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The Miami Metropolitan area has produced an endless list of collegiate and professional ball carriers dating back to the early 1950’s, headlined by Miami Edison running back Jackie Simpson who played both collegiate and professionally.
Fast-forward 50 years later and there’s no drop-off in production. Every county has put together notable ball carriers ranging from Fred Taylor (Palm Beach), Sonny Michel (Broward), and Frank Gore (Miami-Dade) just to name a few.
The class of 2021 have a few names that could be playing both on Saturday and Sunday’s all said and done. Amari Daniels stole the show in 2018 with his blazing speed on ESPN followed by Yulkeith Brown memorable breakout season in 2019. Remember these names folks. They’re the future of South Florida.
South Florida’s Top 10 Running Backs In No Particular Order
Yulkeith Brown, Gulliver Prep
The decision to transfer from Miami Northwestern to Gulliver Prep has been a game changer for his stats and recruiting production. Brown ran for 1,430 yards and 22 total TDs. His father, Yulkeith Brown, was named first-team All-State at Miami Northwestern as a cornerback. Brown (the son) currently holds over ten FBS scholarships.
Amari Daniels, Miami Central
Daniels is a major reason why youth football teams are traveling like high school football programs after his monster stats on the road coming out of youth football playing for juggernaut Ft. Lauderdale Hurricanes from The Florida Youth Football League. Daniels is ranked the No. 2 overall running back in the country per 247sports. Daniels has 11 career touchdowns and will break out this season.
Katravis Geter, Miami Carol City
This fall, Geter alongside Darius Chester will both share the load filling in for the departure of Nayquan Wright. Geter earned first-team Rising Stars All-South Florida Sophomore Team. He’s a down hill runner that quickly gets upfield and that can power his way into the end zone. Geter complied over ten touchdowns on the ground last season. He holds approximately 11 offers per 247sports.
Thad Franklin, Chaminade-Madonna
Franklin is rated 4-star and the No. 10 overall running back in country per 247sports. On October 24, 2018, Franklin committed to University of Miami. He’s like a train, once he gets a head of steam, Franklin is a challenge to bring down and has a great physical build listed at 6’0″ and weighing 195 pounds.
Darius Chester, Miami Carol City
The Cheifs ball carrier is only 5’6″ 177lbs., but he strength and power is like tackling a 215 pound running back. Chester ranks top 30 in the nation and sports over 5 FBS offers in counting. His tackle breaking ability is without question top 3 in the recruiting class. He and Katravis Geter running style will wear down opposing defenses.
Roscoe Burton, Doral Academy
Burton, a transfer from Miami Central, has blossom at his new home in Doral where he complied over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and over ten total touchdowns. His recruiting attention has surface as well with notable offers from Boston College, TCU, App St, Ohio, and Southern Miss. He’s 5’9″, 170 pounds with the versatility to also play wide receiver and return kicks at the next level.
Kelly Loiseau, Miami Christian
In 2018, Loiseau earned first-team Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team and was slowed his sophomore campaign due to injuries. He has now transferred to Miami Christian and joins an offensive coordinator George Stubbs who helped rebuild Champagnat Catholic and guided the Lions to back-to-back state class 2A state finals. Loiseau holds early offers from UF, LSU, and Syracuse.
Ralph Williams, Miami Palmetto
He earned All-Dade County the past season and runs with a chip on his shoulder. College football programs have extended verbal offers and the sky is the limit.
Donovan Jones, Champagnat Catholic
The Lions transfer from Broward County crossed the boarder and made an instant impact in Miami-Dade County. He easily ran for over 1,000 and found the end zone early and often. Jones shifty and powerful running style, played a vital role why the Lions advanced to the class 2A state championship in 2018.
Isaiah Janiver, Cooper City
His vision, patience, and burst catches my eye. He’s not a home run hitter, but he’s someone that can run for over 100 yards a game and put the game away come the second half. He makes running out of the veer offense look easy.
