CFB Future 100: Top 6 Running Backs in Class of 2016
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 100 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Running Backs.
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The next crop of dominant high school running backs is ready to make its mark as the 2016 recruiting class steps into the spotlight. The group features a variety of athletes—from shifty speedsters to punishing power backs—but each can be summed up as "playmaker."
Our CFB Future 100 series puts the focus on football stars expected to eventually make a major impact at the college level. Our latest analysis examines the eight ball-carriers currently listed among America's top 100 overall 2016 prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings, with grades based on vision, power, speed, hands, agility and ball security.
All players scouted by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.
6. 4-Star Chase Lucas
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Height/Weight: 5'11", 166 lbs
High School: Chandler (Chandler, Arizona)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 running back; No. 90 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Uncommitted: Offers include Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, Nebraska, Notre Dame
Considering his proximity, it's no surprise Chase Lucas has quickly developed as a highly pursued prospect in Pac-12 country. He collected multiple offers from conference members prior to his junior campaign, and his play has since warranted attention from beyond the region. Nebraska is the most recent team to extend an offer.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lucas led national powerhouse Chandler last season while sharing the backfield with dual-threat quarterback and Arizona State signee Bryce Perkins. He gained 1,126 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, per MaxPreps, adding another 368 yards and three scores through the air.
His receiving skills (15/15) separate him from most prospects on this list, evidenced by 64 catches since 2013. Lucas won't be the fastest guy wearing shorts at combine events, but put a uniform on him and he rumbles through defenses with authority.
He's the kind of running back who will wear down an opponent by picking up pivotal chunks of yardage at a time, rather than racking them up in one exhilarating sprint. Impressive agility (14/15) is highlighted by a devastating stutter step Lucas loves to implement while weaving his way through traffic.
5. 4-Star Miles Sanders
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Height/Weight: 5'10", 195 lbs
High School: Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 running back; No. 79 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Penn State on July 19, 2014
Miles Sanders is the latest Pittsburgh product to strengthen a pipeline between the Steel City and Happy Valley. He became the first member of this Nittany Lions class last summer, supplying James Franklin with a foundational player for a class that now features three 4-star commitments.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Sanders had only 97 carries as a junior, but he made the most of those attempts on his way to 11.7 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns, per Chris Harlan of the Tribune-Review. His ability to extend plays is enhanced by elite agility (15/15), as he maneuvers laterally without significant deceleration.
Sanders, who also lines up at defensive back, shows a lot of grit in his rushing size—despite a physical frame that isn't quite yet formidable. He does an excellent job operating off the edge, allowing his blockers to seal off gaps before bursting through with immediate velocity (19/20).
His length allows him to churn through feeble tackle attempts and plays a role when he lines up at receiver. Sanders could be an explosive presence out of the slot and force defenses to sacrifice safety help.
4. 4-Star George Hill
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Height/Weight: 6'0", 182 lbs
High School: Hubbard (Hubbard, Ohio)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 running back; No. 63 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Ohio State on June 14, 2014
The Buckeyes landed a commitment from George Hill following several spring visits to campus. He returned to Columbus for summer camp as an Ohio State pledge and spent time soaking in the game-day atmosphere last season. His offer sheet also features Kentucky, Michigan State and West Virginia.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hill spent the past two seasons serving as the primary sidekick to backfield "bell cow" Larry Scott, who rushed for 4,686 yards and 62 scores as an upperclassman before signing with Michigan State. He still managed to establish a name for himself during that stretch, gaining 2,281 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground, per MaxPreps.
Hill maintains excellent lean as he accelerates downfield with elite speed (20/20). He's a burner who will challenge even the most fundamental defenders as they aim to line up angles in the open field.
His role in Hubbard's run-heavy attack often required him to begin plays in motion, challenging opponents to shift and react pre-snap. Hill has proved he can create scintillating plays running off-tackle, and the next step in his progression will be improving power (15/20) in order to handle a larger number of interior rushing duties.
Based on Ohio State's projected 2016 backfield situation, Hill's quickest path to playing time may come at wide receiver. His skill set suggests it's a spot where he could flourish with some polish.
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3. 4-Star Demario McCall
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Height/Weight: 5'11", 180 lbs
High School: North Ridgeville (North Ridgeville, Ohio)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 running back; No. 51 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Offers include Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan State, Pitt and Notre Dame
Ohio State offered Demario McCall a scholarship, but the Buckeyes already hold commitments from two other members of this list. Players come and go in classes during the course of a recruiting cycle, but at the moment, a crowded situation in Columbus could deter him. Tennessee and Notre Dame have both offered since the start of his junior season.
Bleacher Report Analysis
McCall is one of the most impressive all-around athletes on offense in this recruiting class, displaying acrobatic athleticism, top-end speed (19/20) and shiftiness (15/15). He maintains superb ball security (15/15) while fighting through trenches and takes advantage of gaps by bursting toward space.
His abilities on special teams should prove immediately helpful for whichever college program ultimately lands him. Aside from backfield duties, he starred as a kick returner and defensive back—intercepting four passes—in 2014.
McCall erupted for 2,842 all-purpose yards and 38 scores as a junior, according to Bill Kurelic of 247Sports. He flashed above-average hands with 14 receptions, setting the stage for him to exploit defenses on short pass targets that allow for improvisation in the intermediate defensive level.
2. 5-Star Tavien Feaster
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Height/Weight: 6'0", 193 lbs
High School: Spartanburg (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 running back; No. 19 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Clemson on Feb. 4, 2015
Dabo Swinney was the first coach to extend a formal scholarship to Tavien Feaster, presenting him with one in September 2013. He added offers from Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama before the end of his sophomore year. Clemson's persistence paid off on national signing day when Feaster committed to the Tigers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Feaster is a ferocious competitor who also picks teams apart as a pass-catcher, racking up 27 receptions for 623 yards and seven touchdowns last season, per
1. 5-Star Kareem Walker
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 210 lbs
High School: DePaul Catholic (Wayne, New Jersey)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 running back; No. 7 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to Ohio State on Jan. 12, 2015
Kareem Walker warranted a considerable amount of collegiate interest as an underclassman, securing offers from Michigan, Alabama, Wisconsin, Notre Dame and Penn State prior to the end of his sophomore year. He put a cherry on top of Ohio State's national championship celebration, committing at halftime of the Buckeyes' victory over Oregon.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Walker, who rushed for 2,771 yards and 38 touchdowns during the past two seasons, runs with violence and control. It's a combination college coaches covet. He hits the trenches with fury, lowering his center of gravity and surging toward space.
His college-ready physique gives defenders fits, and Walker flourishes in one-on-one situations in the open field, exhibiting an explosive slide step (15/15 agility). He doesn't glide downfield, instead churning through defenses with a full head of steam (18/20 speed).
Walker can inflict damage upon contact (19/20 power), but he also understands how to effectively avoid it. His ability to become narrow through rushing lanes while maintaining squared shoulders allows him to hit the second level with ferocity.
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