Though nationwide the number of elite running back prospects may be down a bit in 2009, the quality and quantity in the Southeast, particularly in the state of Florida, is unprecedented. Almost half of ESPN's top-20 backs this year reside in the Southeast, with a striking 15 out of the top 40 coming out of Florida. The Sunshine State boasts the No. 1, 2 and 5 running backs in Jaamal Berry (Miami/Palmetto), Trent Richardson (Pensacola, Fla./Escambia) and Jarvis Giles (Tampa, Fla./Gaither).
While all three Florida backs have been very productive during their high school careers, they each possess a different kind of running style, a microcosm of the position in the state this year. Florida is loaded with backs in many different shapes, sizes and styles to fit a program's specific needs.
Berry, the top-rated runner in the country, is the best-rounded of the trio and the only one who has not yet committed. He has obvious perimeter speed and elusiveness, but it's the 185-pounder's deceptive in-line running strength and power that separates him. Berry is a home-run threat when he finds an open seam in the second level and also has the compact body structure needed to be productive between the tackles at the next level.
The last time we spoke with Berry he said Ohio State was at the top of his list, but he was not planning on making a decision until after he took some official visits this fall. Although the Buckeyes' class is almost full, expect them to hold a spot for the nation's No. 1 back from now until this February.
