CFB Recruiting 200: Top 21 Running Backs
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report recruiting analysts Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and provided in-depth analysis. As national signing day draws near, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Today, we present the Top Running Backs.
Other Positions
The 2015 recruiting class is stocked with rushers who can wear opponents down with chunks of yardage at a time or rip off game-changing runs. These backs have enjoyed success in various offensive schemes across the country, but they'll arrive on college campuses this year prepared to prove themselves all over again in a new environment.
We broke down the latest high school game film for each running back rated among the top 200 overall 2015 prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings, looking to see how each playmaker progressed as a senior. These evaluations, along with in-person accounts, led us to grade all 22 athletes on a 100-point scale centered on ball security, power, vision, hands, speed and agility.
Here's an in-depth look at the future of offensive backfields at powerhouse programs throughout college football.
*All prospects studied and graded by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue.
*Players listed in order of 247Sports' composite rankings.
21. 4-Star Nick Brossette
1 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0"/207 lbs.
High School: University Lab High School; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 16 running back; No. 181 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to LSU on Aug. 26, 2013
Nick Brossette didn't wait long to commit to his hometown team, joining the LSU Tigers' class in August 2013. He received an array of early scholarship offers, including Ole Miss, UCLA and Texas A&M as a sophomore.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Louisiana's all-time touchdowns leader was a workhorse at University Lab, registering at least 1,500 rushing yards during each season. Brossette doesn't beat teams in ways that fill up a highlight reel, but he simply punishes opponents with repetitive strong rushing attempts.
He has an explosive first step and makes himself small at the line, approaching contact with compact strides and quality pad level. Brossette drives through contact and makes you earn the tackle by implementing a powerful stiff-arm and shoulder shrug.
Many running backs are quicker (he scored 11/15 in speed), but few are as technically consistent on each carry. Brossette's reliability extends to the passing game, where he graded out as one of the three receivers on this list.
20. 4-Star Kirk Merritt
2 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11"/206 pounds lbs.
High School: Destrehan High School; Destrehan, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 all-purpose back; No. 171 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Oregon, Texas A&M, Alabama and LSU.
Kirk Merritt continues to command attention as a coveted undecided target. He spent official visits at Oregon, Auburn and Texas A&M during the season, while Alabama and LSU entered the hunt early.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Few athletes at any position compare to Merritt, who claimed top honors at Nike's nationally televised SPARQ championship last summer. Unsurprisingly, this athleticism results in expansive versatility.
He can be utilized as a receiver and displays outstanding agility (14/15) in the open field. Expect his college offensive coordinator to exploit opponents by utilizing that skill set in the screen game.
"I want to play receiver, but that's not the only thing I'm trying to do on offense in college," Merritt told me in July. "I'd like to do running back things and be able to help out the offense in different ways."
Merritt runs with a nice blend of speed and toughness, which also shines when there's an opportunity for him to throw a block. Most of his high school carries bounced to the outside, but he has the physical stature to take on defenders between the tackles.
19. 4-Star Rodney Anderson
3 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0.5"/204 lbs.
High School: Katy High School; Katy, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 all-purpose back; 156 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Enrolled at Oklahoma
Rodney Anderson initially committed to Texas A&M before his junior season; however, he had a change of heart and backed off that pledge last spring. He joined Oklahoma's class less than two months later, selecting the Sooners from a list that also included Arkansas and Texas.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Anderson is an upright runner who motors downfield with long strides. He's not a burner (14/20 speed), but he's decisive and gains steam upon locating space.
His ability to damage when traveling north and south far outweighs what Anderson can accomplish laterally. He brings above-average power into collisions and routinely churns out additional yards after contact.
Anderson is another back capable of making an impact in the passing game, though a lack of elite hip fluidity prevents him from regularly attacking defenses with downfield routes. He rushed for a career-high 2,684 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2014, and he finished a four-year run with nearly 7,000 yards on the ground.
18. 4-Star Desherrius Flowers
4 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0.5"/204 lbs.
High School: Vigor High School (Mobile, Alabama)
247Sports Ranking: No. 15 running back; No. 147 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Enrolled at Alabama
Desherrius Flowers follows in the footsteps of fellow standout Mobile-area rusher T.J. Yeldon to Tuscaloosa. He committed to Alabama before many other teams became involved, ending his recruitment as a sophomore.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Flowers is a power-based rusher who maintains low pad level and makes the most of his physical frame. He attacks defenders with tenacity and refuses to sacrifice yards along the sideline, where he'd rather crash into an opponent than step out of bounds.
