The Sun's Super 11 - Running Backs

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The Sun's Super 11: Running backs

By John Patton

High school sports editor

Published: Friday, August 21, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 21, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.

NAME: Kion Williams

SCHOOL: Palatka

YEAR: Junior

HT/WT: 5-11/186

COLLEGES OF INTEREST: UF, FSU, Miami, Iowa State, Arkansas and others

NOTABLE: Williams is the nephew of former Gator/NFL fullback John L. Williams. He has been clocked at 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and bench presses 285 pounds.

QUOTABLE: "He's a hard runner who really knows how to protect the ball. He really doesn't fumble much and seems to make positive yardage every time he touches the ball. He's a really good player." -Gainesville High School senior cornerback Devont'a Davis.

NAME: Deonte Welch

SCHOOL: Williston

YEAR: Senior

HT/WT: 6-0/187

COLLEGES OF INTEREST: FIU, FAU, USF, UCF, N.C. State, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Mississippi and Florida with scholarship offers from all but the Rebels and Gators.

NOTABLE: Also the Red Devils' leading scorer in basketball, Welch is being recruited for football primarily as an athlete. Wherever he signs, Welch also will be able to contribute as a returner on special teams.

QUOTABLE: "Whenever he has the ball in his hands, he runs with it extremely well. If he gets any little crease, he could take it the distance at any time." -Santa Fe coach Shea Showers

NAME: Tiger Powell

SCHOOL: Columbia

YEAR: Senior

HT/WT: 6-1/215

COLLEGES OF INTEREST: USF commitment

NOTABLE: Is one of just two freshmen ever to start at Columbia for former coach Danny Green (along with current teammate Brach Bessant). Was born with the name Lavoris, but was nicknamed "Tiger" by his grandmother as a child.

QUOTABLE: "When I hear 'Tiger Powell', I think power. He's just a power runner. For instance, last year we went into overtime with Columbia and it was The Tiger Powell Show. They ran four straight times right up the gut in overtime from the 10 yard line. There was nothing we could do to stop him. When he was younger, as a freshman, he was a lot shiftier. And now, he's just grown up into this gigantic back with huge legs and (he) can run you over." -Buchholz defensive coordinator Bart Brooks

Editor's note: The Sun's Super 11 is a look at the area's best players according to the local media, coaches and college scouts. Next up is a look at the area's two best linebackers.

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