Prospect Profile: Gerald Modest, Jr., Booker T. Washington

Rated as a 3- or 4-Star running back, depending on the service, with nine offers already, Modest Jr. is putting in the work to improve his speed and strength

MIAMI, FLORIDA – Booker T. Washington is having a resurgence this season. The Tornadoes are currently 7-2 after going a combined 8-10 the previous two seasons. One reason for their winning record this year is the play of 2024 Gerald Modest Jr.

The 6-foot, 180-pound running back is a dynamic play-maker in Booker T. Washington’s offensive attack. Modest pairs with Antwan Smith, Jr. to form one of the best running back tandems in Miami-Dade County. The Tornadoes have rushed for 190.4 yards per game (6.3 ypc) and 23 touchdowns.

“I started playing football at Overtown Optimist,” said Modest. “My cousins influenced me and taught me the game growing up. I always played with older kids and that just gave me the mindset and confidence that no one can mess with me.”

Modest played at Miami Edison before transferring to Booker T. Washington in the Overtown section of the city. He can be a traditional running back while complementing as an extra receiver. His versatility has helped Booker T. Washinton average nearly 31 points per game. The Tornadoes have scored 40 or more points in four contests.

“I’m an all-around running back,” he said. “I can do it on the ground and in the air. I’m just a player who brings a lot of energy to the game.”

Modest is dedicated to becoming a better player. His work on game days is supplemented by his diligence off the field. It’s all part of the process for Modest to become one of the best players in the state of Florida.

“I’m trying to get stronger in my lower body,” said Modest. “I’m squatting 410 right now. Not where I’m trying to be though. I want to get to 485-plus. I’m also running a 4.5 40-yard dash. I want to run a 4.4.”

Part of Booker T. Washington’s winning comeback is the return of Tim “Ice” Harris.  The head coach returned to the program after a three-year period at NAIA Florida Memorial University in nearby Miami Gardens. This is Harris’ fourth stint with the Tornadoes. He won state championships with the program in 2007, 2012 and 2013. Booker T. Washington also won state titles in 2014 and 2015 for a four-peat and another in 2019. His influence over the program has helped many of its players, including Modest.

“Coach Ice has helped me become a better man. He explained to me I have to be more than an athlete playing where I’m from.”

Modest is listed as a 3-star prospect and 82nd best player in Florida by 247 Sports. Overall, he places as the 45th best running back in the nation for the 2024 Class. Rivals.com upgraded his status to a 4-star recruit. He holds offers from Charlotte, FIU, Florida Memorial, Florida State, Illinois, Maryland, Miami, Ole Miss and Pittsburgh. He has received interest from programs such as Florida, Auburn, Syracuse, UCF, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Indiana, Marshall and West Virginia.