As we embark on the 2021 high school football season, we take a look at some of the top prospects at each position going into their senior seasons here in Northeast Florida. As the weeks progress, and teams matchup with one another, we rank each player, during each week and at each position. Rankings consist of Madden Ratings 99 highest – 65 lowest. Rating are based on stats, opponents, and attributes. And players will be ranked by skill positions. Let’s check out the highly anticipated running backs group.
Northeast Florida will have the most talented and deepest running back group that it’s seen in a long time. To proper do each player service, it’s not fair to compare them by ranking them against one another, however it’s more beneficial to point out the challenges they face going into very important years. If each of them meet individual challenges, it would make for a memorable year in Northeast Florida.
*Original ratings are listed in bold . Example below*
*Updated ratings are listed in Bold under the current week *
ie: Wk2 Overall Rating: 92
*If players drop below a 65 rating they are removed from the rankings*
*Click the arrow below to see individual players and stats each week*
[table id=130 /]
*Click the arrow below to see individual players and stats each week*
RB 2022, Eric Weatherly (Bartram) (5’8 ,165lbs) Duke commit @DukeFOOTBALL . Eric Weatherly leads a Bartram Trail offense that is poised to have a spectacular season from the slot, return game, out of the backfield, and YES even under center! He’s the ultimate offensive weapon and it will be showcased in every facet of the game, especially with the departure of Aaron Jones (Memphis). That’s his challenge he faces this year, can he or better yet, will he be allowed to shoulder a heavy load by himself by the coaching staff? Even as a junior, Weatherly was one of the top returners in Northeast Florida with three scores on kickoff and punt returns. Totaling 1,441 all-purpose yards and 11 TDs.
Wk 1 Kick off classic- 0TDs: Overall Rating 90
Wk 1 Rickards – 2 TDs, 150 yards rushing, 65 yards kick return
Wk 2 Columbus – 8 yds rushing, 9 yds Rec:
Overall Rating: 92
5’8, 180lbs, RB- Kade Frew, 2022, Bolles- Frew rushed for 1496 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He honestly could’ve rushed for more, but Bolles used a multiback system. He followed a sensational sophomore season where he scored several touchdowns in the state championship game in 2019 versus Booker T, with a jaw dropping junior campaign scoring rushing for 128 yards and 2 TDs in the state championship game in 2020 vs a loaded Cardinal Gibbons team. He plays his best football on the biggest stage, now, can Bolles get Frew to be the consistent threat for defenses each week is their challenge. That will undoubtedly open up the Bulldogs and allow this Airforce commit to fly high.
Wk 1 kickoff classic vs Oakleaf 2 rushing TDs – Overall Rating : 97
Wk 1 vs West Nassau- 172yds Rushing, 4 TDs
Wk 2 vs Columbia – 115 yds Rushing , 1 TD
Overall Rating : 99
6’1 , 190lbs, RB 2022 Christian Ellis (Ed White)– We move from the smaller modern backs to the old school throw back style ones of old. First up is senior Christian Ellis who is the polar opposite of finesse, he’s power and speed. Coming over from Trinity Christian, ( Ed White) intends to use him as such. The Coastal Carolina commit comes over to head an Ed White backfield that is eager to feature the 10.8, 100M, 4X1 track state champion’s break away speed. They hope he can be the home run hitter they’ve been looking for. He averaged a team high 7.1 yds per carry last season with just 28 touches, but he’s never carried the load for an offense. That’s his challenge this year.
