Rivals Rankings Week: Breaking down the 2020 running backs
Rivals.com’s rankings week continues with a look a how things are shaping up at the running back spot. Below, is a closer look at the players and teams that will shape the 2020 cycle at the position.
MORE: 2020 Running backs | 2020 All-purpose backs
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK:
Monday: Updated Top 10 revealed
Tuesday: Updated 2020 Rivals100
Wednesday: Updated 2020 Rivals250
Thursday: Updated position rankings
TEAM WITH THE TOP COMMIT: Oklahoma
The Sooners already hold a commitment from four-star running back Jase McClellan, a tailback based in Aledo (Texas). McClellan, who sits on the verge of five-star status, committed to the Sooners in 2017. The Sooners have held on to his commitment for some time already, but the true test will be the year ahead. In addition to McClellan, Lincoln Riley’s program holds a pledge from Florida-based back Jaylan Knighton, who choose OU this offseason. Signing both will be a difficult task for Riley, but doing so is far from impossible.
TEAM TO WATCH: Texas
The Longhorns have the class’s top running back in their metaphorical backyard, as five-star Zachary Evans plays his high school football roughly 170 miles away from Texas’ campus. The pressure is on Tom Herman to land the Houston-based star, but programs such as LSU and Texas A&M are also in pursuit. Three of the top-10 running backs in the 2020 class hail from Lone Star State, which should play in the Longhorns’ favor.
PROSPECT TO WATCH: Demarckus Bowman
Bowman was among the rushing leaders in the state of Florida this season and recently ran for 211 yards in the state title game. The Lakeland (Fla.) High School junior certainly has five-star upside and may push in the direction in the year ahead. Georgia, Florida, Miami, Florida State and Alabama are already in pursuit of the touted Bowman, who seems to be getting stronger and more effective with each passing week. The Bulldogs were the early leader in his recruitment, but the race seems to have tightened up in recent months.
