Rivals Rankings Week: New 2019 running back rankings
Rivals Rankings Week rolls on with a closer look at the running back position. Penn State, LSU and others have already made their marks on the position but there’s plenty of intrigue left as we head toward the early signing period. Below, we have a closer look at the storylines that will shape Signing Day at the tailback spot.
More Rivals Rankings Week:
Monday: Updated Top 10 | Debating Smith vs. Thibodeaux
Tuesday: 2019 Rivals100 revealed | Mind of Mike
Wednesday: 2019 Rivals250 revealed
Thursday: 2019 position rankings revealed
TEAM WITH THE TOP COMMIT: Penn State
Penn State has a five-star running back in the fold in the form of Devyn Ford, the No. 2 back in this class. The Nittany Lions continue to push for another top option as well, however, and remain involved with both Noah Cain and Mark-Antony Richards. But even if they miss on both, things are good in Happy Valley. Ford is unlikely to have a late change of heart, as Ohio State filled its need at running back and no longer seems like a threat. Any other tailback the Nittany Lions land will be icing on an already sweet cake.
TEAM TO WATCH: Texas
The relationship between Texas and four-star Noah Cain has included its share of twists and sharp turns. Cain has appeared to be a lock to LSU on several occasions over the past two years, but it now seems as though he won’t be signing with the Tigers, who hold a commitment from Rivals100 running back John Emery.
With Cain’s spot in the LSU class occupied, the Longhorns have once again found themselves among the front-runners to land the IMG Academy star. Texas has a wealth of running back talent in its own state next cycle, but would still like to beat out Auburn, Penn State and others to land Cain this year and, as things stand now, Tom Herman and company stand as the favorites to do just that.
PROSPECT TO WATCH: Mark-Antony Richards
Richards has family ties to Miami and once looked like a sure thing for Mark Richt, but things aren’t exactly progressing smoothly for the Hurricanes these days. Miami has lost a number of prospects for which it once led, including tailback Kenny McIntosh, who recently committed to Georgia despite having a brother that played for The U.
Miami’s 2019 class lacks star power by Miami standards and the 7-5 season it just posted seemed disappointing to many. The Canes still have to be seen as the heavy favorite to land Richards, but Auburn and Penn State remain real threats. This is certainly a situation to monitor, but the likely outcome is the obvious one.