Could Texas Prepsters top Florida's Greatest?

In conjunction with the Florida state championship games this weekend at the Citrus Bowl, the FHSAA is celebrating 100 years of Florida football, and according to one article, the Sunshine State seems to believe that no other state can match the greatness that is Florida High School Football.

The FHSAA has unveiled their ‘100 Greatest Players of First 100 Years’ list, and a 33-member All-Century
football team.

While I haven't had time to completely examine the list, here is their summary of Florida's greatest running backs:

Florida's Greatest Running Backs

Rick Casares, Jefferson (Tampa), 1950. Named 1 of only 5 players in history recruiting analysts believe could have gone directly from high school to the pros because of their physical abilities. A 2nd-team All-American in 1953 as a junior at Florida before being drafted into the military. Began 11-year NFL career after drafted in 2nd-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1954, beginning an 11-year NFL career. Was Bears’ all-time leading rusher until Walter Payton broke his records in the 1980s.

Tucker Frederickson, South Broward (Hollywood), 1960. One of the best RBs in the state for his time. Led Bulldogs to a 10-1 record in 1960. Became an All-American at Auburn and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. His pro career, which included being the first overall pick in the 1964 draft by the New York Giants, was cut short due to injury.

Willie Galimore, Excelsior (St. Augustine), 1952. “He was perhaps the greatest running back I ever saw or coached against” said Earl Kitchings, former head coach of Matthew Gilbert and Raines high schools. Considered by some experts to be the best Florida high school RB prior to Emmitt Smith. Remains leading rusher in FAMU history. Killed in an automobile accident in 1964.

Emmitt Smith, Escambia (Pensacola), 1986. Still holds state rushing record with 8,804 career yards on 1,127 carries and 106 TDs. Led Escambia to state titles in sophomore and junior years (2,934 rushing yards, 32 TDs on 353 carries in 14 games), and 10-1 season as a senior in the days when only district champ made playoffs. Set a career rushing record (later broken) at the University of Florida. Played 15 NFL seasons, setting numerous records, including career marks for rushing yards (18,355) and carries (4,409) that still stand. Played in 3 Super Bowls and 8 Pro Bowls. Was the 1993 NFL MVP.

Without question these are all great backs (Cowboy fans know the greatness of Smith first hand), but give me Sugar Land's Ken Hall, Hooks' Billy Sims, John Tyler's Earl Campbell, and Palestine's Adrian Peterson over any other state's running back foursome, and that list doesn't even include current Charger great, LaDainian Tomlinson from Waco University or Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson of Sealy.