Ground Game Secrets: Tampa Bay’s Unsung Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1684060' first='Gio' last='Reyes'] (c/o 2027)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Running Back</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Pasco High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'0”, 190 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Current Season Stats (through Week 4): 51 carries for 357 yards and 2 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluation: Reyes has been a steady workhorse for Pasco, averaging seven yards per carry while showing strength between the tackles. At 6'0”, 190 lbs, he has the size to run with power but also flashes enough burst to hit open lanes effectively. His ability to handle volume carries makes him a reliable backfield option, and with continued growth in speed and elusiveness, he projects as a well-rounded 2027 running back prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preston Beckham (c/o 2027)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Running Back</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Bloomingdale High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'0”, 175 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Current Season Stats (through Week 4): 29 carries for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluation: Beckham has been highly efficient with his touches, averaging over 10 yards per carry through four games. His combination of vision and acceleration allows him to turn limited carries into explosive gains. At 6'0”, 175 lbs, he brings a long, lean frame with room to add strength while maintaining speed. Beckham's knack for chunk plays and ability to finish drives in the end zone makes him one of the more intriguing playmakers in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Brian Ford (c/o 2027)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Running Back</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: East Lake High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'7”, 155 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Current Season Stats (through Week 4): 57 carries for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns, 5 receptions for 81 yards and 1 touchdown</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluation: Ford is a versatile back who contributes as both a rusher and receiver, giving East Lake a true all-purpose weapon. Despite a smaller frame at 5'7”, 155 lbs, he runs with toughness and creates plays in space. His ability to catch out of the backfield adds another dimension to his game, already accounting for over 350 total yards. With continued development in strength and durability, Ford's quickness and versatility make him a dynamic 2027 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Frankie Harvey (c/o 2027)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Running Back</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Central High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'5”, 150 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Current Season Stats (through Week 4): 53 carries for 276 yards and 1 touchdown</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluation: Harvey may be undersized at 5'5”, 150 lbs, but he plays with effort and quickness that allow him to be productive. Averaging over five yards per carry, he shows good instincts in finding creases and maximizing yardage. His compact frame makes him difficult to square up, and he has the shiftiness to make defenders miss. With added strength and speed development, Harvey has the tools to grow into a reliable change-of-pace back in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Jaikim Haggans (c/o 2027)</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Running Back</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Newsome High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'9”, 176 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>Current Season Stats (through Week 4): 43 carries for 273 yards and 1 touchdown, 4 receptions for 41 yards</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evaluation: Haggans is a balanced runner who has shown the ability to contribute in both the ground game and passing attack. Averaging over six yards per carry with added production as a receiver, he brings versatility to Newsome's offense. At 5'9”, 176 lbs, he has a sturdy frame and runs with a blend of patience and power. His multi-faceted skill set and consistency make him a well-rounded 2027 running back prospect with dependable upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->