Several running backs are grabbing college recruiters’ eyes in Sarasota and Manatee counties heading into the 2026 high school football season.
Here’s the Herald-Tribune’s selection of the eight best running backs in Sarasota-Manatee.
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And now is your chance to decide who is the best. To vote in our poll for the player you think is the best running back in the area, scroll to the bottom to make your pick. The poll closes at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
The nominees for the best running backs in Sarasota and Manatee counties are:
Elidrick Berry, Lakewood Ranch
In 2025, Berry had 886 yards and nine touchdowns on 132 carries, logging three games with 100 or more yards. The 5-foot-8, 170 pound senior also added 105 yards and one touchdown on six receptions.
Ira Dale Jr., Venice
Ranked as the 153rd best prospect in Florida, Dale is a three-star East Carolina commit. Entering his senior season, the 6-foot-9, 200 pound player has 10 offers from Memphis, Jacksonville State and Liberty. Last season, Dale had 342 yards and six touchdowns on 37 carries. He also had 10 tackles on defense.
Elijah George, Sarasota Christian
George is a senior running back, who recorded 357 yards on 77 carries last season.
Connail Jackson, Cardinal Mooney
Jackson was a MaxPreps junior All-American, the Herald-Tribune’s Offensive Player of the Year and the MVP following Cardinal Mooney’s championship game. He rushed for 199 yards and four touchdowns. In 2025, he finished with 217 carries, running for 2,453 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Toryeon James, Cardinal Mooney
James is a 5-foot-8, 150-pound athlete. James recorded 1,941 yards rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 200 carries in 2025.
Dorien Jones, Venice
Jones rushed for 1,040 yards and 15 touchdowns during his junior season, helping Venice to a Class 7A state semifinal appearance. He’s 5-foot-10, 187 pounds.
Ashton Kelly, Palmetto
Kelly is a senior running back, who has become more of a threat over spring and fall camp. During the offseason, he’s become bigger, faster and stronger to have more of an impact on the Tigers this season.
CJ Obaseki, Riverview
Obaseki is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound running back. Heading into his sophomore season, Obaseki has an offer from Miami.
Editor’s Note: We reserve the right to disqualify a candidate or declare a vote “no contest” if tampering such as bots or offering to pay for voting is evident. Please respect the integrity of the vote the way these athletes respect the integrity of the game.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top 8 Sarasota, Manatee area RBs to watch in 2026. Vote for No. 1
Reporting by Emma Moon, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Emma Moon, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
