Tour of Talent: South Florida's Top 10 Running Back (Class of 2020)
By Jerry Williamson
The class-of-2020 in South Florida is an impressive group. They have certainly taken the weight room quite seriously early on in their prep careers. You'll noticed the combination of size, speed, and strength.
Furthermore, the list also includes prospects with multiple division one verbal scholarships and accolades ranging from All-American, all-state, and all-county recognitions. Everyone featured are varsity standouts that has out-right earned their praise entering spring football practice.
The leader of the group for the second consecutive season is none other than Belen Jesuit Preparatory's all-purpose running back Don Chaney, Jr. The wolverines' dynamic running back is on track to be named first-team all-county for four consecutive years and be selected as a high school All-American. Not to far behind is Deerfield Beach HS running back Jaylan Knighton. This young man is the total package. Based on his combination of varsity film, stats, and verbal scholsrships and big-time performances vs. notable competition. Each running back below, out-right earned a spot on the spring tour list.
Note: The top 10 running back list is in no particular order.
RB - Don Chaney, Jr - Belen Jesuit After playing a combination of both junior varsity and varsity action since the seventh grade, Chaney, Jr. is "officially" taking high school by storm. In two seasons, he has accounted for 30 touchdowns (26 rushing, 2 receiving, and 2 returns) and is ranked as the fifth best running back in the country per 247sports. The four-star holds over ten FBS verbal scholarships.
RB - Jaylan Knighton - Deerfield Beach The No. 14 overall running back in the country via 247sports has the total package. Knighton finished No. 3 overall in South Florida along with (12) rushing touchdowns. The bucks' four-star prospect holds nearly 30 offers and possesss blazing speed, which he showcased at the Miami Opening clocking an electronically-timed 4.53 forty-yard dash.
RB - Henry Parrish, Jr. - Christopher Columbus The explorers' first-team all-county selection who was responsible for (16) rushing scores and capped off his sophomore campaign as the No. 9 overall rusher in South Florida. Parrish, Jr. averaged 133 yards and 2 touchdowns against stiff competition, such as Miami High, Miami Booker T. Washington, Lake Gibson, and South Dade.
RB - Tajae Davis - Cardinal Gibbions The 5-foot-10, 200 pounder scored a total of (14) touchdowns and accounted for 863 yards that was delivered both on the ground and through the air. Davis holds an early offer from Boston College. His down hill runner style will attract more football subdivision schools down the line. He certainly passes the eye-ball test and power on film.
RB - Shemar Paul - Doral Academy The second team all-county selection and two-year varsity starter has contributed to the emergence of firebird football. Paul, who holds an early verbal from Kentucky, accounted for 1,115 rushing yards and (14) scores. Paul displays home run speed. And has mutilple touchdowns of over (25) yards or greater to support that statement.
RB - Andre Stringfield - Miami Northwestern Consider the Mr. Football entering high school at the running back position. Stringfield has averaged 500 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns the past two seasons, including 2 special teams returns for touchdowns as a freshman. Stringfield holds early from Kentucky, FAU, Marshall, Southern Miss, and USF.
RB - Kejon Owens - Miami Central Despite a loaded backfield that consisted of James Cook, Amari Daniels, Willie Davis, and Lexington Joesph. Owens still managed to rumble for over 300 rushing yards and 5 scores. Owens reportedly holds six football subdivision offers from the likes of Tulane, FIU, Syracuse, Kentucky, Louisville, UNC, and Central Florida.
RB - Calvin Montgomery - Champagnat Catholic The Lions' brusier has contributed to back-to-back class 2A state appearances. His football resume also includes (20) career touchdowns, scoring ten as a freshman and sophomore, as well as running wild against out-of-state Barringer (NJ). Where he rushed for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 12 touches.
RB - Ahmad Fitchett - Somerset Academy The little-known prospect rushed for 715 yards, which ranked as the 15th best in Broward County, and found the end zone eight times on the ground. Fitchett delivered three individual games of 170 plus yards rushing this past season.
RB - Sirr Daye - Miami High The first-team all-county selection has transferred to Miami High after rushing for over 1,000 yards at Everglades Prep and according to his Hudl account -- Daye has reclassified to the class-of-2020. Daye will take his game to a bigger stage, as he transition from the 3A to the 8A classification this upcoming fall.
