Best Fits for Top 10 Uncommitted 2016 RB Recruits

Effective collegiate rushing attacks require significant depth. The most reliable ground games in America utilize multiple running backs who can shoulder the load when called upon. 

The 2016 recruiting class promises to provide reinforcements for offensive backfields across the country. While several premier playmakers—most notably 5-star talents Tavien Feaster and Kareem Walker—have already announced commitments, many top talents remain undecided.

Here's a look at the current recruitment situation and potential landing spots for top uncommitted prospects at the position. 

Recruits listed in order of 247Sports' composite rankings.

10. 4-Star A.J. Taylor

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 262 overall; No. 16 running back

High School: Rockhurst (Kansas City, Missouri)

Notable Offers: Iowa, Kansas State, Missouri, Northwestern and Wisconsin

Recruitment Update

A.J. Taylor has been a busy traveler this month, spending time at Northwestern, Wisconsin and Notre Dame. The Badgers extended an offer during his time on campus, and the Fighting Irish could soon follow suit.

He will certainly face pressure to remain in his home state with Missouri, where his mother attended college. The majority of this recruitment process is centered on potential Midwest opportunities.

Taylor is targeting midsummer for a commitment announcement, per his conversation with Tom Loy of 247Sports. He tallied 1,500 total yards and 15 touchdowns during a state title run in 2014, according to Josh Helmholdt of Rivals.com.

Best Fit: Wisconsin

Paul Chryst thrust his program into the mix of Taylor's top contenders with an on-campus offer. The Badgers continue to produce prolific rushing statistics and may need to replace Melvin Gordon's successor (Corey Clement) if the rising junior enjoys a strong 2015 campaign.

Wisconsin holds a commitment from fellow 4-star running back Antonio Williams (North Carolina), but he pledged to the previous coaching regime and could ultimately be tempted to stay closer to home. Even if he stays put, there's room for Taylor in the heavily-used Badgers backfield.

9. 4-Star Robert Washington

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 247 overall; No. 14 running back

High School: Southlake Christian Academy (Huntersville, North Carolina)

Notable Offers: Alabama, Michigan, North Carolina, Syracuse and TCU

Recruitment Update

This is a rapidly evolving situation, especially after offers arrived from Alabama, USC and LSU during a two-week stretch in late winter. Prior to those compelling new options, Robert Washington's father shared that Syracuse, UNC and TCU were three of his favorites during a conversation with Stephen Bailey of Syracuse.com.

Robert Washington Sr. also said his son has plans to visit at least Tuscaloosa and Chapel Hill before a commitment, which could come as early as April.

Washington Sr. told Bailey he views Alabama as "the mecca for running backs." Washington, who stands 5'10", 215 pounds, rushed for 5,762 yards and 66 scores during his first three high school seasons, per MaxPreps.

Best Fit: Alabama

Washington Sr. told Bailey that Nick Saban showered some lofty praise on his son, comparing him to Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch. Alabama's penchant for producing Heisman Trophy contenders and top-tier NFL draft picks at the position is appealing for any rusher.

UNC may put up the biggest fight for Washington before a decision, but Alabama looks like his eventual landing spot from our standpoint.

8. 4-Star Matthew Falcon

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 233 overall; No. 13 running back

High School: Southfield (Southfield, Michigan)

Notable Offers: Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee

Recruitment Update

Matthew Falcon has been a primary concern at the position for new Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, who extended an offer in February during a campus visit. Michigan faces in-conference contention from Ohio State and Nebraska, while Michigan State could still join the race.

Falcon, a 6'1", 215-pound prospect, named Tennessee a leader last month and could be drawn into the SEC by Butch Jones. Despite being limited to six games as a junior, he gained 1,000 yards and scored seven touchdowns, according to Michigan blog Touch the Banner.

Best Fit: Michigan

Harbaugh lost a key head-to-head signing-day battle to Ohio State for 4-star Detroit running back Michael Weber last month. Falcon is the new No. 1 in-state backfield target and has quickly become a priority for the Wolverines staff.

Michigan could implement a true freshman of his skill set in its offensive attack. Proximity and a budding rapport with Wolverines coaches have signs pointing toward a future in Ann Arbor.

7. 4-Star Sean McGrew

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 215; No. 4 all-purpose back

High School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California)

Notable Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, UCLA and Washington

Recruitment Update

Sean McGrew may only be 5'8", 175 pounds, but he's accrued substantial collegiate interest since his coming-out party as a sophomore. He's a hot commodity in Pac-12 territory and considers the programs listed above as his "top five," per Lars Hanson of 247Sports.

McGrew is expected to spend time at each university in April. Many believe he'll join former teammate and top-rated 2015 quarterback Josh Rosen at UCLA, but Washington looks like a strong contender to lure him beyond state borders.

"(Chris Peterson is) kind of the only coach I talk to from Washington but it’s a big deal because he’s the only head coach that’s recruiting me, besides Cal," McGrew told Hanson. "[We talk about] just about how he sees me, how they would use me, what type of player I am, how I fit into their system and how good it would be to be a Dawg."

He rushed for 3,890 yards and 49 touchdowns during the past two seasons. McGrew flashed elite speed during a recent regional Nike camp in Los Angeles, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds.

Best Fit: Cal

We like the thought of McGrew lining up all over the field in Sonny Dykes' Bear Raid offensive attack. He has the potential to contribute as a receiver and can provide formidable support as a running back in option settings. 

He's the kind of versatile player any coach would welcome with open arms, but Cal could potentially capitalize on his skill set with greater consistency than other options.

6. 4-Star Elijah Holyfield

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 199 overall; No. 11 running back

High School: Woodward Academy (Atlanta, Georgia)

Notable Offers: Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame and Tennessee

Recruitment Update

It should come as no surprise that Elijah Holyfield has secured substantial SEC interest as a Peach State prospect. The son of boxing legend Evander Holyfield began racking up offers as a sophomore and continues to gain traction as a coveted recruit in the Southeast and far beyond.

Holyfield traveled to Florida, Tennessee and Auburn earlier this month, and he's scheduled a visit to South Bend. His older brother competed at Auburn as a track-and-field athlete and also walked onto the football team.

It's still difficult to identify a clear leader for the dominant rusher, but expect him to end up doing damage in the SEC. He rushed for 1,735 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior, per MaxPreps.

Best Fit: Auburn

Gus Malzahn loves to wear down teams with a multifaceted offensive backfield, and Holyfield is capable of contributing in multiple roles. He flashed workhorse potential in 2014 after an underclassman career that featured predominately "change-of-pace" duties. 

Holyfield has developed a strong understanding of his potential with the Tigers after in-depth discussions with coaches.

"Auburn is definitely in it," he told Wesley Sinor of AL.com. "The productive offense they have is a big thing for me."

5. 4-Star JaQua Daniels

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 196 overall; No. 10 running back

High School: Clarke Central (Athens, Georgia)

Notable Offers: Georgia and Tennessee

Recruitment Update

Expect interest to mount for JaQua Daniels as his senior season approaches. Georgia offered the in-state standout last summer, while Tennessee followed with a scholarship in January.

He attended a Florida State junior day in February but remains in search of a Seminoles offer.

“He’s got speed, he’s got power,” Clarke Central coach Ahren Self told Nicole Saavedra of the Athens Banner-Herald. “He’s a big guy that can run and be physical and make an impact as a young guy. He’s a very physical specimen.”

Daniels set a school record for single-game touchdowns with five scores as a sophomore.

Best Fit: Georgia

The Bulldogs abstained from adding a running back last signing day after a rare pair of pickups at the position in 2014. Georgia welcomed 5-star freshmen Nick Chubb and Sony Michel to campus last season, and both contributed in spectacular fashion.

Daniels has an opportunity to stay close to home and serve as an heir apparent to that duo in Athens. If Chubb sustains his success moving forward, he'll likely bolt for the NFL following the 2016 season.

4. 4-Star Melquise Stovall

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 180 overall; No. 3 all-purpose back

High School: Paraclete (Lancaster, California)

Notable Offers: Cal, Miami, UCLA, USC and Washington

Recruitment Update

Melquise Stovall caught expansive attention from Pac-12 programs this winter, as offers arrived from USC, Cal, UCLA and Arizona State during the past month. He noted the Trojans scholarship as a particularly key turning point in his recruitment.

"USC was big," Stovall said told Barton Simmons of 247Sports. "USC was always my dream school."

He visited campus just a few days after Steve Sarkisian offered, and UCLA followed suit with a scholarship.

Stovall rushed for 1,603 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, adding 415 receiving yards and two scores on 21 catches.

Best Fit: USC

When you see the phrase "dream school," it's a strong indication things are trending in that direction. The Trojans also make sense for Stovall from a practical perspective. 

USC's depth was decimated by recent severe scholarship sanctions, and running back may have been impacted more than any other position. Sarkisian took measures to address that last signing day, but room remains for Stovall to compete immediately.

3. 4-Star Devwah Whaley

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 153 overall; No. 8 running back

High School: Central Senior (Beaumont, Texas)

Notable Offers: Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Stanford and Texas A&M

Recruitment Update

Devwah Whaley has long been viewed as a primary target for collegiate teams in the Lone Star State, but things kicked up a notch recently. He's added offers from Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma and Stanford since mid-January.

The 6'0", 190-pound prospect expects to make a decision regarding his future this summer, based on his conversation with Brian Perroni of 247Sports. If Whaley ultimately lands in the SEC, chances are he won't have to leave his region.

“A&M is still after me hard,” he told Perroni. “They’re still up there. It’s A&M—they’ve got the SEC, it’s not too far from home and it’s a great program. They’re right there at the top for sure.”

Best Fit: Texas A&M

The Aggies missed on top in-state rusher Soso Jamabo (UCLA) last cycle but seem to be on steady ground with Whaley. Kevin Sumlin has assembled a star-studded group of quarterbacks and wide receivers but could use reinforcements at running back.

Whaley is a proverbial "high-ceiling" prospect who could contribute in the Aggies attack as a runner and pass-catcher.

2. 4-Star Damian Alloway

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 113 overall; No. 1 all-purpose back

High School: Summit (Fontana, California)

Notable Offers: Cal, Duke, Kansas, Washington and UCLA

Recruitment Update

Damian Alloway is set to announce his commitment this upcoming Monday (March 23). The choice comes down to Cal and UCLA, according to Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.

The 5'10", 170-pound speedster received offers from both programs last May, while a collection of schools joined the chase following his junior season. He is viewed as a player who could line up at slot receiver on most snaps.

Alloway tallied 1,277 offensive yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014, adding four kick returns for scores, per Andrew Nemec of The Oregonian.

Best Fit: UCLA

The Bruins landed 5-star running back Soso Jamabo on signing day last month, but Alloway is a much different prospect. He doesn't project as a player who is ready to take on 20-plus carries per game, but he has the makings of a dynamic slasher who can hurt opponents by exploiting space.

Alloway would be tempted by an Oregon offer if one comes, but UCLA is the projected landing spot for now. He would add to an impressive young offensive collection that features top-ranked 2015 quarterback Josh Rosen.

1. 4-Star Demario McCall

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 49 overall; No. 3 running back

High School: North Ridgeville (North Ridgeville, Ohio)

Notable Offers: Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee and West Virginia

Recruitment Update

Demario McCall currently sits atop this list due to a thrilling skill set that offers promise at receiver, running back and kick returner. He tallied 2,842 all-purpose yards and 38 touchdowns in 2014, per Bill Kurelic of 247Sports, averaging 11.2 yards per touch.

He began collecting scholarships as a sophomore, though things truly picked up throughout a dominant junior season. His most recent offers include trips to West Virginia and Ohio State. 

McCall identified the Buckeyes and Oregon as his favorite teams in January. However, the Ducks have yet to extend an offer.

Best Fit: West Virginia

Dana Holgorsen could do special things with McCall in Morgantown. That's not to say Urban Meyer wouldn't figure out how to utilize him at Ohio State, but the Buckeyes already hold a pair of top-tier 2016 running back commitments from Kareem Walker and George Hill. 

West Virginia often builds an explosive attack with 3-star prospects, particularly from Florida, so McCall would be a monumental pickup for the Mountaineers. His talent would warrant consideration for double-digit touches each Saturday as a true freshman.

Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports.