College Football Programs Stockpiling Top RB Recruits

Whether an offense implements a workhorse rusher or running back by committee, depth is vital in the offensive backfield. Few players on the field absorb as much contact, creating a need for fresh runners who can provide blends of speed and strength. 

Every college football coach in the country would love to develop a deep rotation of elite backs on their roster, but few are able to accomplish this feat. It requires tremendous efforts on the recruiting trail, especially when attempting to land multiple premier playmakers at the position in one class.

Some programs boast a proud running back tradition, providing a key selling point for prospects who aim to duplicate that success. Here's a look at teams excelling in this department, setting the stage for versatile rushing attacks in the years to come. 

Alabama Crimson Tide

Credit: Student Sports

California RB Najee Harris committed to the Crimson Tide as a sophomore.

It's remarkable to look back at the lineage of outstanding college running backs who've taken turns in starring roles under head coach Nick Saban at Alabama. The list features first-round draft picks (Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson) and Heisman Trophy winners (Ingram and Derrick Henry), along with other current NFL rushers such as T.J. Yeldon and Eddie Lacy.

Some point to Alabama's offensive line—arguably the most consistently dominant group in college football—as reason No. 1 for this sustained success. But it's not like the Crimson Tide are handing carries to just anybody. 

This is a backfield routinely loaded with former blue-chip recruits. Alabama sophomore rushers Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris and freshman B.J. Emmons were all considered top-tier prospects, and freshman Joshua Jacobs (second on the team with 307 rushing yards) is the lone member of this rotation who didn't gain a 4- or 5-star status in high school.

Further reinforcements are on the way, headlined by No. 1 overall 2017 prospect Najee Harris. The California 5-star stands at 6'2", 221 pounds, and has rushed for 6,446 yards and 76 touchdowns at Antioch High School, per MaxPreps.

He is joined in the class by 4-star Tuscaloosa rusher Brian Robinson, while Dameon Pierce—a top-five prospect at the position among high school juniors—is already on board with the Crimson Tide's 2018 class.

The rich get richer in Tuscaloosa. 

Florida State Seminoles

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Virginia RB Khalan Laborn committed to FSU at The Opening.

Sophomore Jacques Patrick and freshman Amir Rasul—premier in-state prospects in the 2015 and 2016 recruiting classes, respectively—may be next in line to replace Seminoles star Dalvin Cook, who should strongly consider bolting for the NFL after his junior season. However, expect upcoming national signing days to shake things up in a formidable Florida State backfield.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher carries a pair of top-15 running back prospects in each of the next two cycles. 

Khalan Laborn (Virginia) and Zaquandre White (Florida) lead the way in 2017, providing ideal balance within the class. Laborn is a versatile threat who can go the distance on any play, while White provides an intimidating physical presence that especially shines in short-yardage situations.

Florida State doubles down again in the 2018 cycle with commitments from two 4-star Sunshine State talents. Justin Watkins and James Cook (Dalvin's younger brother) both pledged to the program before their junior campaigns. 

A backfield dominated by the elder Cook in recent years could develop into one defined by shared duties considering the volume of impressive prospects headed to campus.

Ohio State Buckeyes

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Freshman RB Mike Weber leads the charge as a new crop of Buckeyes rushers rises.

College football fans have quickly become familiar with Buckeyes freshman Mike Weber, who is averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game since taking over for NFL Rookie of the Year candidate Ezekiel Elliott. Meanwhile, fellow backfield newcomer Demario McCall already has three touchdowns in his young college career.

Both were considered top-10 running back prospects on national signing day, and former Wisconsin Badgers commit Antonio Williams is another Ohio State freshman who warranted 4-star status as a recruit. These three prized players carry a combined nine years of collegiate eligibility between them beyond 2016, but that won't prevent others from entering this highly contentious mix. 

Texas speedster J.K. Dobbins is among the most explosive athletes in the 2017 recruiting cycle, and he earned Nike Football Ratings national champion honors this summer at The Opening. His presence hasn't prevented Urban Meyer's staff from pursuing former Alabama commit Cam Akers, a 5-star prospect rated No. 4 overall in Scout.com rankings.

Ohio State is also well underway with 2018 recruiting efforts, evidenced by a commitment from 4-star Florida rusher Brian Snead. The Buckeyes are also in excellent shape with local 4-star Jaelen Gill, who has created a bond with Buckeyes running backs coach Tony Alford.

"I go to school pretty close to campus, so that gives us a chance to build a strong relationship," Gill told Bleacher Report. "They've made it clear they're going to recruit the heck out of me."

Georgia Bulldogs

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Philadelphia star D'Andre Swift is one of two top running backs in Georgia's 2017 class.

Former Georgia head coach Mark Richt made a splash on national signing day 2014 by securing a 10-star tandem in the offensive backfield. The Bulldogs bagged Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who've both developed into vital pieces of the program's offensive attack.

Now nearing the midway point of their third autumn on campus, these two are eligible to declare for early NFL draft inclusion after the season. Kirby Smart and his staff have been diligent preparing for the challenge of eventually replacing both backs. 

