Overlooked 2024 Florida running backs to watch this season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A build of electricity in the air is happening – the 2023 high school football season is about to begin. Across the country, players that have been putting their heart and soul into their game over the spring and summer months are ready to showcase their skills for fans, family, and college scouts all while putting wins on the board.
Out of the Sunshine State, the following is a listing of some of the players to watch for this fall.
Antwan Smith (6-0, 221) Booker T. Washington Tornadoes – Miami
The Details: Smith ran over and past Florida defenses last fall racking up 1,530 yards off 180 totes with 21 touchdowns scored. Smith also secured four passes for 35 yards with another trip into the end zone; Smith is a bigger threat in the passing game than the stats suggest. A downhill runner that will mess up a defense with his strength and toughness. More than a power back, Smith has speed; 11.1 in the 100 meters. Smith would be a great versatile addition to any 2024 recruiting class.
Offers (9): Appalachian State, FIU, FAU, Liberty, James Madison, and Louisiana-Monroe
Markel Johnson (5-10, 190) Lakeland High School Dreadnaughts – Lakeland
The Details: Running out of the Dreadnaughts’ I-formation, Johnson blistered Florida defenses at tailback and fullback. Any kind of crease, Johnson has an automatic gear hitting top speed with the athletic ability to take it to the house. During Lakeland’s state championship run (14-0) last season, Johnson rushed 84 times for 662 yards with nine touchdowns.
Offers (8): Arkansas State, New Hampshire, Charlotte, Liberty, UAB, and Eastern Kentucky
Ti’Lan McGee (5-10, 195) Clearwater High School Tornadoes – Clearwater
The Details: McGee is a burner reporting a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash. The speed shows on the 2022 film carrying the rock 87 times for 813 yards with 10 TDs – all team-highs. Coming out of the backfield, McGee uses quick cuts to create space and keeps his feet churning through contact; he breaks plays and makes things happen when the whistle is about to be blown. With his speed, McGee is patient allowing holes to open up and then explodes. Making an ordinary run spectacular, McGee has very good field vision.
Offers: Charleston Southern, Middle Tennessee State, Liberty, Massachusetts, Charlotte, Rhode Island, and South Florida
Patrick Anderson Jr. (5-10, 195) – Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs – Fort Lauderdale
The Details: Cardinal Gibbons is one of those teams other Sunshine State squads do not want to face. Always loaded with talent and well coached, the Chiefs get after it. With that, it is a big season ahead for PJ Anderson. During the 2023 schedule, Anderson split snaps with two seniors, one signed with Iowa (Kamari Moulton). Anderson can hit it between the tackles and is a third down threat in the passing game.
Offers: Florida International, Buffalo, Bethune-Cookman, Maryville, and Catholic University of America
Watch List
Andre Devine (5-8, 155) – North Fort Myers – Also plays receiver and cornerback. Eight offers from West Virginia, South Florida, Tennessee-Martin, Bethune-Cookman, Marshall, FAU, and Massachusetts.
TyQwan Stabler (6-0, 200) – Pensacola Catholic – Showcased talents as a sophomore as a hard runner with very good speed. Silky moves all while going north. Offers from South Florida, Liberty, and Charlotte.
Corey Williams (5-9, 180) – Lake Gibson – The Braves had a loaded backfield during the 2022 season with a lot of snaps being spread around. Williams is a straight-ahead runner with that twitchy burst. Given more reps and more experience to feel out the position, Williams has the speed to draw attention this fall.
Roger Adam III (5-11, 200) – Norland – At Pace last fall, Adam is gearing up for a big run with Norland this fall. Adam has a gift putting his foot in the ground with a shoulder shake and taking off leaving defenders in the dust. His cuts are quick with all runs heading north. The footspeed for Adam is deceptive, he runs the field looking for the holes, even down field, but when he turns it on, he covers a lot of ground in a hurry. Offers from Akron, Central Michigan, and Massachusetts.
Ricky Joseph (6-0, 180) – Miami Beach – The Tides had a tough 2022 campaign, but they knew they could count on Ricky Joseph to deliver. Joseph is a dynamic threat in the run and passing game covering 633 yards on the ground off just 51 totes with three scores and hauled in 12 passes for 252 yards with another touchdown. St. Thomas Univ. and Florida Memorial University have handed over offers.
Alejandro Isaza (5-9, 170) – Archbishop Carrol – Working out of an old school option offense with the Bulldogs, Isaza was a workhorse carrying the ball 140 times for 1,286 yards with 18 touchdowns. He also produced 175 receiving yards off 10 receptions, scoring three more times.
*Have other 2024 running backs to watch out for this season, share them in the comment section.