Clayton has the potential to be the top back in Florida

Last year, Miami Central running back Devonta Freeman was a little known running back from south Florida. He showed flashes of greatness at a few camp and really burst onto the scene with a monster senior season. He finished as one of the highest rated running backs in the entire country. This year, there is another running back from Florida that may have a similar story at season's end

Torry Clayton, a junior running back from South Dade high school, has the size, ability, and work ethic to be one of the top backs in the entire state.

"I'm focused on being great and working towards being the best. What separates me from other players is that I am a power back with good feet. I can run through you or around you. For a guy that is my size, I feel that I move very well. To be honest, the best part of my game is probably my downhill running ability. I love the contact."

At the high school level, many feel he is similar to Trent Richardson, the standout running back from the University of Alabama, however he believes that his play is reminiscent of an NFL pro bowl back.

"I definitely model my game after Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens. He has all the tools. He is a downhill runner that is quick, fast, and has great vision. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield and make people miss."

The 5-foot-9, 195 pound running back has been getting a lot of looks from some big schools, but it wasn't until the last month or so that the offers starting coming in.

"I have gotten a lot of attention lately and it definitely feels good to get recognized for my hard work and effort. Illinois, Ball State, Central Florida, Western Michigan, the University of Buffalo, UAB, Memphis, and the University of Cincinnati have all offered. I am hoping that schools continue to see my film and the offers increase, but I know if I just continue to work, it will all work out in the end."

Although he hasn't been able to visit all the schools that have offered him, he did attend a Junior Day that he enjoyed.

"I attended the Junior Day at the University of Central Florida. I liked the facilities a lot and everything on campus. They took us around the stadium, the weight room, and some other facilities. It was a nice place. I just want to look at a good amount of schools. I want to head to a place with a good graduation rate, a solid football history, and a place that I can earn some early playing time."

Clayton doesn't have a leader for his services, but he does have two schools that stand out to him and hopes an offer comes at some point.

"There are two schools that stand out to me. The University of Alabama and Florida State. Those are two great programs that are consistently on the rise. I like the direction they are both headed and I have always liked them both."

With a full senior season ahead, Clayton is working to put up better numbers than he did last year and achieve some personal goals.

"Last year I ran for 1,146 yards and had 21 touchdowns. I want to put up over 1,500 yards on the ground and definitely make the All Dade-County team again. Outside of stats, I really just want to improve as a player and get even fast than I already am."

Although he has no issues in leaving the state of Florida and is open to looking at everyone that offers him, he did have one request.

"I am open to everyone right now and would like to see a lot of schools, but my best friend James Burgess Jr. and I would really like to play together at the next level. Hopefully that happens."

If you have any questions or comments, Tom Loy, FlaVarsity.com Recruiting Analyst, can be reached at tomloy2006@hotmail.com and you can follow him on Twitter - @tomloy2002.