USA TODAY’s Florida Network has launched an ambitious experiment: assembling the perfect high school running back for the class of 2027 by stitching together the most coveted attributes of the state’s top prospects.
The Making of a Composite Star
The blueprint calls for a blend of size, spatial awareness, raw speed and explosive power, each sourced from a different athlete who excels in one of those categories.
Tranard Roberts, a towering prospect from the Miami‑Dade area, brings an ideal frame and balance that coaches compare to a Division I‑ready ball carrier, giving him the leverage to break tackles.
Connail Jackson, meanwhile, showcases elite vision and patience, having piled up 839 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in the final three games of the 2025 season, traits that allow him to read defenses and hit the hole before it closes.
Tyler Reid adds a different kind of weapon: blistering speed. He clocked a 10.53‑second 100‑meter dash at the Class 4A Track and Field State Championships, a sprint that translates into breakaway speed on the gridiron.
Dorien Jones rounds out the mix with raw power and explosiveness, capable of turning broken plays into positive gains through sheer force and quickness.
The effort is being chronicled by reporters Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson, who are documenting the ‘Frankenstein Recruit’ project for each position, ensuring that the final composite stays grounded in Florida’s own high school talent.