Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2021 running back rankings
Rivals.com’s revamped class of 2021 rankings released this week, and we continue our position-by-position look inside the update with a glance at how things are shaking out at the running back spot. It’s early in the cycle, sure, but Clemson and Texas have their fingerprints all over the group at this juncture.
2021 RB POSITION RANKING: Running backs | All-purpose backs
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK CLASS OF 2021:
Monday: Top 10 revealed
Tuesday: Rivals100 revealed | Mind of Mike on updated ranking
Wednesday: Rivals250 revealed
Thursday: Position rankings revealed
PROGRAM WITH TOP COMMIT: Clemson
You have to look outside the Rivals100 to find a committed running back, but Clemson is home to the top pledge as things stand today. Georgia-based back Phil Mafah is the No. 171 prospect in the country and committed to Dabo Swinney and company in August. Mafah chose the Tigers over Auburn and Georgia and doesn’t intend to visit other programs in the coming year.
Clemson has been on a bit of a roll when it comes to recruiting the position, as the program will likely sign five-star Demarckus Bowman as part of its 2020 class later this month. Success tends to compound in college football, so here we are.
PROGRAM TO WATCH: Texas
Things in Austin aren't looking as stable as they did at this time last year, so the Longhorns could use a dose of good news in the offseason. For the second-straight cycle, Tom Herman has a five-star running back in his home state, so letting this one get away would be less than ideal. Camar Wheaton seems high on both the Longhorns and Alabama in addition to a few other schools, but these are the sorts of battles Herman needs to win if he hopes to inspire confidence in his future. The state of Texas is also home to LJ Johnson, another highly-ranked back that would serve as a suitable backup option should Herman miss on Wheaton. Coming away with neither would be a full-fledged disaster for Texas.
PROSPECT TO WATCH: Will Shipley
Shipley recently received a bump in ranking after a spectacular senior season. His stock is clearly on the rise, and he remains uncommitted. South Carolina and Clemson seem to be the most likely suitors for Shipley as things stand, but the four-star all-purpose back lists more than 30 scholarship offers, so things on that front are subject to change. He has set no timetable for a decision, so his recruitment could rage well into next year.