National Signing Day 2011: Malcolm Brown Vs. Isaiah Crowell, Who's Top RB?

This year's running back class features some very talented runners and future college backfield stars. The two guys we really feel stand out right now for top honors are Malcolm Brown and Isaiah Crowell.

Both backs undoubtedly will be stars in the college ranks and should rack up a ton of yards with their legs. Yet right now we need to decide which is the better back.

Let's take a closer look at each back, talk about their similarities and differences and then make the decision: "Who's the top running back in the country?"

Who Is Malcolm Brown?

Commit: Texas

HT: 6'0" WT: 220 pounds

Brown is out of Steele (TX) High School and is ranked as the 10th player overall in the country and top running back by Rivals. Scout has him ranked as the No. 2 running back in the country, behind none other than Isaiah Crowell.

Brown is a terror in the backfield, and his top quality is his run strength. He has the force, drive and strength to push piles and break tackles, and he rarely gets brought down by one defender.

He has the speed and quickness to get to and through holes to jump on top of second-level defenders. He has great vision and balance to make all kinds of runs and is extremely elusive in the open field for a bigger back.

Brown's Knocks

Right now the only knock on Brown seems to be his ability to factor consistently as a receiver out of the backfield. He doesn't have the consistent hands and ball skills right now to be a threat on third downs.

He needs to work on his receiving skills and underneath route-running ability. He has problems sometimes catching balls away from his frame and has a limited strike zone.

Once he works on his pass catching, Brown will be a complete running back.

Who Is Isaiah Crowell?

Commit: Undecided

Considering: Georgia, Auburn and Alabama

HT: 5'11" WT: 205 pounds

Crowell is a rock toter out of Carver (GA) High School and will likely decide between attending Alabama or staying close to home to play for Georgia.

Scout has him as the top running back and one spot ahead of Brown, while Rivals has him as the fourth best running back and 23rd player overall.

Crowell has game-breaking ability and the speed to outrun anybody on the field. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. His burst through holes is remarkable, and he can turn the corner with ease.

Crowell has great vision and a feel to read blocks, and his run strength is very deceptive, as evidenced by his thick thighs and calves. He's a quick cutter with great balance.

Crowell's Knocks

Crowell must prove that he is durable enough to be "the man" in college. He's always played with other talented backs at Carver and never truly carried the full load of carries.

He also needs to show that he's strong enough to hold up as a blitz pickup pass protector. His technique will need work as well on how to strike and punch oncoming linebackers.

Minor elements such as gaining yards after contact will be improved as he gains more strength in college.

Similarities of Brown and Crowell

Both backs do it in different yet similar ways. They both have the speed, vision and balance that make a running back special.

They see holes, read linebackers and know how to set up blocks to give them alleys to gain extra yardage. What really separates good from great running backs is the ability to skate and burst through holes and seams. Each back has that ability.

They also both have thick, cut athletic frames with each looking like he could actually tack on some extra weight in college without losing his speed and quickness.

Differences Between Brown and Crowell

Brown is a bit more of a power back who relies on his run strength, tenacity and good speed to attack defenses.

Crowell relies more on his speed, elusiveness and quickness to beat you. He's also more advanced as a receiving threat. Crowell has soft hands, a larger strike zone and runs solid routes out of the backfield.

Brown is a bit bigger than Crowell and breaks more tackles. He can push piles and gain more yards after contact.

So...Who's Better?

Right, we did say we would answer that question, didn't we? It's really splitting hairs here, and you can't go wrong with either back.

If your offense is a bit more reliant on power downhill running and you don't truly require your running back to be dynamic in the passing game, go with Brown. He's similar to the likes of Cedric Benson, Beanie Wells, Shonn Greene and Ronnie Brown.

But if you employ more of a zone, finesse-type running attack and want your back to be able to do everything, then Crowell is your guy. He's similar to Joseph Addai, LaDainian Tomlinson, LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles.