Entering your college career as a five-star prospect brings with it pressure that less heralded signees do not experience. These five running backs handled the pressure the best and lived up to the high billing they received in high school.
RELATED: Top five-star QBs | Five-stars gambles we hit on | Rivals.com Five-Star Club
Why he’s No. 1: As a true freshman, Peterson ran for nearly 2,000 yards and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, while helping lead Oklahoma to an undefeated season and a berth in the national championship game. As a professional, Peterson was an immediate star as well, earning Rookie of the Year honors. He has gone on to rush for more than 11,000 yards and looks like a lock for the NFL Hall of Fame.
Back when we met him: There’s a case to be made that Peterson’s projection may be one of the best all-time in the history of Rivals.com. A dominant force who starred in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl following his senior season, it was easy to see that Peterson was a once-in-a-decade type talent.
Why he’s No. 2: Bush was one of the most exciting players in the history of college football, winning the Heisman Trophy and serving as the centerpiece of USC’s dominance in the mid-2000s. After being a first round pick by the New Orleans Saints, he helped the team win a Super Bowl and has been an effective NFL player over his 10-year career.
Back when we met him: Bush was a dynamic high school player and in the time before highlight film was easily distributed, his incredible plays weren’t easy to come by. But Bush wowed at the Army Bowl to cap off and incredible high school career and earned him five-star status.
Why he’s No. 3: At the time Stewart left Oregon, he was No. 2 in the program’s history in rushing yards. After being a first round NFL Draft pick by the Panthers in 2008, he has carved out a very successful career as a professional. Last year he was an integral part of the Panthers' run to the Super Bowl.
Back when we met him: Stewart was a star in high school and shocked many when he chose the Ducks over USC and Notre Dame. In addition to being a standout running back, he was also an accomplished track athlete. His combination of speed and size are very rare and that’s why he’s been able to translate his success into a long NFL career.
Why he’s No. 4: Spiller was an electric college player, helping pave the way for the type of offensive playmakers that are now common on the Tigers' roster. In addition to being terrific as a runner, Spiller was an effective receiver and a dynamic player in the return game as well. A first-round draft pick by the Bills in 2010, Spiller has had his share of injury issues, but has averaged nearly 1,000 yards of offense in each of his first six NFL seasons.
Back when we met him: Spiller spurned in-state options Florida and Florida State on Signing Day in 2006 to attend Clemson, a move that at the time shocked many people around the country, not just in the Sunshine State. But after a career that saw him rush for more than 5,000 yards and speed that made him multiple state champion on the track, it was easy to see why Spiller was ranked as a five-star and one of the top 10 players in his class.
Why he’s No. 5: 'Duke' Johnson wasted no time becoming a star at Miami, bursting onto the scene as a freshman and wrapping up his career with a junior season that ranks among the best in Hurricanes' history. After being a third-round draft pick of the Browns in 2015, he has shown flashes of the same talent that made him a star in Miami during his young NFL career.
Back when we met him: Johnson was a living legend as a high school player in South Florida, leading his team to back-to-back state championship games and a perfect record as a senior in 2011. Johnson’s speed and versatility is what made him so dangerous and exactly the reason why Rivals.com thought he would be a star in college and beyond.
