shows excellent vision, quickly identifying running lanes and accelerating through holes. Averaging over 8 yards per carry, he's a powerful force who wears down defenses with 14 touchdowns on the year. His physicality and endurance allow him to stay productive across a full workload. A proven workhorse who can be a major contributor at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1681897' first='Jayden' last='Lockhart'] – RB – West Boca Raton High   Stats: 979 yards | 65.3 YPG | 7.25 YPC | 135 att | 6 TD | 15 GP | 5'11" 190 lbs | Offers: Toledo, West Virginia State, Peru State   Evaluation: Lockhart is a strong, reliable runner with a sturdy frame that allows him to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His 7.25 yards per carry reflect his ability to consistently find seams and create big plays. He demonstrates both patience and burst, attacking the line decisively and generating yardage in short bursts. His durability and consistent production over 15 games highlight his toughness and dependability as a feature back.   Kymarion Johnson – RB – Melbourne High   Stats: 837 yards | 83.7 YPG | 5.81 YPC | 144 att | 6 TD | 10 GP | 6'1" 180 lbs   Evaluation: Johnson uses his size and strength to dominate between the tackles, providing a steady and physical presence in the backfield. At 6'1”, he combines power with effective pad level to wear down defenders. His 83.7 yards per game show his central role in Melbourne's offense. Johnson's consistent production and ability to move the chains make him a valuable asset in any run-heavy scheme.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598322' first='Jalen' last='Parmley'] – RB – Evans High   Stats: 826 yards | 75.1 YPG | 4.98 YPC | 166 att | 3 TD | 11 GP | 5'7" 200 lbs | Orlando Sentinel Super 60   Evaluation: Parmley is a tough, physical back who thrives in high-volume roles. His 200-pound frame allows him to break tackles and maintain momentum, especially in short-yardage situations. Averaging over 75 yards per game, he is a dependable force who consistently moves the chains. Parmley's power and balance give him the ability to succeed in between the tackles, providing a strong foundation for his team's offense.   Shaunqueze Foster – RB – Mandarin High   Stats: 820 yards | 74.5 YPG | 7.52 YPC | 109 att | 6 TD | 11 GP | 5'9" 195 lbs | Offers: Jacksonville State, Miami of Ohio   Evaluation: Foster combines power and explosiveness, creating separation with quick cuts and strong acceleration. His 7.52 yards per carry showcase his ability to maximize each opportunity and break off big plays. He runs with a physical edge while maintaining excellent balance and vision. Foster is a dynamic back capable of producing explosive gains and is a valuable asset for any program looking for a versatile runner.   Nathan Merriman – ATH – Sunlake High   Stats: 815 yards | 81.5 YPG | 7.21 YPC | 113 att | 12 TD | 10 GP | 5'10" 180 lbs | 4.47 40-yard dash   Evaluation: Merriman is a highly athletic playmaker with outstanding speed and agility, as shown by his 4.47-second 40-yard dash. His ability to create explosive plays is evident with 12 touchdowns and strong yards per carry. He smoothly transitions between backfield and skill positions, making him a versatile threat. Merriman's quickness and football IQ make him a matchup nightmare and a dynamic offensive weapon.   Jasiah Powell – RB – Santa Fe High   Stats: 701 yards | 70.1 YPG | 5.27 YPC | 133 att | 9 TD | 10 GP | 5'9" 205 lbs | Offers: UNC-Pembroke   Evaluation: Powell is a physical, downhill runner with a powerful build that allows him to consistently gain tough yards. His 9 touchdowns highlight his ability to finish drives and perform in critical situations. Powell's strength and low center of gravity make him difficult to bring down, especially in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios. He's a reliable, consistent contributor with the size and toughness to succeed at higher levels.   Preston Beckham – RB – Bloomingdale High   Stats: 691 yards | 69.1 YPG | 6.78 YPC | 102 att | 8 TD | 10 GP | 5'11" 175 lbs | Offers: FAU, Jackson State   Evaluation: Beckham is an efficient, explosive back with great vision and speed, averaging nearly 7 yards per carry. His ability to find cutback lanes and accelerate through gaps makes him a consistent big-play threat. Beckham combines size with agility and has proven himself as a reliable scorer with 8 touchdowns. He provides both power and finesse to his team's running game.   Peyton Lamarre – RB – Dr. Krop High   Stats: 605 yards | 60.5 YPG | 5.87 YPC | 103 att | 5 TD | 10 GP | 5'10" 180 lbs | Offers: University of Fort Lauderdale   Evaluation: Lamarre is a balanced back who demonstrates patience and vision to maximize his yardage opportunities. His 5.87 yards per carry and 75-yard long run reflect his ability to make defenders miss and break off long gains. He's an intelligent runner with the size and strength to finish plays and contribute in a variety of offensive schemes.   Demetrice Rolle – RB/WR – Royal Palm Beach High   Stats: 575 yards | 57.5 YPG | 5.64 YPC | 102 att | 5 TD | 10 GP | 5'8" 160 lbs | Offers: West Virginia State, Western Kentucky   Evaluation: Rolle is a versatile playmaker who excels as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. His quickness and agility allow him to create separation and gain yards after contact. He consistently finds open space and shows natural instincts in space, highlighted by his ability to contribute touchdowns both rushing and receiving. Rolle's versatility makes him a dynamic weapon for any offense.   Jahmyri Jennings – RB – Fletcher High   Stats: 563 yards | 56.3 YPG | 5.21 YPC | 108 att | 10 TD | 10 GP | 5'8" 220 lbs   Evaluation: Jennings is a powerful, high-impact runner with exceptional strength and balance. His 10 touchdowns speak to his ability to consistently find the end zone and succeed in goal-line situations. Jennings uses his weight and lower-body strength to power through defenders and generate tough yards. His toughness and determination make him a cornerstone of Fletcher's offense.   Brian Ford – RB/SB – East Lake High   Stats: 456 yards | 65.1 YPG | 8.77 YPC | 52 att | 6 TD | 7 GP | 5'7" 155 lbs | 11.2 100m | Offers: UNC-Pembroke   Evaluation: Ford is a speedy, electrifying back with exceptional burst and quickness, proven by his 11.2-second 100m time. His 8.77 yards per carry demonstrate his ability to maximize every opportunity and create big plays. Ford's agility and acceleration allow him to outrun defenders and flip field position. A dynamic threat in space with excellent open-field instincts.

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.