The BCP area traditionally is packed with running backs. The position of natural skill. You either have it or you don’t. You can improve balance, but good rights are born with it. You can do drills to quicken anticipation. But the best running backs have it already.

Most backs fit into one of three categories:
1) Elusive, speed back
2) Strong power back
3) Blend of scat and power

We have a number of potential prospects that still need to be evaluated. Which category will they fit in?
Anthony Gardner, Frostproof
Otis Williams, King
Trey Gilbert, Plant
Tykese Keaton-Baldwin, Plant
Darius Miller, St. Petersburg
Jacquel Waller, St. Petersburg
Darrell Turner, Tampa Bay Tech

With many more backs still to be evaluated, several have been rated and promoted. The top of the class starts with Artavis Pierce from Auburndale. Standing just under 6 foot and 185 pounds, Pierce has tools to work with. Great inside runner who can pick whole and slide at the second level.

Tyler King, Fort Meade is the next man in line. If you want a speed back that will tear up turf on the sideline, King is your man. Outside runner who has speed to the corner. We love how can make cuts on a dime and is a threat to score on any carry.

Deshawn Smith, Nature Coast Tech; Mondreas Lofton, Jefferson and BJ Sirmons, Lakeland Christian are all similar backs. Shifty, several cut players who attempt to make tackler look silly during any given play. All around the sam size, 5-8ish and use their height to hide behind the bigger offensive lineman and find the small holes to squeeze in.

Tekendrick Roberson, Winter Haven and Theo Anderson, Indian Rocks Christian are the stronger, bigger running backs. Anderson is thick and powerful. Big, strong legs and looks to cause pain. Roberson has good speed, good length and does not shy away from contact.

Markese Hargrove, Plant City; Alexander Ellison, Crystal River and Shawn O’Gorman, Weeki Wachee are players a coach can build their offense around. Versatile, program kids that provide stability and availability to the offense. All three showing solid footwork in the hole, excellent hands out the backfield and can play more than one offensive position.

The 2016 class is still being revealed. The depth is not as deep as years past. However it does show promise and holds quality players. Stay on the look out for the players mentioned and other that will emerge.