As a seven-time defending state football champion, the Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders receive plenty of accolades for what they bring to the table each year.

From elite offensive linemen and receivers to stellar defensive backs, linebackers and defensive linemen, this is a program that is always producing talent that moves on to the next level and beyond.

With a rich tradition of running backs through the years, including head coach Roger Harriott, the 2026 version of this team may have the deepest group of runners they have had in a long time.

While they churn out elite running backs, the group that they will unleash for the 2026 season is talented, deep and occupies every classification.

As they showed in the recent spring game, there are backs who do different things, and when you can use as many as five talented runners in a game, there is no way that the opposition will be able to keep up – no matter who they are.

Here is a look at some of those gifted prospects to keep an eye on under the direction or running back coach Eugene Bethea:

2029 – Alex Etienne, 5’9, 210. This big, bruising runner is definitely the future of this program. Will not go down on the first hit. Extremely powerful! Played at Coconut Creek Monarch as a freshman.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27142150/ALEX-ETIENNE

2029 – Bryan Felix, 5’9, 178. Another back that the Raiders will groom for the future. Elite prospect who will continue to mature.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/30394153/Bryan-Felix

2028 – Collin Francis, 5’8, 170. The next man up who has thrust himself into the elite rotation. Versatile back who can do it all – and he continues to improve all the time.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22392862/6a066c124a66b4caa03fc942

2027 – Virgil Lemons, 5’9, 170. Here is someone this program has waited to mature and take the lead role. Great vision and certainly leads by example. The most accomplished back the team has.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20142753/Virgil-Lemons

2027 – Ryan Mathis, 5’9, 165 – 3.5 GPA. From Hialeah to Miami Northwestern and now ready to show why he is an elite back with speed, vision and outstanding instincts. Watch him play and you will be sold – instantly!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18585348/Ryan-Mathis

2027 – Tyler Reid, 5’10, 170. There may not be a faster runner around, and this University of Pittsburgh commitment is ready to follow in his brother’s (Desmond) footsteps. Not only a solid line from scrimmage runner, but as dangerous a kickoff returner as you will find.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20012149/64f096822aa6530770405a21

2028 – Shamar Sampson, 5’9, 210. Yet another runner who is set to be the future as well as someone who will see some playing time in this crowded room.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19691091/Shamar-Sampson

2029 - Pharrell Woodside, 5’9, 180 – 3.5 GPA. If this quality talent doesn’t show you how deep this group is, nobody will. Will also be part of a very bright future.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26873985/Pharrell-Woodside

KEEP AN EYE ON…

2028 – Declan Thomas

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..