If you have followed high school football through the years in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, you already know that the running backs who comes out of the two areas emerge as elite prospects.
Go back into the 1960’s and 70’s and you will find a unique pipeline that has continued for over 50 years and still exist as we get ready for the 2026 season.
Last year Nino Joseph ran for 1,995 yards as one of the state’s best at Naples Lely.
This impressive runner went on to score 23 times as he helped to lead the Trojans to a state playoff appearance.
After transferring briefly to nearby Naples St. John Neumann, this 5’7, 185-pounder, who also caught 14 passes for 161 yards, moved across state and will now be the featured back for the Miami Central Rockets.
This quality student/athlete, who holds down a 3.2 grade point average in the classroom, will not only be south Florida’s best, but he will battle some of the best for a state rushing title and will be essential in giving his new school a chance to be one of the best.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19652825/Nino-Joseph
JOSEPH IS NOT ALONE AS RUNNERS TO WATCH IN 2026
While this quality talent will be someone everyone will be watching, he will not be alone. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have some other returnees to keep an eye on as well:
2027 - Amos Bradford, 6’0, 180, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Easily one of the most versatile prospects who brings so much to the table as a runner, blocker and receiver. Was instrumental in helping West Broward reach the 6A state title game before transferring to Hollywood. Has great vision and tremendous speed. While he’s currently committed to Toledo, expect him to blow up even more this coming season. Had 832 yards and scored seven times a year ago.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/29567669/Amos-Bradford
2027 – Kamary Cooper, 5’11, 190, South Plantation. Because this quality talent didn’t play for an elite program, there are many who still have never watched play, but his 1,839 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season only illustrates what this impressive talent is all about. His off-season has indeed been fun to watch as more and more colleges had the chance to see what he is all about and offers started to come in.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473011/Kamary-Cooper
2028 – Adrian Cox, 5’10, 180, Miami Northwestern. One of south Florida elite underclassmen makes his way over from Miami Immaculata LaSalle after an 1,100-yard, 18 touchdown performance. Had a tremendous off-season as college coaches had their first look at this quality talent.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23535392/692c9b27804979f842c2babc
2027 – Damien Grant, 5’8, 185, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.4 GPA. One of the most overlooked backs in south Florida, all this impressive talent has done is produce for the defending district champions. Coming off a 1,200-yard, 14-touchdown season. Picked up plenty of interest in the off-season for what he brings to the table as a producer and leader - and will be someone that you will want to keep an eye on all year!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20312279/691cc189502a4bd69c34e670
2027 – Arwin Jackson, 5’11, 180, Miami Carol City. This speedy standout makes the move for his final season at the high school level after three very productive seasons at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Went over the 1,000-yard mark last season for the state 1A runner-up Lions with nine touchdowns. Committed to attend Appalachian State University. Track and Field standout.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19501886/694ac344e973529892f82e02
2027 – Rashard Lewis, 5’8, 165, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy. This quality athlete who plays all over the field for this program returns after a tremendous junior season that saw him run for 1,155 yards and giving this team a huge lift on both sides of the ball. Was also a force in the second.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26850575/Rashard-Lewis
2027 – Lee Prince Jr., 5’10, 175, Miami Carol City. One of Florida’s fastest backs makes a move this off-season to Miami-Dade County after a solid junior season (800 yards) at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Headed to West Virginia University, this is not only a tremendous football prospect, but is also an outstanding student in the classroom. He is expected a big year for the Chiefs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19585391/Prince-Lee
2027 - Tyler Reid, 5’10, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. After a 1,070-yard and nine-touchdown performance a year ago for Miramar, this speedy difference maker is now a Raider and adds to what this program already has at the position. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Desmond Reid, who has starred at the University of Pittsburgh for the past two years, he committed to join the Panthers. He is a track phenom, who posted (100m 10.48 - 200m 21.62 - 40 yard dash 4.38) elite times.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20012149/64f096822aa6530770405a21
2027 - Cecil Smith, 5’8, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus – 3.1 GPA. From his freshman year at Homestead when the Broncos were grooming him to fill the rather large shoes of Isaac Brown, to this past season when he made quite a splash for the Miami True North Classical Academy Titans during a district championship season, this is a back who is among the best in the state. He rushed for 1,400 yards on 129 carries with 524 receiving yards on 28 receptions for 2,134 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. Has picked up plenty of momentum this off-season as he will be a huge piece for the Explorers.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith
2027 - Jahnard Young, 5’11, 210, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.4 GPA. After moving south last season to attend Sunrise Piper, this impressive back left Vero Beach after a very productive sophomore season, where he was one of the top young prospects in the Indian River County area. Originally left Piper for Plantation, but ended up with the Panthers. Ran for 1,395 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago and comes back as one of the top prospects in the state. There are still several “national analysts” who have not watched him play, which is a shame!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17540739/Jahnard-Young
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..