Editor’s Note: This story will be updated with comment from Nino Joseph.
Southwest Florida’s top running back has hit the transfer portal — for the second time in four months.
And with that news, Barron Collier great Clifton Robinson can pop some champagne.
Nino Joseph, who announced his intention to transfer from Lely to St. John Neumann in January, is transferring to Miami Central, according to his social media pages on Thursday, June 4.
Joseph ran for 1,955 yards and 53 touchdowns a season ago with the Trojans, finishing 8-4 with a regional semifinal appearance. Joseph (4,615 rushing yards, 57 rushing TDs) was well-positioned to become Collier County’s all-time leading rusher had he stayed, needing just 1,250 yards to overtake Robinson for the record, which still stands at 5,864 yards three decades later.
Playing against the Rockets last year in the regional semifinals, Joseph rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown in a 70-30 loss. He added five catches for 50 yards out of the backfield. Joseph becomes the second former Lely player this cycle to transfer from Naples to South Florida, as 4-star quarterback Brady Quinn transferred to Chaminade-Madonna in December.
The 5-foot-7, 185 pound running back is ranked as a Top 100 player in the 2027 class by USA Today, and a 3-star recruit by 247Sports. Joseph reports offers from Boston College, Pitt, Purdue, Appalachian State, and Memphis.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Former St. John Lely, Neumann RB Nino Joseph transfers to Miami Central