4-Star RB Matt Falcon Breaks Down Top 5 in B/R Exclusive

Dynamic Michigan running back prospect Matt Falcon proclaimed a "Fab Five" on Monday afternoon, naming the college programs currently under heaviest consideration for his commitment:

The 4-star rusher revealed Arizona State, Arkansas, Michigan, Oregon and Tennessee as the teams to beat entering the final stretch of his recruitment. Falcon, a junior at Southfield High School, holds more than 20 scholarship offers but is nearing a decision. 

"I'll probably announce my commitment around that first week of May," he said. 

With several premier programs in the mix and a crucial campus visit looming, Falcon is among the most compelling running back recruits to monitor this spring.

Rated 13th nationally among players at the position in 247Sports' composite rankings, he is fourth on that list when it comes to uncommitted ball-carriers.

Falcon, who stands 6'1", said his weight is up to 220 pounds. That's substantial size for an athlete who completes the 40-yard dash in the 4.4 range and has a track background.

“I bring a different kind of presence to the backfield, and I think that’s why coaches like me so much," he said. "I can receive just as well as I can run the ball. When I started going to camps at the start of high school, all I did was work as a receiver. I’m big, fast and have that versatility opponents always have to keep their eyes on.”

Though he played in just six games as a junior due to injury, Falcon provided evidence of his playmaking mentality. His 2014 campaign featured 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, according to Michigan blog Touch the Banner.

Falcon is focused on a collection of schools from three conferences and discussed specific qualities about each member of his "Fab Five."

Arizona State

Sun Devils head coach Todd Graham has impressed during his tenure in Tempe, highlighted by back-to-back 10-win seasons. Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell orchestrates one of the country's most consistent attacks, one rated among the top 20 nationally in points per game during each of his three campaigns as play-caller. 

Falcon is impressed by the team's ability to utilize running backs in multiple phases of that offensive scheme. 

D.J. Foster led Arizona State in rushing yards last season, gaining 1,081 yards on the ground. He also hauled in 62 passes for an additional 688 yards.

“They have a very versatile offense," he said. "I like that because if I want to line up at receiver or run the ball, they do both very well with their running back. If I want to show both of those skills, Arizona State would be a great place to do that.”

The Sun Devils extended an offer on March 23.

Arkansas

It's no secret the Razorbacks rely on a relentless rushing attack to set up other aspects of the offense. Arkansas featured a pair of 1,100-yard backs last season (Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins) who each rushed for 12 touchdowns.

Their efforts contributed mightily toward making Arkansas the SEC's third-best team in terms of rushing yards per contest (218). Plenty of credit must be spread among the maulers up front who form one of college football's most feared positional groups.

“They have the biggest offensive line in football, so it would be sweet to run behind that group," Falcon said. "They run the ball a lot. It’s kind of like ‘Running Back U’ over there."

He also noted a supportive atmosphere around the program as part of its allure.

“The fanbase is amazing down there," Falcon said. "They’re all about college football in Arkansas, and they’ve got a coach who loves to run the ball with [Bret] Bielema. So those things stand out.”

Arkansas was another team that entered the equation late, offering on March 28. 

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Michigan

Falcon grew up a Wolverines fan and recalled memories of watching all-time Michigan rushing leader Mike Hart decimate defenses. Now he may be in position to do the same as a new era gets underway.

“Michigan is so close to home. It’s probably about a 15-minute drive going up to Ann Arbor, which is great," Falcon said. "Coach [Jim] Harbaugh came in with a whole new staff, and they’re doing big things. They’re on the rebuilding path to get Michigan back to where it once was.”

He attended the team's spring game on April 4 and left impressed by what he witnessed. Michigan landed a commitment from 4-star quarterback prospect Brandon Peters the night before and could soon pair him with its top in-state offensive backfield target.

“When I was at the spring game, I thought that I could see myself out there playing and fighting for a position," Falcon said. "That intrigued me."

He's established a strong relationship with former Michigan star Tyrone Wheatley, who joined Harbaugh's staff as running backs coach following stints with the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse.

“Coach Wheatley has known about me since eighth grade," Falcon said. 

Michigan may be in excellent position to pick up a pledge from the running back, who spent his youth football years with the Washtenaw Wolverines.

“I’ve been a Wolverine almost my whole life," Falcon said.

Oregon

The Ducks offense hasn't lost any of its luster since former head coach Chip Kelly left for Philadelphia. Oregon carved up opponents for 45 points per game during each of the past two seasons and produced a Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Running back Royce Freeman starred as a true freshman in 2014, rushing for 1,365 yards and 18 scores. Meanwhile, six different Ducks caught at least five touchdown passes last season.

An opportunity to join this prolific attack and add to the firepower should be tempting for any offensive talent, according to Falcon.

“It’s like a dream school for football and athletics," he said. "They’re good every season out there on the West Coast and just went to the national championship. They produce high-level offensive athletes each year.”

Oregon offered him a scholarship less than a week ago, but he's impressed enough by the Ducks' reputation to put the team on his list.

Tennessee

Head coach Butch Jones has used his "brick by brick" philosophy to assemble some of the nation's most star-studded recruiting classes the past two national signing days. That effort hasn't gone unnoticed by Falcon.

“Coach Jones is making big steps in recruiting," he said. "They’re another team that’s rebuilding, and he’s working to turn Tennessee back into a national powerhouse.”

The Volunteers identified him as a long-term target last season, and Falcon quickly reciprocated interest. He named Tennessee his leader earlier in the process, though new offers and a recent trip to Ann Arbor have shaken things up.

Tennessee assistant coaches Robert Gillespie and Steve Stripling have each traveled to Southfield to see Falcon on multiple occasions. He'll return the favor later this month, visiting Knoxville for the first time to watch the school's spring game on April 25.

Falcon will make the trip with his mother. It's his last planned campus visit before he expects to announce a commitment.

“We’re going to look at the academic side of the school just as much as the athletics," said Falcon, who plans to study physical therapy. "We’ll be taking a tour, so that will really help me check things out. I want to see how live the fans are down there. They said they’re trying to bring in 100,000 people for the spring game this year. That would be crazy.”

He's already connected with several Volunteers fans online.

“I have a great relationship with their fans on social media," Falcon said. "It’s all positive feedback, and they’re letting me know they want me down there badly, so I’m looking forward to that visit.”

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.