That fearlessness is great, but there's some concern about his downfield approach. Flowers doesn't always seem to identify ideal rushing lanes, simply plowing ahead at times instead of displaying patience by decelerating and letting things develop in front of him (16/20 vision).
He doesn't possess the quick-trigger hips to bounce things outside in a hurry, so it's imperative for Flowers to develop an enhanced sense of anticipation amid the trenches and beyond. Flowers projects as a short-yardage back and potential goal-line back at the very least.
"There's a great history of running backs at Alabama under Coach (Nick) Saban," Flowers told Bleacher Report in December. "I'm just happy to have an opportunity to potentially add my name to the list."
17. 4-Star Malik Lovette
5 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11"/180 lbs.
High School: Redlands East Valley High School; Redlands, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 all-purpose back; No. 133 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Oregon on Aug. 30, 2014
The Ducks landed Malik Lovette during his official visit on the opening weekend of a special season in Eugene. He chose Oregon over opportunities at USC, Texas A&M and Notre Dame, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lovette is unquestionably the best receiver I studied on this list, earning a score of 15/15 in that department, and you can expect to see him take a ton of snaps in the slot at Oregon. His primary role may be as a pass-catcher, but he offers an offensive attack far more than that.
He's a slippery playmaker out of the backfield, making defenders miss with precise moves set up by downfield vision. Lovette, who racked up 990 yards through the air and 955 yards on the ground in 2014, per MaxPreps, appears to lack the power of an every-down back but is an ideal change-of-pace weapon.
He could take on a significant role as a true freshman, with a potential ceiling of 15-20 total touches per game. Whether Lovette is accepting handoffs or running routes, expect some fireworks from him at Oregon.
16. 4-Star Saquon Barkley
6 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11"/190 lbs.
High School: Whitehall High School; Whitehall, Pennsylvania
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 running back; No. 123 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Penn State on Feb 19, 2014
Saquon Barkley was among the first high school juniors to jump on Penn State's bandwagon upon the arrival of Franklin. He initially pledged to Rutgers at the start of the 2013 season but flipped after attending junior day at Happy Valley.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Much like fellow Nittany Lions running back commit Andre Robinson, Barkley is a workmanlike rusher who built his reputation on consistency rather than "flash" plays. He's decisive off the snap and understands how to navigate lanes as they develop.
Barkley has more wiggle than Robinson, and that shiftiness allows him to escape tight quarters in traffic. A nimble slide-step and effective spin move are part of his arsenal, warranting a score of 14/15 in agility.
15. 4-Star Nyheim Hines
7 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'9"/187 lbs.
High School: Garner High School; Garner, North Carolina
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 all-purpose back; No. 112 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to North Carolina State on Dec. 19, 2014
Nyheim Hines stayed busy on the recruiting trail in 2014, traveling to Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio State and East Carolina. He kept several schools in the mix until announcing his intentions to play for the Wolfpack.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Don't let his measurements fool you: Hines packs plenty of power into his 5'9" frame. In fact, he's at his finest when attacking interior rushing lanes out of the I-formation he typically operated in during high school.
Hines rushed for 5,491 yards and 88 touchdowns as an upperclassman, according to Matt Carter of Rivals.com. Though he isn't equipped with elite speed, his quickness (16/20) allows him to beat linebackers' angles, and he can give defensive backs fits.
I appreciate the way Hines holds on to the football with authority as a back who takes on a lot of contact in the trenches. He's one of just three rushers on this list to earn a 15/15 score for ball security.
14. 4-Star Eric Swinney
8 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10"/188 lbs.
High School: Sandy Creek High School; Tyrone, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 running back; No. 122 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Ole Miss on May 16, 2014
Eric Swinney attracted early collegiate attention, collecting offers from Florida State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, North Carolina and Virginia Tech as a sophomore. He chose the Rebels after multiple visits to campus last spring.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Swinney projects as a scheme-diverse tailback who can shift outside and wreak havoc in the slot if given the opportunity. He combines significant power (16/20) with a level of agility (14/15) that sets him apart from a lot of backs on this list.
His ability to line up at multiple positions puts pressure on opponents to prepare accordingly, and that's something his high school squad did often in 2014. Swinney rushed for a career-best 1,842 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior after flashing receiving skills (325 yards and four scores) during his junior campaign, per MaxPreps.
You won't find him dancing around in the backfield when holes are filled. He improvises with authoritative upfield cuts that catch unbalanced defenders off guard and pave the way for big gains.
13. 4-Star Jordan Scarlett
9 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10.5"/202 lbs.
