Rivals Rankings Week: Are there too many five-star RBs?

Two more running backs have ascended to a five-star rating in the latest update of the Rivals100, bringing the total number of five-stars at the position in this 2020 class to six. In consideration of modern offenses, does the running back position carry enough value to warrant that many five-stars? Rivals analysts Mike Farrell and Josh Helmholdt debate that topic in this Rivals Views.

RIVALS RANKINGS RELEASE: New Rivals100 | Mind of Mike on updated Rivals100 | Breaking down the new five-stars | Top 10 breakdown | Who could still finish in the top 10? | Why is Bresee No. 1?

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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK:

Monday: Class of 2020 top 10

Tuesday: Class of 2020 Rivals100

Wednesday: Class of 2020 Rivals250

Thursday/Friday: Class of 2020 position rankings

Saturday: Class of 2020 team rankings breakdown

Sunday: Class of 2020 state rankings

"Something about the running back position produces duds. Five-stars at the position in the last 10 years have included the likes of Dillon Baxter, Derrick Green and Soso Jamabo. The way offenses are run in today’s game, there is just not the opportunity to have dominant backs like there was 20 years ago.

"When I look around college football today, I see one, maybe two running backs a year who play like they should have been rated five-stars. In the previous four classes we have done a good job recognizing this and being stingy with our five-star designations at the position, averaging less than two per class.

"However, in 2020 we now have six after the most recent update, which is more than any class since 2014 – the Joe Mixon, Leonard Fournette, Sony Michel year. Is this group that special to make it the best in the last six years? I say no."

"This is an exceptional running back class and many of these backs bring something different to the table. Bijan Robinson is a great receiver and can be used in so many ways similar to J.K. Dobbins at Ohio State while Tank Bigsby has the skills to line up as a Y or X receiver if needed.

"The churners are Kendall Milton, who is going into a good situation at Georgia, and Marshawn Lloyd who should be the work horse at South Carolina. Demarkus Bowman is a little bit of both, he's a guy who's tough to bring down and runs low to the ground but can also impact in the passing game. Zach Evans is probably the most talented of the group overall but has some off-field question marks.

"Will all six be first-rounders in a few years? Unlikely. But their resumes and skill level tells me each could be a huge success in college. I'm old school, I don't like too many five-stars at one position, but this is one of those years where I can justify it at running back."