Pounding the Rock: The Top 5 Running Backs in Pinellas County for the 2025 Season

As the 2025 high school football season approaches, the spotlight often goes to quarterbacks and receivers. However, the ground game remains a cornerstone of success, and Pinellas County is home to a talented group of running backs ready to carry the load. From powerful bruisers to shifty playmakers, these five backs are set to make a major impact on the gridiron.

1. Corey Simms, Clearwater Central Catholic

The top spot goes to Corey Simms, a workhorse transfer from Mitchell High School. Simms joins Clearwater Central Catholic with an incredible reputation after a monster junior season where he carried the ball 242 times for 1,590 yards and 8 touchdowns, adding 16 receptions for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns. Simms is a small, powerful back with great vision who reaches his top-end speed as soon as he hits the hole. As long as his offensive line opens the hole, he will get to the second level and make things happen. His relentless running style and ability to churn out yards will make him an immediate key to the Marauders' offense.

2. Bobby Mcaffee, Boca Ciega
 

A hidden gem who played for Hollins last year, Bobby Mcaffee is now at Boca Ciega and could easily end up being the #1 back on this list by season's end. Mcaffee brings a potent combination of size and speed to the Pirates' offense, providing a much-needed balance to their attack. Last season, he carried the ball 90 times for 626 yards and 2 touchdowns, even taking some snaps at quarterback in the wildcat formation for a Hollins team that needed help all around. His ability to consistently perform and show up every week for his team was impressive, and he's poised for a breakout season with more support around him.

3. Brian Ford, East Lake
 

Coming in at #3 is Brian Ford out of East Lake. Standing at 5'7" and 160 pounds, Ford might be smaller in stature, but he packs a mean all-around game. With the departure of Will Mirabella, Ford is expected to have a much bigger role this season. His numbers from last year—52 carries for 456 yards and 6 touchdowns, along with 19 receptions for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns—were impressive for a limited role. We expect all of those numbers to double this year as he steps into the spotlight as the team's featured back.

4a. Lane Roberts, Calvary

A powerful back with a quick burst, Lane Roberts is one of the few returning backs with over 100 carries with 792 yards and 6 touchdowns. We believe Roberts is an opportunist and if you give him the ball he will produce based on the amount of carries. Easily a back who we believe can carry the ball for any team 150 -175 carries and produce a 1,000-1500 yard season for a team who will need that sort of production. The line is there, and the team will always show up so we expect Roberts to remain a top 5 back throughout the season. 

4b. Sincere McClinton, Clearwater High

Sincere McClinton has transferred from Largo High to Clearwater High and should thrive in his new home. We feel McClinton is one of the most underrated back in the county, a hard-working player with a high football IQ. He possesses a great mix of speed and shiftiness that will be a huge asset as he runs behind one of the top offensive lines in the county. Last season, he had 86 carries for 555 yards and also showed his versatility in the passing game with 16 receptions for 145 yards. He is a back who can create an explosive play at any moment.

5. Khalan Davis, Lakewood High School

Rounding out our top five is Lakewood's Khalan Davis. He is a powerful, north-south running back who is good in all down situations and particularly effective on the goal line. While not the fastest back on this list, he more than makes up for it with sheer power and a dash of shiftiness to break tackles. Last season, he had 98 carries for 542 yards and 7 touchdowns, making him a consistent and reliable force for the Spartans. His bruising running style will be crucial for Lakewood's potent offense.

5b. Brandt Scott, Osceola

A quiet but productive back, Brandt Scott could play for any team and produce. For Osceola he will be the workhorse and is a player who could easily see a 1,000 yards season on one of the hardest working teams in the county. In 5 games last season Brandt had 85 carries, 528 yards and 3 touchdowns averaging 105.6 yards per game. If Osceola wins look for Scott to move up this list