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 running back; No. 118 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Miami on July 8, 2014
Jordan Scarlett stunned college football recruiting followers last winter when he pledged to FAU over several FBS title contenders. His former high school coach served as an assistant coach for the Owls, which made the decision a bit more understandable; however, he ultimately backed off that verbal pledge in June and joined Miami's class two weeks later.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Scarlett is a man-child in terms of his physical stature, already possessing the muscle structure of a college veteran. Still, he predominately relies on speed (19/20) more than power (14/20).
His quickness enables him to reach the perimeter before defenders. If he reaches the sideline with a clear lane, there isn't much a defense can do.
Issues arise when he makes a habit of scoffing at interior rushing lanes in favor of potential home run plays outside. His acceleration is impressive, but you must take yards when they're available in college, where defenders patrol the perimeter with a much greater level of authority.
With a skill set like Scarlett's, it's always tempting to take that risk. I'll be curious to watch him develop at Miami, where there's work to be done if he aims to become a consistent three-down talent.
12. 4-Star Dexter Williams
10 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0"/192 lbs.
High School: West Orange High School; Winter Garden, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 running back; No. 94 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Louisville, Florida and Notre Dame.
Dexter Williams committed to Miami last April and would have made it three future Hurricanes on this list if he hadn't reopened his recruitment at the start of January. That decision sets the stage for a frenzied final pursuit that includes a trip to Notre Dame and heavy pursuit from new Florida coach Jim McElwain.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The first thing that stands out about Williams is his speed (18/20), as he rapidly accelerates once identifying daylight. Offensive linemen will love him due to his ability to find lanes and improvise when things go awry up-front (18/20 for vision).
I would expect Williams to tip the scales at 200-plus pounds in college, adding more bulk to his frame and power to his step. He already displays explosive tendencies, attacking the second level with excellent bend.
He can fall into a trap of moving east to west when the more efficient decision would be to rumble ahead and attempt to break through contact. Williams can get away with that method in high school but college defenders will bottle him up.
Despite a lack of pass targets at West Orange, I came away pleasantly surprised by how natural a receiving role came to him this summer at The Opening.
11. 4-Star Mark Walton
11 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10"/179 lbs.
High School: Booker T. Washington High School (Miami, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 running back; No. 83 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Miami on Sept. 29, 2013
Mark Walton was originally a member of the 2016 class, but after reclassifying, he'll arrive in Coral Gables a year ahead of schedule. His commitment came as a sophomore, and despite substantial interest from Louisville, Florida and West Virginia, Walton remains on track to become a 'Cane.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Walton, who wrapped up his Booker T. Washington career with MVP honors in the state title game, would have been in the mix as the No. 1 overall 2016 running back had he remained in the class. Regardless, I graded him out as a top-eight talent among players with an extra year of high school game experience.
Despite being younger than his class counterparts, Walton already has a college-ready physique. He's a balanced runner who fights through tackles and flashes fleet feet in the open field.
His scores for power and agility add up to 32/35, a better mark for that blend than any player on this list. Walton's key areas of improvement will occur in vision and straight-line speed, two elements that will be immediately aided during intensive work with a collegiate coaching staff.
10. 4-Star Michael Weber
12 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'9.5"/219 lbs.
High School: Cass Technical High School; Detroit, Michigan
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 running back; No. 78 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Ohio State on Dec. 10, 2014
Michael Weber committed to Michigan last summer, giving the Wolverines a top in-state target to build around; however, he developed second thoughts as the situation eroded for Brady Hoke in Ann Arbor and decommitted in November.
Offers swiftly arrived from Alabama, Notre Dame and Georgia, but his allegiance switched to the Buckeyes less than three weeks later.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Weber is well suited for the nasty, winter-weather games that await him in Big Ten territory. He's a classic fit for when it's time to implement a ground-and-pound attack, pummeling through defenses with the highest-rated power in this class (19/20).
His style of rushing won't fool defenders, but that's OK. Weber, who rushed for 2,268 yards and 29 touchdowns, will leave his fair share of opponents gasping for air after violent collisions. He inflicts punishment more than he receives it, which you cannot say about a lot of backs.
"I have the mindset to be better than my opponents by the time we get to the fourth quarter," Weber told Bleacher Report during U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities. "I hit them hard when they're tired. I'm a closer."
I rated Weber much higher than he appears in 247Sports' composite rankings. If he can incorporate a greater level of agility and acceleration—elements Weber can work to develop in college—it wouldn't be surprise to see him emerge as the most productive member of this group.
9. 4-Star Chris Warren
13 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'2"/240 lbs.
High School: Rockwall High School; Rockwall, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 running back; No. 77 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas and Washington.
Chris Warren is focused on four finalists as signing day approaches and is set to spend an official visit at each school. Teams that offered but are no longer in contention include Arkansas, TCU and Virginia.
Bleacher Report Analysis
It's difficult to project where a player like Warren ultimately fits on a collegiate roster. His immense size would serve him well at outside linebacker or even as an edge-rusher, but his career at the next level likely begins in the offensive backfield.
Warren, who rushed for 2,329 yards and 34 scores as a senior, is a load to bring down. He blends above-average power (17/20) with solid speed (17/20) for an athlete of his stature.
I believe he has the makings of an effective H-back, capable of blocking, rushing and catching the ball out of the backfield. There are serious ball-security concerns that must be addressed before he takes on an expansive role, as Warren allows the football to flail away from his body far too often in traffic.
8. 4-Star Johnny Frasier
14 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10"/229 lbs.
High School: Princeton High School; Princeton, North Carolina
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 running back; No. 76 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to North Carolina State on Jan. 25, 2015
Florida State secured a commitment from Johnny Frasier in August, but he never shied away from other programs. North Carolina State ultimately pushed him into a flip less than two weeks shy of signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Frasier is arguably the most scintillating athlete on this list, presenting a legitimate scoring threat each time he touches the ball. He's one of just two prospects in this ranking who scored 20/20 in terms of speed.
His agility (15/15) is also special and puts him in position to exploit seams within the defense. Frasier averaged more than 11 yards per carry as an upperclassman, per MaxPreps, rushing for 5,308 yards and 78 scores.
He's also an adept receiver, evidenced by 46 catches for 826 yards and eight touchdowns through the air since 2013. Given his physical frame and skill set, Williams fits the mold of an every-down back.
7. 4-Star Larry Scott
15 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'2"/228 lbs.
High School: Hubbard High School; Hubbard, Ohio
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 running back; No. 59 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to Michigan State on July 10, 2014
The race for Larry Scott's services came down to a pair of conference rivals, as Ohio State and Michigan State took turns hosting him on campus. He opted to wrap things up last summer with a pledge to the Spartans.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Before we get to everything I admire about Scott, it's important to address his most glaring shortcoming at this stage. Scott must focus on fine-tuning his ball-carrying technique because he graded out worst among this group in ball security (11/15).
That's an issue that is sure to be harped on in East Lansing, but there's already a lot to like about what Scott brings to the table. He's among the country's most powerful runners (18/20) and doesn't miss many holes during the course of a game.
There's also a nimbleness to his approach that clashes with his typical rushing style, and he catches defenders by surprise. I'm also convinced Scott will continue making strides as a legitimate receiver when his number is called in the passing game.
He fits in perfectly with what Michigan State aims to do each week, and with some refinement, he should be able to eventually carry the load when winter weather demands a strong ground game.
6. 4-Star Taj Griffin
16 of 21Height/Weight: 5'10"/175 lbs.
High School: McEachern High School; Powder Springs, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 all-purpose back; No. 51 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Enrolled at Oregon
Taj Griffin elected to travel across the country, joining Pac-12 champion Oregon. He enrolled early, providing him with an opportunity to rehab a torn ACL with the Ducks' professional training staff.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The Oregon offensive attack is an ideal landing spot for Griffin, who looked every bit as fast as his 40-yard dash time (4.31 seconds) last summer at The Opening. He can score from anywhere on the field, meaning the Ducks are likely to utilize him beyond the backfield.
I don't believe he's a 20-carry back in college, but there are other ways to get Griffin the ball. Expect him to see time in the slot and fielding kicks on special teams, a role he flourished in during high school.
"I'm all about making the big play," he told Bleacher Report in July. "The plays that can change a game and help my team."
Griffin is one of just two players on this list who graded out 35/35 on the combination of speed and agility, though his recovery from knee surgery is certainly worth monitoring. Added physicality would be a major step forward for this scintillating playmaker.
5, 4-Star Derrius Guice
17 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10.5"/213 lbs.
High School: Catholic High School; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 running back; No. 46 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to LSU on May 31, 2014
Derrius Guice committed to his hometown team while attending the Tigers' "Bayou Picnic," giving head coach Les Miles a pair of top-tier local running backs. Nick Brossette, No. 18 on this list, is also onboard.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Guice belongs in the discussion as America's most high-impact freshman in 2015, and I can't wait to see what he can do while paired up with Class of 2014 phenom Leonard Fournette. His attitude sets the tone for the way he plays, and you pick up on that immediately during a conversation.
"I'm not an ordinary back," he told Bleacher Report in December. "I've worked to improve different parts of my game, from footwork to catching passes. I think I'm going to be a big part of a nasty backfield at LSU."
