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A speedy running back from the Panhandle is on the board for USF on signing day as Vernon High School’s K’Wan Powell has signed his LOI to run with the Bulls.
Welcome to Bulls Nation, @kwanpowell1 #21Roundup I #US2F I #NSD21 pic.twitter.com/coaHWsxfrb
— USF Football (@USFFootball) December 16, 2020
Three-star (0.8547) per 247 and Rivals
Other notable offers: LSU, Washington State, Louisiana
Originally Committed on Sep. 1
Per the 247 Composite, Powell comes in as the second highest rated prospect in this class behind tight end Gunnar Greenwald. Listed at 5’11”, 195 pounds on Hudl, he carried offers from programs like LSU, Washington State and even attended FSU’s junior day in early March right before the pandemic.
The Vernon High School playmaker was the difference maker for the Yellowjackets reaching back-to-back region finals the past two seasons. He compiled over 1,700 yards on 184 carries and 30 total touchdowns as a junior in 2019 and followed that up with 876 yards on 37 carries (23.7 ypc!) and 11 touchdowns in an abbreviated senior campaign this fall. He also led the team in receiving, catching 19 passes for 363 yards and eight touchdowns.
After a Baker fumble, Vernon’s K’Wan Powell breaks open a scoreless Region 1-1A championship game with a 66-yard score.
— Sam Grubenhoff (@SamGrubenhoff) November 28, 2020
Yellow Jackets lead Gators 6-0 with 9:51 left 2Q pic.twitter.com/KnNIqlh39v
Powell ran a verified 4.77 40 at The Opening Regional in February of 2019 and his blazing speed is evident when he finds any sliver of daylight and takes off. Also noteworthy of his film is his ability to quickly hit the edge of opposing defenses.
Certainly the level of competition will increase tenfold when he arrives to Tampa and won’t be able to blaze past defenders as easily as he did against Class A competition. However, with a similar build and skillset to current running backs Kelley Joiner Jr. and Brian Battie, he’ll factor right in.