One vs. One: Comparing top RBs from 2017, 2018 classes
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
With Signing Day in the rearview mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2017 to the top players at their position in 2018. We call it One versus One and today we look at the running backs.
One vs. One: Quarterbacks | Best 2018 RB classes
RUNNING BACK: NAJEE HARRIS VS. ZAMIR WHITE
The skinny: Harris was a longtime Alabama commitment who flirted with Michigan before ultimately sticking with the Crimson Tide. As part of a loaded Alabama backfield, Harris finished his true freshman season with 370 yards and three touchdowns on 61 carries. Look for an expanded role for Harris in 2018 after a six-carry, 64-yard performance in the national championship game.
White committed to Georgia in late June. While Ohio State, Clemson, North Carolina and Alabama were threats at different times, the Bulldogs that were the school that was there from beginning till end.
Farrell’s take: White is a special talent and when healthy is one of the best running backs I’ve scouted, but Harris, with his size, speed, balance and receiving ability, is beyond unique. It’s rare for us to name a running back No. 1 overall but we did so with Harris for a reason so he wins this battle. He’s as rare as they come at the position.
Farrell’s verdict: Harris
ALL-PURPOSE BACK: KHALAN LABORN VS. JAMES COOK
The skinny: While Florida State, Virginia Tech, Auburn and Florida were the final four schools for Laborn, it really came down to the Seminoles and Hokies. Committing in July, Laborn decided to leave his home state and pledged to the Noles. After redshirting during the 2017 season, he will battle Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick for carries this fall.
Cook initially committed to Florida State, where his older brother Dalvin Cook made a name for himself, but then re-opened his process during the summer. During the early period Signing Day he committed to Georgia over the Seminoles, who made a late push to get him back.
Farrell’s take: This is a really good battle as Laborn is more thick and solid and powerful while Cook is a bit more evasive and better in space. Both running backs are extremely fast around the corner and a threat in the passing game so this is a very tough call but I’ll go with Cook by a small amount.
Farrell’s verdict: Cook
