August 1, 2025

Jacksonville Schools Gear Up for High School Football Season

News Summary

As Jacksonville high schools prepare for the upcoming football season, local teams are ready to compete for Florida’s state championship. With a roster of impressive running backs, fans are excited to see who will shine. From seasoned seniors to promising juniors, these athletes aim to make their mark while attracting attention from college scouts. Additionally, a community poll invites fans to vote on the top running back in Northeast Florida, fostering engagement and enthusiasm around the sport as the season approaches.

Jacksonville Prepares for High School Football Season Featuring Top Running Backs

Jacksonville’s high school football season kicks off on August 22, with local teams vying for the Florida High School Athletic Association championships in December. As fans anticipate the kickoff, the city’s football programs are eager to secure their first state title since 2021. A key element that could influence their success is the talent pool of running backs, as identified by recent rankings in the Times-Union.

This year’s focus will be on the remarkable performances of local running backs. A mix of seasoned seniors and promising juniors is set to make their mark during the upcoming season. Jacksonville high schools are equipped with talented athletes who have made significant impacts in previous seasons, capturing the attention of college scouts and football enthusiasts alike.

Top Running Backs to Watch

West Nassau High School: A senior standing at 5-7 and weighing 180 lbs, he was a standout last season with 15 touchdowns and 751 rushing yards from 122 carries, propelling his team to the Sunshine State Athletic Association playoffs.
Mandarin High School: This 5-9, 195 lb junior has already attracted offers from Jacksonville State and Miami-Ohio. Last season, he rushed for 820 yards on 109 carries, and with the graduation of Deion Winstead, he is expected to take on a more significant role.
Baldwin Middle-Senior High School: Another senior, this 5-10, 165 lb player has received offers from Bethune-Cookman. He has been a starter for three years, accumulating 808 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 2024, and achieving 1,144 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023.
St. Augustine High School: A senior at 5-5 and 150 lbs, he also holds offers from Bethune-Cookman. He contributed significantly to his team last season, with 1,155 rushing yards and an impressive 19 touchdowns from 172 carries, leading them to become regional champions.
Middleburg High School: Known as “Turbo,” this 5-11, 195 lb senior is committed to North Carolina Central. In his sophomore year, he rushed for 471 yards and 8 touchdowns, following it up with 722 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior.
Bolles School: A 6-2, 225 lb sophomore, he has drawn interest from South Florida and UTSA. He is considered a breakout candidate, having tallied 558 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in limited action last season.
Union County High School: Standing at 5-8 and weighing 160 lbs, this junior had an exceptional sophomore year, recording 1,444 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, remaining productive through a challenging offseason.
Raines High School: This 5-10, 175 lb senior has been recognized for his performance with offers from Mercer. He was instrumental in reaching the Class 3A finals, collecting 939 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024.
Bishop Kenny High School: A 5-10, 200 lb junior, this player has received offers from Bowling Green, East Carolina, and Florida Atlantic. He achieved impressive numbers last season with 1,316 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Bartram Trail High School: Committed to UCF, this 5-9, 190 lb senior rushed for an impressive 1,666 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, showcasing additional skills in receiving and returns.

Community Engagement

In an effort to connect with football fans, a poll is currently open for readers to vote on who they believe will be the top running back in Northeast Florida for the upcoming season. This engagement allows supporters to actively participate in the celebration of local football talent.

As Jacksonville high schools ramp up preparation for the 2025 season, the spotlight is on these outstanding running backs, whose talents will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the race for the state championship. The upcoming weeks promise exciting matchups, revealing which of these athletes will step into the limelight as the season unfolds.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Jacksonville Schools Honor Top High School Football Specialists
Drew Kessenich Transfers to Jacksonville University Lacrosse Program
Logan Hall Joins Jacksonville University Soccer Program
Jacksonville’s First Women’s Pro Sports Team Gains Momentum
Jacksonville Honors Top High School Girls Lacrosse Players
Jacksonville University Mourns the Unsolved Tragedy of Ricardo Tilman Jr.

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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