Freshman Brian Herrien has flashed great potential for a former 3-star recruit, and he'll contend with a crowded group of ball-carriers for future handoffs. Fellow first-year Bulldog Elijah Holyfield—the son of legendary boxer Evander Holyfield—was a 4-star 2016 signee and figures to contend for increased consideration as he progresses in Athens.

Perhaps rivaling the 2014 haul, Smart's 2017 recruiting class features a duo of top-10 running back prospects in D'Andre Swift (Philadelphia) and Toneil Carter (Houston). It's a balanced twosome, as Swift displays outstanding quickness and receiving skills, and Carter is a bruising back who wears down defenses between the tackles.

Smart spent the past decade watching Alabama bully opponents with a powerful ground game, so it's no surprise he's looking to load up on promising backs at his new gig. It's also great news for lauded freshman quarterback Jacob Eason, who can continue to develop while relying on an effective run game.

Oklahoma Sooners

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Trey Sermon is one of two top-20 RBs in Oklahoma's 2017 class.

Oklahoma currently counts on Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon to inflict damage on defenses, as no other Sooners running back has registered more than 20 total carries this fall. However, both rushers are three seasons removed from high school, so it's important for head coach Bob Stoops and his staff to focus on future efforts. 

Freshman Abdul Adams, rated No. 15 nationally among 2016 running back recruits by Scout.com, earned 18 carries last month against Louisiana-Monroe. That's his only action to this point, but a widespread recruitment process and impressive athleticism suggest he could flourish in an expanded role down the line.

Adams will face competition in the form of 2017 commits Trey Sermon (Georgia) and Kennedy Brooks (Texas), who are both considered top-20 running back prospects in this cycle. Brooks has posted ridiculous production as a prep player, including 3,522 yards and 42 touchdowns during his breakout junior campaign.

Oklahoma also hopes to get a healthy Rodney Anderson on the field next year. A neck injury cost the 4-star 2015 recruit his redshirt freshman season.

Stoops hasn't yet secured any high school underclassmen at the position, but there appears to be a budding rapport between his staff and coveted 2019 rusher Noah Cain. The potential 5-star talent from Texas powerhouse Guyer High School noted his excitement about an early Oklahoma offer during a recent conversation with Bleacher Report.

"I feel ecstatic about it because it's a blessing to have that offer," Cain told B/R. "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."

Michigan Wolverines

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Chris Evans has made an impact during his first college season.

Through six games, four Michigan players have already exceeded 250 rushing yards. The group is led by freshman Chris Evans (400 yards and three touchdowns on 48 carries), who shined as a recruit in the Indianapolis prep scene, and sophomore Karan Higdon, a Florida product with five touchdowns.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh, among the most relentless college recruiters since his return to Ann Arbor, can count both in his future plans, but that hasn't prevented him from accruing additional talent. Kareem Walker, a 4-star 2016 recruit who flipped from Ohio State, is expected to redshirt this season and will be added to the mix next year alongside multiple 2017 rushers.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a running back duo in this cycle more physically impressive than O'Maury Samuels (New Mexico) and A.J. Dillon (Massachusetts), while Kurt Taylor (Georgia) packs serious punch in his 5'8" frame. Each member of this trio provides a tenacious rushing style, creating nightmare matchups for opponents that lack depth along the defensive front.

The possibility of a deep backfield stable has left some wondering if Dillon or Samuels may be destined for a shift to linebacker. However, they've both expressed confidence the Wolverines staff is embracing an inclusive approach.

"At the end of the day, I do want to get the most touches I possibly can, but I believe the coaches are going to put us in the best situation to succeed," Dillon told B/R. "[Running backs coach Tyrone] Wheatley, who was a big back himself, and the rest of the staff know how they want to use us. I feel confident it's not going to be a situation where I'm sitting on the bench forever. We're all going to get touches in different areas."

Clemson Tigers

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Memphis RB Cordarrian Richardson provides another threat in Clemson's well-rounded offense.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney continues to stockpile premier prospects across his offensive attack, and the backfield is no exception. 

Quarterback Deshaun Watson, embarking on another Heisman Trophy candidacy, relies mostly on junior Wayne Gallman (three 100-yard games this fall) to lighten his load. But beyond the veteran, freshman Tavien Feaster offers immense potential.

Rated No. 2 overall among 2016 running back recruits by Scout.com, Feaster found the end zone last week against Boston College. Averaging 8.7 yards per carry on limited snaps, he could also develop into a major weapon in receiving efforts, as that's an element of his game that shined throughout high school.

Clemson will welcome another top-10 running back in its 2017 class. Cordarrian Richardson, a 5'11 ½", 222-pound Memphis product, pledged to the Tigers in March.

Richardson, rated No. 7 among rushers in this cycle, has gained more than 3,000 yards on the ground since the start of his junior season at Trezevant High School. He'll provide yet another big-play threat in a Tigers attack loaded with guys of that caliber.

Given the anticipated presence of Richardson and Feaster for at least two years ahead, Clemson's offensive balance should remain, even after a highly successful Watson era reaches its conclusion.

Tyler Donohue is a national recruiting analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings and information are courtesy of Scout.com.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.