Wk 1 Kickoff Classic vs Raines and Zarepath 2 TDs , 1 int :
Overall Rating: 99
WK 1 vs Wakulla – 50yds Rush, 10 yds rec, 1 Fumble Rec, 1 Forced Fumble, 10 Tackles Overall Rating : 99
*Ed White game cancelled wk2
6’0, 188lbs 2023 RB Treyuan Webb- (Trinity Christian) It’s a break out year for the 5-star Oklahoma commit. Webb is poised to lead in every statistical category similar to how most notable Trinity back Marcus Crowley excelled in his junior year role in the past. Traditionally, the Conquerors have steadied their approach with Webb, pairing him with experienced rushers such as Kyjaun Herndon, or last year, the combination of senior Kaleb Killian, junior Christian Ellis, freshman Darnell Rogers and even Thomas Fryer. Webb is ready for that challenge though, and is set for a big junior year. Sooner nation will have a close look at their top guy and he’s going to put on a show.
Wk 1 Kickoff Classic vs Rickards @w_treyaun: 8 car, 62 yd, TD: Rating: 95
Wk1 and Wk 2 : DNP
5’11, 215lbs RB Alquerious Ray – Clay – No player ran further or harder than “All Day Ray” in 2020. He rushed for 1,898 yards, and 24 rushing touchdowns. He was the center piece of an “downhill” offense designed to pound the rock, and he was the perfect player for that role. He’s coming back and can easily reach the 2,000 yard mark in 2021, but his challenge is not more yards in 2021. His challenge is to develop into a more versatile offensive weapon similar to a Frew or a Weatherly. Special teams is one area Ray can distinguish himself this year.
Wk 1 Kickoff classic vs St Augustine 13 Clay 7 – Rating: 85
Wk 1 vs Fleming Island – 115yds rushing, 1 TD – Rating: 91
Wk2 : Bye
6’0, 195lbs, RB Preston Strope – Creekside – Strope is a big back that finds day light on inside zones and traps. He’s their true work horse scoring 20 TDs, and rushing 1,216 yards. Strope too must develop into a special team’s difference maker, where his tape shows pad level aggressiveness being able to punish tacklers consistently, but he must also show explosiveness on special teams to highlight a edge that he’s always played with.
Wk 1 vs Fletcher 16-14 loss. 30 yd TD run overall rating 85
Wk 1 vs Ribault – 1 Rushing TD
Wk 2 vs Nease- 162 yards and 2 touchdowns : Overall Rating: 94
6’0, 185lbs, Sam Singleton RB- It’s no mistake why Singleton is ranked the #3 RB in 2023 for his class. He’s a 10.8 100 meters speedster who out runs the third level of the defense. He’s got the offers to back up it up too. College coaches’ love what they see when they work him out and who wouldn’t. His burst in splitting defenders is there, swing passes, special teams, it’s there. Yet Sam has written on his twitter page ” Hungry”. This denotes, that even he knows, for his junior year, his appetite grows stronger from the hunger that comes with the pursuance of something greater than before.
Wk 1 Westside 14-7 win. Overall rating: 94
Wk 1 vs Clay- 50 yds rushing
Wk 2 Lake Minneola- 142 rush yds/1 TD , 27 yds Rec: Overall Rating : 95
6’1, 185lbs – RB Orel Grey UC – He made the transition over to full time running back and honestly it’s the best decision for him coming over from DB. His frame sets him apart, fast, but his elusiveness and tenacity puts him on another level. He plays confident and it shows on the field. Every play! 7.4yds per carry 1100yds and 15TDs last year and that’s splitting with senior Joe Carter and the athletic Riles.
Wk 1 Lincoln 2 TD, interception overall Rating : 90
Wk 1 vs Booker T – 112yds, 3 TDs
Wk 2 vs Zephyrhills- 136yds, 3TDs, 2 int
Overall Rating: 99
Jeremiah Huntley 5’11 , 185lbs -(Sandalwood) Huntley is back, and Sandalwood has desperately needed his services since injuring himself last year during fall practice. He is a bell cow for them, and will put up big numbers on the ground. Rehab and refocus through Huntley will add another dimension to the Saints offense.
wk1 kickoff classic- 5 carries, 1 reception 10yds: overall rating :86
Wk 1 vs Fletcher- 104yds rushing
Wk 2 vs Buchholz- 32 yds Rushing : Overall Rating : 86
6’0, 210lbs RB Arthur “Fatz” Walker – Atlantic Coast -One of the most underrated running backs in the area, Fatz is ready to break out for a big senior year. He’s motivated and knows he’s been overlooked. Some good college programs are eying him, and unfortunately Covid has hampered lots recruiting for cutting edge talent like Walker. Never the less, he will showcase everything on the field this fall and be one of the best statistical backs hands down.
