Inside the Huddle: 2016 Florida Running Backs

In 2012 the Sunshine State produced running backs like Duke Johnson (University of Miami), Matt Jones (Florida), Mario Pender (Florida State), 2013 had Derrick Henry (University of Miami), 2014 had Dalvin Cook (Florida State), Joseph Yearby (Miami), Sony Michel (Georgia) and in 2015 Jacques Patrick (Florida State), Jordan Scarlett (Florida). If any of these prospects came out in the class of 2016 they would have been the consensus number 1 back in Florida. The 2016 class does have some quality players at the running back position but the top end talent of years past is missing. For the first time in over 5 years the Sun-Shine State may not produce a nationally rated prospect at running back. Things could change as Devonta Freeman was a prospect that did not start to draw attention until later in his senior season. ESS will break down the top backs in Florida.

1-Tony Jones-IMG Academy-6’1-215-Jones gives you a back with both size and speed. He is close to 6’0 and possibly even taller. He is a between the tackles runner who can push it to the outside if needed. We like his ability to cut on either foot and not lose much momentum. He is a patient back that allows him blockers in front of him set up before taking it to another level. He runs hard and is not easy to bring down.  (Mike James-University of Miami)

2-Amir Rasul-Coral Gables-5’11-190-(Committed to University of Miami)-Rasul will be of the fastest backs in Florida if not the nation. He is a legit 10.5-10.6 100m guy. Rasul has the physical talents to be an elite back but has not yet put it all together. He has the home run speed but Rasul needs to become the guy. He shared carries with a couple of other backs last season and that is the main reason why Rasul is not as well known. (Comparison: Jacoby Ford-University of Clemson)

3-Travis Homer-Oxbridge-5’10-190-Physically, Homer is quite impressive when you meet him in person. The question is will he get much bigger in college. He is a very good back who should blow up this spring. He does not play top level competition so we need Homer to dominate this upcoming season. He has good hands and should provide you with a solid receiver out of the backfield. (Comparison: Joshua Hicks-Rutgers University)

4-Laderrien Wilson-Osceola-5’10-215-Wilson gives you a big, power back that can pick up the tough yards. He is not the type of back that is going to break off long runs. What he will do is wear the defense down which allows him to make the big players later in a game. He is a between the tackles, downhill runner. You are not going to bring him down with one defender most of the time. (Comparison: Buck Allen-USC)

5-McArthur Burnett-Pahokee-5’10-180-(Committed to Miami)-Burnett plays running back but we project him more as a cornerback at the next level. He is a kid that plays hard on every play. He is your typical Pahokee star player. Burnett wants to prove to you that he is the very best player to line up. He is ultra-competitive and there is no question that Burnett has the desire to be great at the next level. (Comparison: Janoris Jenkins)

6-Deon McIntosh-Cardinal Gibbons-5’11-170-McIntosh is one of the better all-around backs. You can play him at running back or line him up in the slot and have him play receiver. He causes major problems for a defense when trying to cover him with a linebacker. McIntosh is a back that is at his best on the edge. He is a back that plays best in space. He is not a pound and ground type back. He has good vision and will take what the defense gives you. (Comparison: Dee Hart-Colorado State)

7-Trey Sneed-Fleming Island-5’11-190-Sneed can play running back or fullback in college. He has good lower body strength and is not a back that is going down on first contact. He has surprisingly good speed for a bigger back. He lacks that top end gear but his speed and quickness is good enough to get him to the 2nd level. He does cut well but has a bit of a giddy up in his stride. He is a guy you get running north/south. He can catch the ball well enough for you to have to respect him as a receiver. (Comparison: Paul Perkins-UCLA)

8-Elijah Mack-Charlotte Sr. High-5’11-220-Mack is a big, power back. Some may like to use him in a one back set. Other teams may recruit him as a fullback. He is an ideal North/South back. You give him the ball and get out of the way. He lacks great top end speed. What he does is run with power and balance. He also has pretty good feet. You will see him continue to move his feet after first contact. Mack is not an easy back to bring down. (Comparison: Gregory Howell-FAU)

9-Carlin Films Aime-Naples Sr. High-The last time Naples had a back this good his name was Carlos Hyde. While not as big as Hyde coming out Aime is a better athlete. He has very good speed. You get him in the open and Aime is off to the races. We like his versatility as Aime could also play receiver or defensive back in college. He plays in a system that is going to allow him to put up monster stats this season. (Comparison: Marlon Mack-USF)

10-Adrian Killins-Daytona Mainland-5’9-165-One thing Killins has is SPEED. He is one of the types of players you better get to him behind the line of scrimmage. Once in the open field you will start to hear the band play. He has the top end speed to change the momentum of a game on one play. He is a player that must be respected every time Killins touches the ball. (Comparison: Tyreek Hill-Oklahoma State)

Don’t Overlook these players: Jalin Buie-Trinity Christian-5’9-180, Blake Morgan-Creekside-5’9-175, Gregori McCrae-Hallandale-5’10-175, Zach Moss-Mater Academy-5’9-200, Monterions Loggins-Wakulla-6’0-210, Artavius Pierce-Auburndale-5’11-190, Devin Singletary-American Heritage Delray-Shawndarrius Phillips-Village Academy-5’11-190.