The position of running back has always been strong across Southwest Florida, with countless 1,000- and 1,500-yard rushers every season.
So, of all the talent we have here in our backyard, which one is the best this area has to offer? Here’s your chance to make your pick for Southwest Florida’s best running back.
To vote, scroll to the bottom or CLICK HERE.
Here’s our list of the area’s best running backs in 2025, in alphabetical order:
Javien Altine, Gulf Coast
Altine was a workhorse in the backfield last season for the Sharks, rushing for 1,015 yards on 135 carries with 10 scores, helping them to a 5-5 finish. Entering his senior season, Altine will assume the reins of RB1 once again in hopes of sending the Sharks to the postseason.
Lovensky Blanchard, Riverdale
Blanchard was a strong asset for the Raiders last year in the run game, rushing 137 times for 1,312 yards (9.6 YPC) with 6 touchdowns and five 100-plus yard games. He’ll take the reins as RB1, replacing a prolific rusher in Cole Hayes (271 rush, 1,978 yards, 28 TDs).
Ty Collins, Lely
There weren’t many players who did more last year than Collins, who rushed for 1,189 yards on 125 attempts, scored 17 touchdowns, and added 16 receptions for 211 yards just on offense.
Tylen Gore, Dunbar
Gore was a key piece in the backfield last season for Sammy Brown’s Tigers, having rushed for 779 yards on 117 attempts with 7 touchdowns, adding 20 receiving yards and a score. Expect Gore’s workload to continue to be that of a starter.
Deshon Jenkins, Bishop Verot
The reigning Southwest Florida Offensive Player of the Year put on a show for the Vikings, rushing for 1,786 yards and 22 touchdowns while averaging 8.3 yards per carry. The Bowling Green commit posted 100-yard games against Venice (17 rush, 175 yards), West Boca Raton (19 rush, 106 yards), Cardinal Mooney twice (13 rush, 116 yards; 16 rush, 115 yards), Lakewood (24 rush, 171 yards), and Tarpon Springs (26 rush, 168 yards) among others.
Jamar Jerome, Naples
Jerome is set to be a solid complement in the Naples run game, assuming he steps foot on the field. He rushed for 535 yards and three touchdowns a season ago.
Nino Joseph, Lely
Despite missing five games due to injury, Joseph ran for 1,623 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 9.9 yards per rush with the Trojans. Joseph added 213 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, giving him 1,836 scrimmage yards.
Jermaine Skinner, Cape Coral
Skinner broke out in his junior season, rushing for 769 yards and nine touchdowns on 96 carries. Averaging 8.0 yards a carry, Skinner will be a significant part of the Seahawks offense this year in hopes of making another playoff run.
Sam Sparacio, Naples
The Army commit rushed 124 times for 867 yards with 11 touchdowns, added 59 receptions for 761 yards and 9 touchdowns, and averaged north of 50 yards per punt a season ago for the Lions. Sparacio’s elusiveness in the Naples backfield will be an interesting follow, especially considering the success he had in the spring game against Venice.
Jayvian Tanelus, Community School
Tanelus was key offensively for the Seahawks, rushing for 1,525 yards and 20 touchdowns on 169 attempts, good enough for 9 yards per carry. The Duke commit will be running behind an even more seasoned offensive line, putting a 2,000-yard season in reach this year.
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Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SW Florida high school football’s 10 best running backs in 2025. Vote for your No. 1
Reporting by Alex Martin, Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
