Running Through Miami-Dade/Broward

For as long as anyone can remember, when it came to producing elite running backs, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties were among the top areas in the country.   With these impressive athletes making an impact at the high school level, into college and professionally, prospects from the two counties have been able to leave their mark for those across the nation to watch.   As we wind down the regular season, there were a number of runners in the two counties who were among the best in the state – and helped their respective teams not only add balance to the offensive attack but also put themselves out for colleges and universities to watch and make offers.   Today, we bring you prospects – with film – in every class to watch and see what makes them special:   2026 -  [player_tooltip player_id='1249090' first='Kaj' last='Baker'], Athlete, 5'8, 175, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy – 3.5 GPA. This UCF commit is one of the fastest players in the state – placing at state since his 8th grade year. An exceptional and versatile talent.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15144891/Kaj-Nitro-Baker">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15144891/Kaj-Nitro-Baker</a>   2027 - [player_tooltip player_id='1671133' first='Amos' last='Bradford'], 6'0, 180, [player_tooltip player_id='1640315' first='Pembroke' last='Pines West Broward']. Easily one of the top underclassmen in the state. Here is a quick, instinctive and powerful back that has helped to pave the way this season. Committed early to attend the University of Toledo.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22863433/Amos-Bradford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22863433/Amos-Bradford</a>   2028 - Marcelo Carrion, 5'10, 170, Miami Archbishop Carroll. This versatile sophomore has been able to help this team all over the field and as a quarterback continues to put up big numbers on the ground.   [player_tooltip player_id='1247419' first='Derrek' last='Cooper'], Athlete, 6'2, 210, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. What else can you say about this University of Texas commit that hasn't been said over and over. He is one of the best running backs in the country and continues to back that up. In addition to playing on offense, he is also a stellar linebacker as well. Track & Field.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19057210/Derrek-Cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19057210/Derrek-Cooper</a>   2027 - Kamary Cooper, 5'10, 190, South Plantation. Burst onto the scene this year for the Paladins and has proven that he is one of the best running backs in the state. Has a chance to be elite over the next year.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473011/Kamary-Cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473011/Kamary-Cooper</a>   2026 - Damian Dickenson, 5'10, 195, Davie Western. Has truly been impressive this season helping to lead the Wildcats to yet another district title. A true student/athlete who holds a 3.5 GPA.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18428773/Damian-Dickenson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18428773/Damian-Dickenson</a>   2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1247415' first='Jayden' last='Ford'], 5'6, 175, Miami Central. This FIU commitment has been one of the elite prospects that can turn a game around by himself. Fast, strong and elusive fits exactly what this quality talent is all about. Could be one of the best kick returners in the state.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18526032/Jayden-Ford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18526032/Jayden-Ford</a>   2026 - Travis Gamble Jr., 5'9, 185, Miami Southridge. Another of those quality prospects who burst onto the scene for one of the better programs in the state. This is a quick, powerful back that is a difference maker and has show all season why he is so special and vital for the Spartans.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18676645/Travis-Gamble-jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18676645/Travis-Gamble-jr</a>   2027 - Damien Grant, 5'8, 170, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.3 GPA. Ever since his freshman year this is a prospect that everyone has talked about. Fast, elusive and someone who knows how to run and find the holes. Has been responsible for the success of the Mavericks this season.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grant</a>   2026 - Shawn James, 5'11, 185, Miami Christopher Columbus. In a season where this program went through some growing pains, this quality back certainly did his part to help elevate the Explorers.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/25381089/Shawn-James" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/25381089/Shawn-James</a>   2027- Rashard Lewis, Athlete, 5'9, 170, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy. This is a versatile prospect who has made a major contribution for the Lions all over the field and has come up big during a successful season.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26850575/Rashard-Lewis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26850575/Rashard-Lewis</a>   2028 - Kenan Powell, Athlete, 6'0, 205, Miami Springs – 3.3 GPA. There may not be a more under-the-radar prospect in all of south Florida. A quarterback who not only throws the ball but is one of the top runners in the two-counties. A sophomore who burst onto the scene as an unknown, but that has all changed this season as opponents and college coaches have taken notice.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23159090/Kenan-Powell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23159090/Kenan-Powell</a>   2026 - Zachariah Ray, 5'10, 175, Plantation. Solid back who has been huge this season for the Colonels during a competitive season. In addition to what he did as a player, he also showcased his leadership as well.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18658565/Zachariah-Ray" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18658565/Zachariah-Ray</a>   2026 - William Secola, Athlete, Miami Archbishop Carroll – 3.2 GPA. Talk about versatile. Not only does this talented prospect serve as a running back and quarterback on the offensive side of the ball but has been a standout in the secondary. Has put up some big numbers as a runner.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18159278/William-Secola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18159278/William-Secola</a>   2027 - Cecil Smith, 5'8, 170, Miami True North Classical Academy. To be honest and put it all on the line – there may not be a better and more productive back in south Florida than this young man. He is fast, talented and durable – outlasting more high-profile backs who are often injured and miss valuable time. Came over from Homestead where he took over for the great Isaac Brown as a freshman.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith</a>   2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1793600' first='Jordan' last='Thompson'], 6'0, 195, Coconut Creek. With so many elite backs in this region, here is yet another big-time runner who truly has been a catalyst for the Cougars this season. The coaches have been promoting him and talking about his many talents since the summer.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18639167/Jordan-Thompson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18639167/Jordan-Thompson</a>   2027 - [player_tooltip player_id='1685404' first='Jahnard' last='Young'], RB, 5'11, 195, Sunrise Piper – 3.4 GPA. Before the season began – back during the summer when this young man made the move from Vero Beach where he was an elite sophomore back to south Florida – college coaches and fans that had followed him knew that this was someone very special. College recruiters completely missed his transfer and it wasn't until the mid-season that this was easily one of the top runners in south Florida – and one of the prospects that everyone was finding out about. He is a talent that will only get better over the next year.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17540739/68d2d3c3c81a7da1ba216e1d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17540739/68d2d3c3c81a7da1ba216e1d</a>   2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida ">https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida </a>   Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.   COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

For as long as anyone can remember, when it came to producing elite running backs, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties were among the top areas in the country.