Four-star Miami RB signee Javian Mallory sets high goals after 3-TD performance in state championship game

MIAMI, Fla. — On Friday, West Boca won its second straight state championship behind a strong performance from four-star 2026 running back Javian Mallory. After missing much of the 2025 season due to injury, the 23rd-ranked back in the class powered the Bulls to a 31-0 win over West Broward, scoring three touchdowns.

“They stood behind me and had my back the whole time,” Mallory said after the game about his coaches and teammates. “They knew what this game meant to me. They helped me get here…It feels great, but I give all the glory to God and my team. Coach Potts and the whole coaching staff knew the type of game it was going to be. They knew how personal this game was to me and how emotional it made me. They stood behind me, had my back, and helped me get through it. I’m just very thankful for my guys.”

There were concerns about Mallory’s health going into the season, as he was in a car accident in November of 2024, where he suffered a fractured skull and broken ribs. The talented running back’s career was in jeopardy as he was under heavy sedation for four days, but he would eventually recover from all of his injuries. During the 2025 season, Mallory played in every game and was grateful for the opportunity to be back on the field and make it to the state championship game.

“It’s a blessing, I just kept thanking God. This season I’ve been thanking God. No injuries. I stepped on the field today and was like wow, this is what it feels like. Even the bus drive, everything. Very blessed for this moment.”

The Miami signee finished his season with 1,258 rushing yards, averaging 8.7 per carry and scoring 18 touchdowns. He gained 123 yards in the title game against West Broward, averaging 6.8 yards per rush and including a 50-yard score to start the scoring.

“After I scored that first one, I knew this game was over. I was in a groove. O-Line was in a groove. We got the best defense in the state.”

The Miami coaches connected with Mallory on a FaceTime call before the game to wish him well.

“They talked to me and saw my face and said Oh, he’s locked in. They said have a great game. They knew I was locked in. They knew this whole season was personal for me. They knew from the get-go what it was going to be.”

Miami running backs coach Matt Merritt helped improve Mallory’s game as the season progressed.

“Coach Merrit tells me what I need to work on. He tells me what I’m good at, but that I need to still keep working. Giving me input I need to get better every week.

Mallory hopes to replicate or surpass the success of Miami freshman All-American Malachi Toney in the 2026 season.

“I know everybody says this, but they are getting a real-life dog. They are getting someone who will come in day one, put his head down, and work. I’m coming for everything, freshman All-American like Malachi Toney. I put in the work to get it. When I get there, it will be nothing but me putting my head down and grinding.”