Rising 2027 RB Tranard Roberts talks recent Michigan offer, Tony Alford

Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford made a swing through Florida during the spring evaluation period in May and put an offer on the table for Tranard Roberts.

The fast rising 2027 running back out of national powerhouse Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy was both surprised and excited when Alford extended the scholarship.

“It caught me by surprise, honestly,” Roberts said. “They just won the national championship. They have a great running backs coach, Coach Tony Alford. Overall, I like the Michigan program a lot. It’s a blessing to get that offer at such a young age.”

While contact between coaches and sophomore recruits is limited by NCAA rules, Roberts feels like he is already building a close relationship with Alford.

“I like the way he coaches,” Roberts said. “I think he’s a great coach. I like the way his running backs play. He’s a humble person. He doesn’t talk down on anyone. He’ll teach you things fast. I like him a lot.”

Alford, of course, had success recruiting out of IMG Academy this cycle, landing On300 running back Donovan Johnson.

Roberts, who recently transferred in from Williston (Fla.) High, has already grown close to Johnson. And yes, Johnson is working hard to help Alford recruit Roberts to Ann Arbor.

“He’s one of my closest friends,” Roberts said. “We have three running backs on the team, and we do everything together. We’re one whole. We condition together and stick together in meetings. It’s a brotherhood. He’s given me advice on why he went to Michigan and all the pros about it.”

The next step for Roberts is making his first visit to Michigan, which he hopes will take place at some point in the near future.

“I definitely want to get out there for a visit,” Roberts said. “I want to see the facilities. I want to see their running backs. Honestly, I’m looking for a place that fits the best, runs the ball and has a great running backs coach.”

Along with Michigan, Roberts holds offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Tennessee and others.

At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Roberts is not ranked at this time.

Roberts rushed for 409 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman at Williston last season.

Florida currently has the lead on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine with a 76.0 percent chance of landing him. UCF is in second place with a 3.2 percent chance.

The post Rising 2027 RB Tranard Roberts talks recent Michigan offer, Tony Alford appeared first on On3 .