Elijah Holyfield Reveals Top 5: Odds on Where 4-Star RB Lands

Running back Elijah Holyfield, the son of boxing royalty and a premier 2016 college football prospect, is entering the final phase of his recruitment.

The 4-star playmaker is now focused on five programs moving forward, according to a video released by Scout.com. Holyfield identified Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee as the teams on top.

This SEC battle will be decided in just six weeks:

Holyfield, whose father is five-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, trimmed down a list that previously featured 10 programs. Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Louisville and Miami missed the cut this time.

He's keeping the process relatively local, as the allure of SEC competition is simply too captivating for the Atlanta-area rusher to ignore. Regional powerhouses have remained ardent throughout his recruitment.

“It's really tempting, because they don’t want to let you get out,” Holyfield told Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times. “A lot of schools are by me and they come by almost every time they can."

The 5'10", 204-pound prospect is rated fifth nationally among running backs in 247Sports' composite rankings. He nears his senior season at Woodward Academy considered one of America's top uncommitted offensive talents.

Holyfield rushed for a career-best 1,735 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2014, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He added 27 receptions for 289 yards and three scores.

Now that Holyfield is headed toward a decision, let's take a look at his remaining contenders. We applied odds to each team, based on the likelihood he lands with that university.

Alabama: 4-to-1

The Crimson Tide probably would've been our favorite among this group just a week ago, but things changed dramatically a few days ago. North Carolina running back B. J. Emmons, rated third nationally at the position, pledged to Alabama on July 20. 

His presence, along with top-rated 2015 rusher Damien Harris, seemingly lessens the likelihood Holyfield lands in Tuscaloosa. Bleacher Report heard rumblings at The Opening that Holyfield was leaning toward the Crimson Tide, but head coach Nick Saban was still searching for a 2016 rusher at that stage.

Still, we've seen Alabama repeatedly overcome its crowded depth chart while targeting blue-chip recruits. The Tide signed six top-five running back prospects during the past five cycles and already hold a commitment from No. 1 overall 2017 rusher Najee Harris.

"The tradition they have at running backs and winning national championships is great," Holyfield told Chris Kirschner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Auburn: 2-to-1

Head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff have been relentless in this recruitment, and it's paid off, as Holyfield often reciprocates interest with visits to campus.

"It’s a home away from home," he told Kirschner. "I have been there multiple times and their players are really cool. It also helps that it’s really close to home. I really enjoy going there. Every time I am there, it’s like family.”

The family word is consistently a strong indicator of where high school players feel comfortable. More often than not, that's the ultimate element when it's time to pick a program.

Auburn is viewed as the favorite to sign Holyfield, holding 65 percent of 22 expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball. We tend to agree with that sentiment.

Credit: 247Sports

Georgia: 3-to-1

The in-state Bulldogs previously held a pledge from Emmons, but he backed off his verbal commitment last month and is now a member of Alabama's class. Georgia didn't prioritize the position in the 2015 cycle after landing 5-star 2014 duo Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

Now the team must acquire a rusher capable of taking over when that tandem departs, which may very well happen after the 2016 season if both players stay healthy and productive enough to warrant early NFL consideration.

Bulldogs running back alum Thomas Brown joined the staff this offseason after coaching Wisconsin Heisman Trophy finalist Melvin Gordon last season. If Holyfield picks Georgia, he deserves a large dose of credit for the pickup.

“Georgia has the in-state factor going for them. I really enjoy playing with some of the players that I have gotten to know pretty well. Brown has also been a really big influence on me," he told Kirschner.

South Carolina: 12-to-1

Constant speculation surrounding the tenure of Hall of Fame head coach Steve Spurrier and his eventual retirement haven't helped Gamecocks recruiting efforts this cycle. Multiple South Carolina targets have told Bleacher Report they're nervous about committing to a program that could undergo a massive transition during their time on campus.

As a result, the team currently holds a recruiting class rated 54th overall and 13th among SEC squads in composite rankings. Holyfield is exactly the kind of player Spurrier and his staff are in dire need of to turn the momentum as the season approaches.

Based on his list of past campus visits among finalists and how things appear to be trending, South Carolina likely misses the cut for his top-five list if not for personal ties to the team.

“I had two teammates that play for South Carolina (Terry Googer and Benji Russell) and I got to hear a lot from their side and hang out with them while I was there and it’s really cool there," Holyfield told Kirschner.

Tennessee: 6-to-1

The Volunteers are viewed as a program rising up the SEC ladder and could soon contend for the East's spot in conference championship action. Consecutive star-studded recruiting classes have the arrow pointing up for head coach Butch Jones.

Holyfield could be another piece of the puzzle for Tennessee's future ascension. The team's 2016 class includes Elite 11 quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, and securing a prized running back prospect is now the top priority for the Volunteers in this cycle.

Tennessee will be counting on the strength of its staff relationships when Holyfield's announcement arrives. 

“(Running backs coach Robert) Gillespie has been one of my favorite recruiters throughout this process and he’s a really great guy. I really enjoy it up there," he told Kirschner.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.