Rivals Rankings Week continues as we unveil the new position rankings. We now turn our focus to the running backs:
TODAY'S NEW POSITION RANKINGS: Running backs | All-purpose backs | Pro-style QBs | Dual-threat QBs
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Monday: Five-star countdown
Tuesday: Rivals250 unveiled | Gorney's thoughts | Biggest movers | Meet the new five-stars | Should Walter Nolen be the No. 1 DL?
Wednesday: QB rankings spotlight | RB rankings spotlight | WR/TE rankings spotlight | OL rankings spotlight
Thursday: Defensive position rankings released
Friday: State rankings
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PROGRAMS WITH TOP COMMITS: Oklahoma, Georgia, Penn State, Texas
There are a lot of programs that have loaded up at the running back position so far this recruiting cycle but these four teams particularly stand out. Oklahoma leads the way with commitments from new five-star and No. 1 all-purpose back Raleek Brown and four-star Gavin Sawchuk. The Sooners mined some of the best playmakers and athletes in the West and won out for Brown, who will also be used in the passing game, and Sawchuk, who can run between the tackles or get to the edge with ease.
Georgia has secured the commitment of five-star Branson Robinson, who is muscled up and a physical downhill runner that fits the Bulldogs’ offense perfectly. The SEC power also has a commitment from four-star Jordan Bryant-James.
Penn State landed four-stars Nicholas Singleton, an important in-state recruiting win as the Nittany Lions held off Notre Dame and others, and four-star Kaytron Allen from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.
And first-year Texas coach Steve Sarkisian got four-star Jamarion Miller, one of the biggest risers in the running back rankings, and four-star Jaydon Blue, who has opted not to play in his senior season as he prepares to play college football.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GEORGIA FANS AT UGASPORTS.COM
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OKLAHOMA FANS AT SOONERSCOOP.COM
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH PENN STATE FANS AT BLUEWHITEILLUSTRATED.COM
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PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Raleek Brown
Prior to the new rankings release, Branson Robinson was the lone running back with a five-star ranking but following this summer – and more dominant performances by Brown – he was moved to that elite ranking as well.
The Oklahoma commit is so dynamic with the ball in his hands, he’s so electric and tough to tackle and now the Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei standout is filling out physically as well. The comparison was made to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and that’s an interesting one that could work.
Oklahoma will use Brown in the backfield but also catching passes out of the backfield and as a receiver as well. That offense is a perfect complement to Brown’s abilities and he should shine in Norman. Figuring out ways to get him the ball won’t be a problem and then Brown can do everything with it in his hands.
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PROSPECT TO WATCH: Le’Veon Moss
When Moss committed to Alabama in June, it was another big recruiting coup for the Crimson Tide as they dipped back into Louisiana for one of the state’s top prospects. It was a particularly a major statement since Moss had just visited LSU and he’s from Baton Rouge.
But about two months later, Moss reopened his recruitment and Alabama suffered a rare decommitment. There is some talk that the Baton Rouge (La.) Istrouma will seriously look at Texas A&M and other programs, but the rumor is that LSU is definitely out front in his recruitment now.
After missing out on Moss the first time around, it looks like the Tigers could be in good shape with the four-star running back.
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CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
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RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Info/coverage
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