Wk 1 vs Jackson- 7-0 loss and Mainland 14-0 loss. Overall 84
Wk1 vs Mandarin- 196yds Rushing , 3 TDs
Wk 2 vs Riverside – 38 yds rushing, 0 TDs
Overall Rating: 90
6’1, 221lbs, Sean Harvey- Menendez 2023 – Harvey teams up with a Coach in Matt Potack that is going to push him to his full potential. Harvey has the size but has to play bigger and maximize his game breaking speed something he didn’t particularly excel at while at St. Augustine. He’s a fun player to watch when he’s on his game and hopefully he can develop into a role where he can take pressure off lead signal caller King Benford and become a dynamic rushing in his own right.
wk 1 kickoff classic vs Englewood: Overall rating: 76
5’11, 206lbs. Devin Outlaw RB – Oakleaf- The outlaw at oakleaf is gearing up for a very important year. After bursting on the scene as a freshman, Outlaw has battled injuries and expectations. After all he was supposed to be the second coming of KeShawn King (BIG SHOES). In all seriousness, no one can do that, but outlaw has his own set of skill sets that sets him apart. His junior year is where he must refine them.
Wk 1 kickoff classic vs Bolles loss 35-6 Over 100 yds rushing :Overall rating 85
Wk1 Regular season vs Orange Park : Over 200yds, 2 TDs Overall Rating: 95
Wk 2 vs Carol City
5’10, 180lbs, AJ Megas, RB (Bartram) 2022 – This is a player to watch for Bartram. He’s going to step in and make plays in the run game for the Bears allowing Weatherly to draw defensive assignments. He’ll be open this year and he’ll make the play.
wk 1 vs Rickards 17yds , 1 TD
Wk 2 vs Columbus – 38yds rushing, 0 Tds
Overall Rating: 72
2023 T.J Lane RB 5’9 , 185lbs (Mandarin)– Lane leads the youth movement in the backfield for Mandarin. He has a fire that if ignited and kindled can burn a hole through defenses.
Overall Ranking:72 Score Wk 1 kickoff classic 20-3 over Ponte Vedra
Wk 1 vs Atlantic Coast – DNP
Wk 2 vs Spruce Creek – 78yds
Overall Ratings : 73
Ziar Lee, RB, LB • Sr. • 5′ 9″ • 245 lbs , Zarephath- Big body back with a full head of steam to punish would be tacklers. He’ll be featured by Coach Durham that allows players to excel in hid system. It would be a nice story to see a player like Lee, get to the next level
Overall Rating : 70: Wk1 kickoff classic- 20yds rushing vs Ed White and Raines
Wk 1 vs Young Kids In Motion- 45yds rushing
Overall Rating: 75
Ershod Jasey 5’11, 180lbs, Episcopal – A consistent back who has put up nice numbers at Episcopal. He finds the open area of the field nicely, and can create space to make plays.
wk 1 kickoff classic 50yd TD run :
Overall Rating : 80
Wk 1 vs Tocoi Creek – 140yds, 3 TDS
Wk 2 vs Ponte Vedra – 12yds
Overall Rating: 84
Al Gibson , 5’9 180 2022 RB Riverside – Speed undeniable, and very versatile in space. Can he carry the load for a entire season with his frame? There could be a time share with Cale Zarah who may play some RB now that Plummer is over at QB. Gibson is familiar with the offense and is a play maker. Nevertheless, Gibson is a dynamic homerun runner who will showcase his skills this year.