Guice an exceptional downfield receiver and caught a pair of touchdown passes to earn MVP honors at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. His ability to stutter-step opponents out of position is special and frees him up to do damage with elite speed.
Far from just flash, Guice also seems to relish contact. He has all the makings of a three-down back, but he won't deal with the pressure to take on that task as long as Fournette is around.
4. 4-Star Jacques Patrick
18 of 21Height/Weight: 6'1.5"/230 lbs.
High School: Timber Creek High School; Orlando, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 running back; No. 40 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Enrolled at Florida State
Jacques Patrick kept the nation guessing on his eventual destination for a while, but he finally revealed his decision to become a Seminole in late October during an All-American jersey presentation. He committed to Florida State over fellow finalists Florida, Alabama, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Patrick, who finished his career ranked fifth all time among Florida rushing yardage leaders, is an absolute load to tackle. His combination of power (19/20) and vision (18/20) set the stage for him to gain 7,922 yards on the ground at Timber Creek, per Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel.
A strong lower body and consistent pad level allow him to shed tackles with frequency. His arsenal also includes an effective stiff arm for good measure.
"I like being physical," he said during a break at The Opening. "If I'm getting it done, that opens things up for other players."
Patrick won't run past defensive backs or juke them out of their shoes, but that's simply not his game. Given his track record and physicality, his collegiate career is likely to include multiple efforts of 25 carries or more.
3. 4-Star Ronald Jones
19 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0"/185 lbs.
High School: McKinney North High School; McKinney, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 running back; No. 39 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to USC on Jan. 2, 2015
Ronald Jones joined an impressive USC Trojans class by announcing his intentions at the Under Armour All-America Game. The decision occurred less than three weeks after he decommitted from Oklahoma State and visited Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones loves to get downhill and has the short-area quickness make it happen in a hurry. He's a one-cut-and-go talent who operates smoothly out of the backfield and anticipates his next steps, earning a grade of 18/20 for vision.
While Jones' game certainly isn't based on power (15/20), he's strong enough to work through arm tackles and often picks up an extra chunk of yardage after contact. Coaches should appreciate his penchant for getting narrow in the trenches as he navigates through traffic.
Jones, who surpassed 2,000 rushing yards during each of the past two seasons, would be aided by bulking up his lower body. Diligent work with collegiate athletic trainers could set the stage for him to emerge as a workhorse runner in Los Angeles.
2. 5-Star Soso Jamabo
20 of 21Height/Weight: 6'2.5"/210 lbs.
High School: Plano West High School; Plano, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 running back; No. 32 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M and UCLA.
Soso Jamabo's ultimate destination remains a mystery as things come down to the wire. His top in-state option seems to be Texas following a recent visit, while UCLA and Notre Dame have each made strong cases by hosting him on campus.
Bleacher Report Analysis
It's fair to say no offensive playmaker's stock soared more in recent months than Jamabo, who doubled his junior season production with 2,279 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns. He started the fall considered a top-10 talent at running back and finished it atop national rankings.
Jamabo may not be my No. 1 guy on this list, but he undoubtedly warrants consideration. His size overwhelms opponents and is augmented by outstanding agility (14/15) and speed (17/20).
His prowess as a pass-catcher is also worth noting, and Jamabo showed off that facet of his game last summer at The Opening. He collected 51 passes during the past three seasons, resulting in 959 yards and seven scores.
He's an upright runner who picks up momentum quickly and runs through half-hearted tackle attempts. I believe there's room for growth from a power standpoint (15/20), but this is a young man who continues to improve exponentially and should take steps forward across the board during his college career.
—Tyler Donohue
1. 5-Star Damien Harris
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Height/Weight: 5'11"/205 lbs.
High School: Madison Southern High School; Berea, Kentucky
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 running back; No. 31 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Alabama on January 9, 2015
A surprise to some, Harris spurned his home state school (Kentucky) and will head further south to play for the mighty Crimson Tide. Alabama is known for producing top tier running backs, and there is no doubt Harris will be next in line as one of the best to play the position for Nick Saban.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Unique anticipation is what separates Damien Harris from multiple running backs who feature comparable measurements. He never looks lost on a rushing attempt, even when blocking efforts break down; he earned a 19/20 for vision.
Harris has the ability to reverse field in open space and essentially create his own rushing lane, though those opportunities will be much tougher to come by in college. Upon identifying a point of attack, he exploits it with elite burst and square pad level.
He operates with admirable ball security and should only continue to improve as a receiver. Harris, who rushed for 6,717 yards and 111 touchdowns in high school, will be squarely in the mix to secure early reps during his first collegiate training camp.
—Tyler Donohue
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