Full Throttle: 7A 2027 RBs Set to Torch Defenses

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 7A classification, who are not only key contributors now but also college prospects to track long-term.   Dorien Irving-Jones – RB – Venice High   Stats: 1,398 yards | 93.2 YPG | 7.28 YPC | 192 att | 77 long | 17 TD | 15 GP | 6'0 192 lbs Offers: Florida State, Louisville, UCF   Evaluation: Irving-Jones is a high-volume back with elite burst, advanced vision, and proven durability. With nearly 1,400 yards on 192 touches, he thrives as both a feature runner and explosive playmaker, averaging 7.28 YPC and tallying 17 touchdowns. His 77-yard long underscores his top-end speed and home-run threat capability. He runs with fluid tempo, excellent patience, and sudden acceleration through the hole. A complete, three-down back with next-level upside and Power Five traits.   Johnathan Bueno – RB – American Heritage High   Stats: 946 yards | 72.8 YPG | 7.22 YPC | 131 att | 10 TD | 13 GP | 5'10 200 lbs Honors/Offers: 1st Team All-County | 8 D1 Offers   Evaluation: Bueno is a polished, all-purpose back with a strong build and versatile skill set. His 7.22 YPC reflects both vision and decisiveness, while his frame allows him to finish runs with authority. A natural in space, Bueno uses burst and lateral agility to consistently create after first contact. Whether operating as a traditional ball-carrier or flexed out in motion, he brings dynamic value across formations. A reliable, every-down back with high football IQ and physicality.   Kamari Smith – RB/CB – Lake Wales High   Stats: 926 yards | 84.2 YPG | 7.41 YPC | 125 att | 48 long | 10 TD | 11 GP | 5'10 160 lbs Offers: 5 D1 Offers   Evaluation: Smith is an elite two-way athlete who plays with speed, feel, and explosion. Offensively, he averaged over 7.4 yards per carry while maintaining high efficiency and big-play potential. His speed and quick cutting ability allow him to attack gaps decisively and exploit open space. Smith's compact frame and smooth change of direction translate well at both running back and defensive back. A natural playmaker with two-phase value and athletic upside.   Jaikim Haggans – RB – Newsome High   Stats: 867 yards | 78.8 YPG | 7.22 YPC | 120 att | 35 long | 4 TD | 11 GP | 5'10 180 lbs   Evaluation: Haggans is a physical, downhill runner who thrives on contact balance and inside-zone efficiency. At 7.22 YPC, he consistently churns out yardage with vision and instincts. He plays with an attacking mentality—attacking lanes with toughness and finishing every run with intent. Haggans brings value as a tone-setter with dependable ball security and grind-it-out production. Ideal for systems that emphasize physicality and control.   Elisha Gamble – RB – Park Vista High   Stats: 857 yards | 85.7 YPG | 5.75 YPC | 149 att | 45 long | 5 TD | 10 GP | 5'9 165 lbs Honors: 2nd Team All-County   Evaluation: Gamble is a twitchy, versatile back who brings balance and burst to the run game. With 149 touches in 10 games, he demonstrated both durability and consistent volume production. His agility in space and low pad level make him difficult to square up, and his ability to stretch plays laterally gives him true perimeter value. A well-rounded back with quick feet, vision, and an edge in the open field.   Jayden Ammons – RB– West Orange High   Stats: 570 yards | 43.8 YPG | 5.18 YPC | 110 att | 49 long | 6 TD | 13 GP | 5'7 170 lbs Offers: Rhode Island, FAU   Evaluation: Ammons is a shifty, instinctive back who excels at working through traffic and making defenders miss in tight quarters. His low center of gravity and balance allow him to absorb contact and keep runs alive. He brings juice as a space player, with the versatility to contribute as a slot or change-of-pace back. Ammons is a sparkplug with quickness, competitiveness, and strong inside-outside potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='1681607' first='Kelsey' last='Gerald'] – RB – Santaluces High   Stats: 541 yards | 60.1 YPG | 7.96 YPC | 68 att | 60 long | 5 TD | 9 GP | 5'11 196 lbs Offers: 9 D1 Offers   Evaluation: Gerald is a burst-driven back with big-play explosiveness and an exceptional first step. Averaging just under 8 yards per carry, he wastes no motion and accelerates through holes with urgency. His 60-yard long reflects his ability to flip field position at any time. With strong lower-body power and breakaway speed, Gerald is a natural gap-runner with the tools to thrive in tempo or spread-based schemes.   Gianni Flore – FB – Newsome High   Stats: 453 yards | 41.2 YPG | 5.15 YPC | 88 att | 18 long | 7 TD | 11 GP | 5'10 210 lbs   Evaluation: Flore is a downhill, power-oriented fullback who brings toughness, physicality, and short-yardage dominance. With 7 touchdowns on 88 carries, he's an efficient interior presence who thrives near the goal line. Flore plays with a defensive mindset, driving his legs through contact and creating second-effort yardage. A throwback-style lead back who punishes defenders and finishes runs with authority.

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.