Vote: Who has been the top running back in Florida so far this 2023 football season?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best running backs in high school football so far for the 2023 season in the Sunshine State.
Our list includes some of the best in the Sunshine State and players who prove to be valuable to their teams this season in providing that crucial first down at the end of the game or helping to light up the scoreboard from all the touchdowns that they scored.
There are plenty of worthy names on this list, so be sure to vote in our poll for who you think has been the top running back so far this 2023 season. Voting will close on September 30.
Editor’s Note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
Voting concludes Sept. 30th at 11:59 p.m. Here are our nominees.
Antwon Raymond, Clearwater Academy International: Don’t know the name? Better get to learning it as Raymond leads the state in rushing with 746 yards for the Knights.
Owen Beach, Alonso: Beach is second in the state in rushing with 731 yards. The running back just went off for 301 yards on 31 carries in a 42-33 win over Spoto.
Girard Pringle, Armwood: Many will remember Pringle for his memorable 308-yard performance in Armwood’s stunning 34-25 win over Venice. Pringle has 559 yards rushing this season.
Rashad Orr, Lake Wales: A transfer from Lake Wales over the offseason, Orr has been everything the Highlanders have needed and then some. Orr has rushed for 587 yards in 2023.
Cole Tabb, Choctawhatchee: Rushing for 365 yards against Crestview in a 49-27 victory has been the outburst we’ve been waiting for from the Stanford commitment. Tabb has 585 yards rushing.
Eddie Love Jr., Fort Walton Beach: The running back had his best game of the season in a 28-13 victory as he rushed for 259 yards on 23 attempts and three touchdowns.
Shawn Simeon, Naples: Simeon has become the next in line of great Golden Eagles’ running backs. The tailback has rushed for 518 yards so far.
Amari Clemons, Marianna: When it comes to running backs leading the state in touchdown runs is Clemons with 12. Clemons has rushed for 544 yards on 59 attempts.
Jamarian Miller, Fivay: Miller leads all of the North Suncoast in rushing with 542 yards. The running back transferred in from Mitchell during the offseason and has fit in just nicely.
Jaden Judge, Bayshore: The leading rusher on the South Suncoast has 400 yards through a couple games. Judge rushed for 304 yards against St. Petersburg Catholic.
Laython Biddle, Bartram Trail: The Bears running back is being relied upon to come up with big games week in and week out. Biddle just rushed for 218 yards in a 28-24 loss to Mainland last week.
Jason Patterson, Sneads: Patterson is a Cincinnati commitment and was the state’s leading rusher from a year ago. The tailback has rushed for 359 yards so far.
Davion Gause, Chaminade-Madonna: One of the top performances this season was Gause’s 176-yard, two touchdown day in the Lions’ 35-14 win over St. Frances Academy (Maryland).
Anthony Carrie, Carrollwood Day: In Carrie’s breakout game was in the Patriots’ 56-34 win over Calvary Christian as he rushed for 205 yards on 26 touches, three touchdowns.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl