HIDDEN RUNNING BACK TREASURES

Camarillo running back Isaiah Otis said he hasn't heard from any four-year university and junior college, and this is a running back with 1,253 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns for the 7-0 Scorpions (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

In the backfield from the Central Valley to Westlake Village are these hidden treasures at running back.

These Class of 2016 prospects are either watching the sun descend on their three-year varsity run or have finally broken out for their senior campaign.

Maybe a late offer from any four-year college can happen for these highlighted players. Here’s some underrated backfield gems:

JOSEPH “JO JO” MCDANIEL, HANFORD

From the school and city that produced former UCLA running back Shawn Wills and ex-Michigan Wolverine commit Avery Horn comes Joseph McDaniel, who’s a 5-foot-11, 215-pound thoroughbred. McDaniel – who drew interest from the Mountain West and Iowa State before the season – currently has 3,406 yards on 495 carries and 42 touchdowns in his three years of wearing a Bullpup uniform. He’s smashed defenses on inside runs and has six 100-yard games for the 8-0 ‘Pups.

KOLLIN STOCK, CENTRAL VALLEY CHRISTIAN (VISALIA)

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Stock doesn’t look like a trailblazer with his speed, but he’s unafraid to squeeze himself in between the tackles and break off a long gain. He follows the big boys up front at CVC and has 1,172 yards with 15 touchdowns this season, including two 200-yard outings.

DARIUS SMITH, RIDGEVIEW (BAKERSFIELD)

He’s only 5-foot-7 and 165-pounds, but Smith has been electric for the reigning Central Section Division II champs and unbeaten Wolf Pack. Smith - who’s a three-year varsity letterman for football – has shattered career marks in rushing yards (897) and touchdowns (14) this season.

QUINCY JOUNTII, LIBERTY (BAKERSFIELD)

After a rough 0-2 start, Jountii and the Patriots are starting to turn the corner by winning three of their last four games. Jountii has three 100-yard games during this tear. He’s had most of his interest from different mid-major programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision.

AUSTIN VREELAND, SANTA YNEZ

Vreeland is the weapon the Pirates want to give the football to, especially with his quick second gear. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder has combined for 1,187 yards and 14 touchdowns for the resurgent 7-1 Pirates, who were 1-9 last year.

ISAIAH OTIS, CAMARILLO

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Otis has been one of the best breakthrough athletes for undefeated Camarillo. The senior has 1,253 combined yards (861 rushing) and 19 touchdowns. Otis has told Cali Gold Mine that not one school, including a junior college, is talking to him.

PERRY MARTIN III, THOUSAND OAKS

The senior went from a torn ACL and meniscus last year to 1,023 yards and 15 touchdowns for the 6-1 Lancers, who are in the hunt for the Camino League title.

GIL’SCOTT JACKSON II, OAKS CHRISTIAN (WESTLAKE VILLAGE)

On a team with a USC commit (Michael Pittman II) and a 2018 prospect who landed a USC offer recently (Matt Corral), Jackson II is emerging as a late blooming college football prospect at the La Tienda Rd. private school. Jackson II shows a wicked second gear after he crosses the line of scrimmage, leaving defenders who are chasing him down exhausted as they've seen Jackson II run to 951 yards and 15 touchdowns in seven games.