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See the full story · 1 sourcesWho is Southwest Florida's best running back? There is certainly no shortage of quality ball carriers to choose from entering the 2026 high school football season.
The area's top RBs are a mix of familiar faces and up-and-comers — now it's your turn to decide which one is the best. The poll closes at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16.
To vote, scroll to the bottom or CLICK HERE.
Here's our list of the area's best running backs entering the 2026 season in alphabetical order.
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Josiah Bataille, Riverdale
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound junior rushed for 643 yards (6.8 per carry) and six touchdowns as a change-of-pace back with the Raiders last season. Bataille should handle the bulk of the carries in Riverdale's run-first attack this year.
Louvens Bazile, Community School of Naples
In his debut season at St. John Neumann, Bazile rushed for a team-best 861 yards (6.1 per carry) and 14 touchdowns for the 8-win Celtics while also catching six passes for 108 yards (18.0 per reception). The 5-foot-10, 198-pound running back, who has since transferred to CSN, has picked up offers from schools like Syracuse, Miami, Wisconsin, Florida State and Pitt.
Marquay Bradshaw, LaBelle
The senior rushed for 1,176 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Cowboys last season, while adding 41 tackles on defense. Bradshaw will again be counted on to be a two-way standout for LaBelle in 2026.
Caleb Cobb, Cape Coral
Cobb averaged 9.7 yards per carry during his junior season after rushing for 686 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 carries.
Mikenson Demezier, St. John Neumann
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior rushed for 1,143 yards and 10 touchdowns behind a young offensive line for Golden Gate last season. Behind a more seasoned Celtics front this year, look for Demezier's production to jump.
Arthur Gallishaw, South Fort Myers
The 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior was a workhorse for the Wolfpack last season, rushing for 1,090 yards (8.65 per carry) and nine touchdowns. That included a career-best 318 rushing yards in a 42-7 win over Fort Myers.
Eddie Gore, Dunbar
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior gained nearly 12 yards each time he touched the ball on offense for the Tigers last year. Gore rushed for 427 yards and four touchdowns, adding 127 receiving yards and another score. This year, he is projected to be the primary ball carrier for a talented Tigers offense.
Kendrick Major, Lehigh
The 5-foot-7, 200-pound senior will once again be the Lightning's top ballcarrier and should see a jump in his production thanks to an improved offensive line.
Gio Marenco, Gulf Coast
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior had a huge campaign for the Sharks last season, rushing for 1,522 yards and 11 touchdowns in a split backfield with former standout Javien Altine. Marenco will spend his final year as the primary rushing threat for Gulf Coast.
Youvensly Methelus, Immokalee
The 5-foot-7, 150-pound junior was a breakaway backfield threat for the Indians last season, rushing for 706 yards (8.9 per carry) and 10 touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 72 yards and another score. Methelus enters this year as Immokalee's top running back.
Nicksen Volvic, Naples
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound senior rushed for 515 yards and five touchdowns in a crowded backfield last season, averaging eight yards per carry. Volvic should be one of Naples' top offensive weapons this year.
Nathan Watters, Estero
Watters broke out last season as a versatile threat in the Wildcats' backfield. The 6-foot, 190-pound back rushed for 566 yards and 12 touchdowns on 103 carries and caught 11 passes for 156 yards and two scores last season.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SW FL high school football's 12 top running backs for 2026. Vote for No. 1
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