Having been around high school football for several decades, it is never surprising how much talent pops up each year. Running back could be a position that boasts as much national, regional and statewide talent as you will find anywhere.

South Florida always has been a destination where a school can change its offensive fortunes in just one trip.

At a time when a quality running back has been known to elevate a program in a hurry, South Florida is in the spotlight with a number of game-changers.

From Gio Bernard and James White of Fort lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas to Eduardo Clements (Miami Booker T. Washington) and Brandon Gainer (6-0, 200, Miami Central), there is no denying that South Florida is the center of recruiting universe this season for elite backs.

At a time when Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson's Marcus Thompson (6-2, 230) is headed to Rutgers, and athletes such as Cassius McDowell (5-9, 170, Deerfield Beach), Corvin Lamb (5-9, 180, Miami Northwestern), Daniel Monroe (5-11, 185, Miami Coral Reef), Jakhari Gore (5-10, 166, Miami Columbus), Jeff Scott (5-8, 175, Miami Archbishop Carroll) and record-setting standout Devon Wright (6-0, 180) from Coral Springs Taravella are receiving plenty of attention, this could be one of the deepest years this region has ever had.

At a time when a core of individuals have gotten to camps and made a lasting impression at certain events, many top prospects are hidden away from the fans.

``College coaches know who all these backs are,'' South Broward coach Allen Held said. ``Most of the fan recruiting sites are not familiar with many because they are mainly concentrating on the athletes who are getting the headlines. There are only a certain amount of players you can concentrate on.''

Here are the overlooked players:

• Michael Anderson, 6-0, 180, Plantation: Two years ago, as a sophomore at Hallandale, he ran for 961 yards. Last year, he was moved to the secondary and did quite well. If he gets the carries, Anderson has a chance to lead the county in rushing.

• Dondetrick Barnes, 6-0, 165, Davie Nova: As a sophomore, there might not have been a more promising back. He has speed, instincts and a knack of finding the hole. His junior season was over before it started because of an injury. If he gets back to where he was two years ago, coach Bill Hobbs believes Barnes could be special.

• Jarvis Bridge, 5-8, 165, Coral Gables: Skeptics think he is too small to play the position, but at the end of the game, he often was the leading rusher.

• Carlos Campos, 5-9, 170, Miami Sunset: A three-year starter who is explosive, elusive and talented enough to play at the next level. Has been one of the regions most productive backs the past two years.

• Daryeon Chance, 5-7, 160, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons: Want to know how impressive this back is? Just ask Glades Central coach Jessie Hester, who watched him run for 235 yards against his Raiders last year.

• Justin Goldberg, 5-10, 210, American Heritage: Yet another promising prospect who combines power and strength. Coach Byron Walker has at least one of this kind of player every year.

• Ethan Grant, 5-10, 170, North Broward Prep: This one-time St. Thomas Aquinas athlete already has committed to the University of Oregon, but for some reason, doesn't get the respect he deserves. Easily one of the fastest offensive players in the state.

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