Top available ranked Florida 2024 tailbacks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some desired 2024 positions have essentially been cleared off recruiting boards with high school talents verbally committing over the summer months. In the state of Florida, there are still top D-I players available at tailback. The Sunshine State has it all from scat-backs to power backs, all with three- and four-star rankings.
THE LIST
Gerald Modest (6-0, 180) – Booker T. Washington – Miami
The Details: In a three-headed Tornadoes backfield, Modest rushed for 439 yards off 96 carries punching it into the end zone six times a year ago. Showing his versatility, Modest also secured 10 passes for 81 yards. Modest may not be the biggest back out there, but he is not afraid to rush it up the middle. His speed helps set him apart; any little crease and he’s turned a routine play into an explosive gain.
Recruiting: Over the 20-offer mark with teams like Indiana, Pitt, Maryland, Ole Miss, Miami, Illinois, and Florida State in the mix.
Devonte Lyons (5-10, 185) St. Augustine – St. Augustine
The Details: Taking on 3S competition for the Yellow Jackets, Lyons was the go-to guy toting the rock 164 times for 1,269 yards with 16 scores posted. Lyons excels at running up the middle with great field vision and knowledge of his offense to know where the holes will open. Besides the speed to break it from anywhere on the field, Lyons keeps his legs churning fighting for extra yards. Another asset to his game is his moves. Lyons can break ankles in a hurry with quick cuts and leaves defenders grasping for air on spin moves.
Recruiting: In 20-offer realm, Kansas State, West Virginia, Boston College, Kansas, USF, UCF, and Miami are among the offering teams.
Travis Kerney (6-0, 205) Sebring – Sebring
The Details: Kerney is a grizzled high school veteran. Sebring got their young rising star on the field during his freshman year seeing him take off for 133 yards off 27 attempts with two scores against then-5A Florida defenses. The breakout year came in 2021 when the sophomore broke the 1,000-yard mark producing 12 scores on the ground. Not having to carry the full load last season, Kerney impressed by averaging 6.2 yards per carry covering 809 yards with 11 scores once again leading his team out of the backfield.
Recruiting: Six teams have offered the three-star Blue Streaks standout: Eastern Kentucky, Georgia State, Kentucky, North Carolina A&T, South Florida, and Toledo. Kerney camped with South Florida and Florida in June.
James “JT” Bronaugh (5-11, 180) Foundation Academy Lions – Winter Garden
The Details: Next level speed is what separates Bronaugh from his peers, and from defenders. Track time supports the notion with a 10.66 in the 100 and a reported 4.43 in the 40. The stats back it up producing 1,277 yards off 97 carries with 15 rushing scores last season. In addition to the speed, Bronaugh is a hard runner breaking arm tackles. Anytime his number is called, something special can happen.
Recruiting: Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Kansas, East Carolina, Navy, and Air Force are among the offering teams.
D’Marius Rucker (5-9, 185) – Lakeland – Lakeland
The Details: On his way to 22 offers, Rucker helped lead the Dreadnaughts to a Sunshine State championship last fall. Rucker rocked the pigskin 91 times for 940 yards with 11 touchdowns. The 11.3 yard per carry average is worth noting. Flipping that gear when he sees the hole, Rucker has 10.98 in the 100 meters in those wheels with a reported 4.4-flat in the 40.
Recruiting: One official visit has been taken to USF with others to come. Appalachian State, Utah, Ole Miss, and Michigan are among the teams, along with USF, making regular contact with Rucker.
Jacquez Gibson (5-11, 175) – Hillsborough – Tampa
The Details: Another four-year high school vet who has seen his numbers rise on the field with each season. Gibson had his breakout year last fall producing 942 yards on the ground off 116 carries with 10 touchdowns. He also proved to be a threat in the passing attack securing 22 for 280 yards with another score.
Recruiting: Previously committed to USF, Gibson got back on the open market on May 17. Offering programs includes Bowling Green, Liberty, Eastern Kentucky, UNC Pembroke, and Costal Carolina.
Andre Devine (5-8, 155) – North Fort Myers – Fort Myers
The Details: Devine started making noise during the 2021 schedule averaging 6.5 yards per carry off 113 totes with 738 yards and six touchdowns produced. As a sophomore, Devine also caught nine passes for 103 yards and took the pigskin in for another touchdown. Coming out of the Red Knights’ backfield, Devine is a speed burner able to weave through the inside with his cuts and vision and can take it around the end producing dynamic plays.
Recruiting: Holding eight reported offers, hard not to think Devine could be on his way to Morgantown. Andre’s father Noel was an All-American at West Virginia (2007-10).
Terek McCant (5-10, 185) – Wharton – Tampa
The Details: One of the downsides of being a really good athlete and two-way player, next level scouts differ on where to put said talent; that has seemingly been the case for McCant. An offer magnet, McCant broke out as a running back and defensive back as a sophomore with Seffner Christian. Heading into his senior season with Wharton, the Wildcats will focus McCant’s abilities on offense as a running back and receiver.
Recruiting: Over 40 offers, McCant verbally committed to Maryland but opened his process back up in mid-May. The four-star has been quiet about his recruiting process over the summer months.