2019 RB Noah Cain Ready to Validate No. 1 Ranking, Reveals Upcoming Visits

Prior to each snap, handoff and broken tackle, Noah Cain repeats a mantra.

"Every single play before I carry the ball—even before any rankings came out—I've always told myself I'm the best," he told Bleacher Report. "I tell myself that, not anybody else."

This unspoken personal reflection carries a sentiment that's resonated on a national level. When 247Sports released its initial list of top 2019 college football recruits in August, Cain claimed the No. 1 ranking among running backs. 

A sophomore at Denton, Texas, powerhouse Guyer High School, he is No. 5 overall on that list and tops all offensive prospects. The 15-year-old, who stands 5'11", 201 pounds, is taking it all in stride.

"It was incredible to see those rankings, but that's just something on paper," Cain said. "I still have to go out there and perform. I always think about people wanting to chase me and knock me off my game. That makes me work harder and just builds me up even more on game day."

Now carrying the coveted No. 1 label, he responded in emphatic fashion last Friday during Guyer's season opener. Cain collected 166 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 rushing attempts, according to Adam Boedeker of the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Dating back to 2015, it's his fourth consecutive game that featured at least 150 yards on the ground with fewer than 20 carries. Cain has rushed for 1,249 yards (9.9 per touch) and 12 touchdowns during his young high school career, despite missing three matchups due to a broken finger last season.

"When Coach [John] Walsh told me I'd be playing varsity as a freshman, I just wanted to help out in the best way I could," Cain said. "After the first scrimmage, I got used to the contact and physical aspect of everything. That's when he really started trusting me and let me do my thing."

Cain, still staring ahead at three prep seasons, has already seen early success pay dividends. He holds nine collegiate scholarship offers, with the latest arriving Tuesday from reigning Big 12 Conference champion Oklahoma.

"I feel ecstatic about it because it's a blessing to have that offer," Cain said. "I see Oklahoma doing big things with [running backs] Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, and it's such a versatile backfield. They've had great running backs come through the program, and it means they think I could be the next one."

The Sooners join a list of early suitors that includes Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas, Miami, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. He claimed his first offer as a freshman in April when Tulsa extended a scholarship.

"I've always thought about getting these high-caliber offers, but I kept telling myself to play my game and let things happen naturally," Cain said.

Given his physical stature, athleticism (his hand-timed 40-yard dash is 4.51 seconds) and production, expect plenty of college programs to enter this equation as the 2019 recruiting cycle progresses. Cain, who routinely studies film of star running backs such as Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette, is focused on validating increased hype by improving various elements of his approach. 

"My vision, quickness and pass protection are important," he said. "I take pride in blocking for the quarterback because that's our trigger man. If I don't help protect him, we can't have a balanced offense. With the ball in my hands, power is also definitely a big aspect of my game because I tend to break tackles a lot."

Cain, raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina, grew up cheering for LSU. Though he's now viewed as one of the Lone Star State's finest athletes, motivation is cultivated from that background.

"It fuels my fire," Cain said. "You can't prevent the weather, but you can move on somewhere else and get out of that bad position."

He returned to Baton Rouge for a visit to LSU, one of several schools to host the impressive playmaker. Cain also traveled to Georgia, USC, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State and Texas A&M prior to his sophomore year.

"

Had to chat it up with the GOAT #7era pic.twitter.com/kPp5Pf1erT

— Noah Cain (@therealnoahcain) April 17, 2016"

His experience with the in-state Aggies particularly made a positive impression.

"I definitely enjoyed the A&M visit," he said. "The coaches are really cool; they were straight up and real with me. I like the environment there and what they have set in place with how they use running backs. They have a good deal going on for the future."

"

Had a great time at Texas A&M today...they showed a lot of love #gigem pic.twitter.com/gxzTYuTiDa

— Noah Cain (@therealnoahcain) August 14, 2016"

Cain expects to further expand his collegiate horizon in the coming weeks. Plans are set for three game visits in September (UCLA at Texas A&M; Arkansas at TCU; Ohio State at Oklahoma), and more could follow later this fall.

Cain, who identified Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Clemson as schools he'd love to add to his offer list, understands a lengthy journey lies ahead toward national signing day 2019.

"I'm going to take it slow," he said. "A lot of things could change in these next three years. I need to enjoy the process and not rush anything."

Along with seeking guidance from coaches and family, he's received recruiting advice from fellow Louisiana natives Arthur McGinnis (Oklahoma linebacker) and Terrence Alexander (Stanford defensive back). Cain ultimately aims to locate his ideal comfort level at a university regardless of region.

"I'm going to the school that shows me the most love and presents the best opportunity for me to further my academic and athletic career," he said. "Every school has an equal chance right now. Somewhere close to home would give my family an opportunity to come watch me play, but they want me to go wherever I can be the happiest."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.