BrandonGainer

Showed flashes of excellent ability during his redshirt season … In contention for playing time after the departure of last year’s starter, Derrick Locke … Physical back who has shown the willingness to pick up blitzes and run for tough yardage.

2010 (Freshman): Redshirted.

High School: The nation’s No. 15 running back as evaluated by ESPN.com … Also a national top-40 back by Rivals.com and Scout.com … Rivals also listed him as the No. 52 player in Florida … Totaled more than 4,700 rushing yards, along with 37 touchdowns, during his career … Rushed for more than 1,000 yards for three-straight seasons … As a senior, helping Central High to a 12-2 record and the semifinals of the ultra-tough Florida Class 6A ranks … Earned second-team all-state honors for Class 6A as a junior and senior … Three-year starter … Two-year member of the All-Dade County team … “Combines good size with quickness and durability,” wrote Tom Lemming of MaxPreps.com … Coached by Telly Lockette … “Brandon has a great work ethic, comes early and leaves late,” Lockette said. “He is a very durable back, a hard runner who can catch the ball out of the backfield.” … Was a sprinter for the track and field team, competing in the 100-, 200- and 400- meter events … A middle infielder for the baseball team … Honor-roll student … Member of the school’s role-model club.

Personal: Born in Miami, Fla. … Son of Latasha Gainer … Brandon is a cousin of Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals … Also a cousin of Phillip Thomas, who played football at Syracuse … Considering a major in education.