Next Season’s Standouts: Panhandle 2027 Running Backs

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 over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   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.   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.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   Dylan Louthain – Freeport High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'10”, 167 lbs Season Stats: 142 carries for 746 yards and 7 TDs; 17 receptions for 246 yards and 3 TDs   Scouting Report: Louthain is a versatile all-purpose back with quick feet and strong vision. He reads leverage well, presses the line patiently, and shows the burst to slip through tight run lanes. His receiving ability stands out, he's fluid out of the backfield and turns short catches into chunk plays with smooth acceleration.   Analysis: Louthain projects as a balanced offensive weapon who can produce on all three downs. Continued physical development will elevate his contact balance, but his instincts, quickness, and pass-game value already give him a high upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='2044643' first='Manwell' last='Robinson'] – Crestview High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'10”, 174 lbs Season Stats: 85 carries for 600 yards and 5 TDs; 2 receptions for 30 yards and 1 TD   Scouting Report: Robinson is a tough interior runner who stays square, stays low, and consistently generates positive yardage. He accelerates well through the hole and shows active feet to navigate traffic. Though lightly used in the passing game, his body control and willingness suggest room to grow as a receiving threat.   Analysis: Robinson profiles as a dependable early-down back with strong efficiency between the tackles. Improving his lateral burst and expanding his receiving role will round out his game and increase his every-down potential.   Von'tavius Keller – Choctawhatchee High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'10”, 195 lbs Season Stats: 145 carries for 696 yards and 5 TDs; 9 receptions for 85 yards and 1 TD   Scouting Report: Keller is a physical runner with a sturdy frame and natural power behind his pads. He thrives in downhill schemes, breaks through arm tackles, and wears down defenses with his contact-driven style. His vision is solid, and he shows enough agility to bounce runs when needed.   Analysis: Keller projects as a workhorse-type back who can handle volume and move the chains. Continued development of his long-speed will help unlock more big-play production, complementing his already impressive physical presence.   Zarius Goodman – Holmes County High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'10”, 160 lbs Season Stats: 102 carries for 525 yards and 5 TDs; 24 receptions for 271 yards and 2 TDs   Scouting Report: Goodman is a dynamic back with excellent agility and acceleration. His change-of-direction ability allows him to make defenders miss in the open field, and he's a natural receiving threat with strong production through the air. He thrives on perimeter runs and screen concepts.   Analysis: Goodman profiles as a true all-purpose back with playmaking upside. As his frame adds strength, his inside-running consistency will improve, but his receiving versatility and elusiveness already make him a high-impact offensive piece.   James Simpson – Escambia High (c/o 2027) Height/Weight: 5'9”, 190 lbs Season Stats: 127 carries for 825 yards and 5 TDs; 25 receptions for 254 yards and 2 TDs   Scouting Report: Simpson is a compact, powerful runner with excellent contact balance. He stays low through the hole, absorbs hits, and keeps his legs driving. He's patient setting up blocks and accelerates well through the second level. His receiving production adds another dimension, showing dependable hands and comfort in space.   Analysis: Simpson projects as one of the most complete backs in his class. His blend of strength, vision, and receiving ability gives him true three-down potential and a high long-term ceiling.

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 over, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.