Running Wild In Florida’s South Suncoast

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head toward the second round of the state football playoffs across the Sunshine State, we take time to look back on the 2025 season to see which prospects made a name for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we make our way across Florida, there are so many elite prospects who have already shown what they can do as colleges and universities have found out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No matter what area or position, you can almost guarantee that there is no hiding – especially with the coverage that shines a spotlight every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we take a look back at some of the top running backs in the South Suncoast area from Bradenton down through Sarasota, Lemon Bay and into the Charlotte area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While many seniors have already been discovered, there are underclassmen who are still turning some heads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few of the runners in the region that did their thing – all season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1601212' first='Isaiah' last='Belt'], 5'9, 180, Sarasota Riverview – 3.7 GPA. </strong>Part of a running back duo that chalked up nearly 3,000 yards for the Rams this season, his 1,100 yards was not only among the best in this region, but also one of the best in the state. He is also a slot receiver, which enhances his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14387635/Isaiah-Belt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14387635/Isaiah-Belt</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Allen Clark, 6'2, 220, Sarasota The Out-of-Door Academy. </strong>Over 1,200 yards on the ground, this 3-time all-state selection was indeed one of the best during his career with this program. Has the size and athleticism to make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17918169/Allen-Clark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17918169/Allen-Clark</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Connail Jackson, 5'10, 180, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. </strong>Easily one of the best underclassmen who made an impact for the one of the best teams in the state – with 1,398 yards. He followed up a sophomore season where he ran for 1,840 yards and scored 30 times. This is a big time performer for the Cougars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20127667/Connail-Jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20127667/Connail-Jackson</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Toryeon James, 5'9, 165, Sarasota Riverview. </strong>The other half of the Rams' duo that elevated this program all season and put them in a tremendous position to succeed as a state playoff team. Had over 1,600 yards, 29 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19663791/Toryeon-James" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19663791/Toryeon-James</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Jesiah McKnight, 5'9, 198, Punta Gorda Charlotte – 3.7 GPA. </strong>Is coming off a quality regular season that put him over the 1,000 yard all-purpose mark for the Fightin' Tarpons as they advanced to the state playoffs before dropping a decision to Bradenton Manatee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19327233/Jesiah-Mcknight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19327233/Jesiah-Mcknight</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Savyan Alteon Senat, 6'0, 205, Bradenton IMGAJN – 3.6 GPA. </strong>This student athlete continued to step up all season, showcasing his line from scrimmage running ability with nearly 1,000 yards. Has the size and skill to make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18267579/savyan-senat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18267579/savyan-senat</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - [player_tooltip player_id='1640264' first='Carlos' last='Serrano'] RB, 5'10, 185, Englewood Lemon Bay. </strong>Had a monster senior season for the Manta Rays with 1,400 yards and 25 touchdowns (23 on the ground). Will have the opportunity to play at the next level after showcasing his skills throughout the 2025 season. Quality football player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19363714/6732d1e2e1560e88eaeea128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19363714/6732d1e2e1560e88eaeea128</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Jacoby Thomas, 5'9, 160, Parrish Community. </strong>Had a tremendous junior season for a Bulls' squad that finished 9-2 before losing in the opening round of the state playoffs. His 14 touchdowns (10 rushing) and leadership only served that notice that he will be back – just falling short of 1,000 yards on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26221391/Jacoby-Thomas?_gl=1*10ownzq*_ga*MjE0MTk3NjUxMC4xNjIwNjc0NjY0*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*czE3NjM1ODgxNDAkbzg4MyRnMSR0MTc2MzU5MjA5NyRqNTUkbDAkaDA." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26221391/Jacoby-Thomas?</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 - Le'Khy Thompkins, 6'2, 225, Bradenton IMG Academy. </strong>When it came to watching one of the elite prospects in the region, this Louisville commitment was among the best, and his nearly 1,200 yards on the ground was reason to believe that he will definitely be one to watch next season as a college freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16357783/Lekhy-Thompkins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16357783/Lekhy-Thompkins</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. <u><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></u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->