The state of Texas is absolutely loaded at the top when it comes to running backs in the 2021 class and it’s a huge opportunity for the in-state schools and the regional powers to take complete advantage and load up at the position.

Leading the way is five-star Camar Wheaton from Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial who has not really been public about favorites or which programs stand out most but it’s safe to venture that LSU, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma and many others will try to stay involved.

Wheaton is ranked seventh nationally so his commitment could have huge ramifications up-and-down the position rankings and where other players end up.

Not far behind Wheaton in the running back rankings is Cypress (Texas) Cypress Fairbanks standout LJ Johnson, who has SEC and Big 12 powers looking strong early in his recruitment.

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MORE ASK FARRELL: Which 2021 players are destined for NFL combine?

CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

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The two other prospects from Texas who should not be overlooked and are ranked at all-purpose back are Rockdale’s Cam’Ron Valdez and Houston Klein Forest’s AhMonte’ Watkins, who are ranked fourth and fifth at that spot, respectively.

Valdez looks to be leaning toward Big 12 programs that can spread the ball around and Watkins’ recruitment could see a dramatic uptick in the coming months.

Texas has a huge opportunity to load up with in-state prospects. Texas A&M and others are definitely not going down without a fight. The Aggies did really well with elite in-state prospects in 2020 and Jimbo Fisher can recruit.

But Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, among others, will look to take advantage of some perceived weakness with the Longhorns and continue to dip into the state for elite players.

It’s happened before and it might happen again.

We ask Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell if he thinks the elite Texas running backs will stay close to home or whether more national powerhouses can steal them away.

"Well you know Texas and Texas A&M will each get one of the elite ones and Oklahoma will probably get one as well, but Wheaton is hard to read. He could end up at Alabama or LSU. The lure of the SEC is as strong as we’ve seen recently with Jase McClellan and Zach Evans and one of those two programs will steal a guy away.

"A lot will depend on how the season goes for Texas because this is a huge year for Tom Herman. The same can be said for the Aggies but obviously Jimbo Fisher isn’t under pressure right now.

"Wheaton is the real prize here and right now I think he goes to the SEC."