WK 1 kickoff classic – 2 TDs runs 25-7 over Bartram: Overall : 85
Wk 1 vs Terry Parker- 124yds rushing, 2 TDs
Wk 2 vs Atlantic Coast- 174yds, 2 TDs
Overall Rating: 99
Darnell Rogers Trinity 2023 RB 5’7, 160lbs
Rogers is a versatile back that is used in situations to spare Treyaun Webb. But don’t be mistaken, he has shown that when he gets in games he can make plays and carry the load. Trinity won’t feature him as their lead back, so his opportunities to reach a high ceiling is limited, but he deserves to be on this list because of the consistent work he puts in when his number is called. He’ll get you yards and he’ll get you a score.
Preseason unranked, Wk 1 vs Rickards 29-29 tie
13 car, 66 yds, TD Overall Rating : 81
Wk 1 vs Raines- 250yds rushing , 2 TDs
Wk 2 vs Ribault- 50 yds rushing
Overall Rating: 88
Michael Mitchell, 2023 RB, 5’11|205lbs
This young man coaches and parents are raving about out in Middleburg. He’s fast, elusive, quick with power and burst. He’s the prototypical size for a running back at the next level already, which means he’s going to run through some arm tackles this year for the Broncos.
Wk 1 vs Stanton – 201yds, 4 TDS
Wk 2 vs Eastside- 217, 3 TDs
Overall Ratings: 99
Jamarian Baker RB, 6’1” 205 lb | Junior Rb | c/o 22 – Big back that runs hard and gets north and south very quickly. Runs mostly zone read but possesses enough speed to beat linebackers to the edge of defenses as well. Aggressive football player who plays physical.
Wk 1 vs Bradford- 91yds
Wk 2 vs Viera – 62 yds
Overall : 84
RB Cam Smith, Baker County 5’8, 155lbs, 2023 – Straight line runner with deceptive quickness and speed. Smaller frame allows him to wiggle out of tackles. Has been scoring touchdowns a long time at the running back position and is very experienced in the Baker County offense. Going to be a good year for him on the ground, and even better for his senior year .
Wk 1 vs Bradford – 42yds rushing, 1 TD
Wk 2 vs Viera – 142yds rushing, 1 TD
Overall Rating: 84
Fred Gaines 6’0, 190 running back 2023 – Big back for Jackson that moves the chains with every carry. Can get to the second level, and challenges defensive backs with acceleration. Not a home run back, but he’s consistent and reliable. He’ll make the play.
wk 1 vs Westside- 79yds rushing, 20 yds rec
wk 2 vs Providence- 151yds rushing , 3 TDS
Overall Rating: 89
Jojo Restall, Orange Park 5’8, 175lbs, RB
Restall had a nice showing in the Bold City Showcase. Covered this young man since orange park middle, and the junior running back is transitioning to the high school game well. He had over 150 yards rushing against Oakleaf and looked good in the backfield, quick, powerful and shifty.
Wk 1 vs Oakleaf- 177yds, 1 TD
Wk 2 vs Ridgeview- 233yds , 3TDs
Overall Rating: 99
Tyshawn Campbell , 5’9, 182lbs, St. Augustine. WR/ DB
After a big 2 touchdown game versus Menendez in a blowout, Campbell stood out with his explosiveness with a punt return for a score and short touchdown run. St. Augustine looks to roll with him on offense moving him over form DB on defense. It’s paying off so far.
Week 1 vs Menendez- 2 TDs , punt return, TD run
Terrance Johnson , 5’11, 185lbs, RB, Mandarin
The senior ran wild in week 1 over Atlantic Coast for 143 and a touchdown. That performance landed him in the ratings. He clearly shows an ability to put up lots of yards and find the end zone.
Wk 1 vs Atlantic Coast- 143yds, 1 TD
Wk 2 vs Spruce Creek- 4yds
Removed from list: Aaron Wynn
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