College Football Recruiting: Keith Marshall or John Gray, Who's the No. 1 RB?

There are some top RB prospects in this year's class, and I think Rushel Shell should be in this conversation too. However, Bleacher Report has asked me to settle between John Gray and Keith Marshall.

Let the raging debate begin, as both figure to be superstar rock-toters in college. I'm going to break down each back and decide who's the No. 1 RB prospect in America this year.

Let's run through this one. 

Who Is Keith Marshall?

Marshall is considered one of the top 15 players in America. Scout.com has him as their No. 1 running back prospect and No. 5 overall recruit.

Out of Raleigh, NC, Marshall's father Warren spent a year in the NFL with the Broncos so he has good bloodlines. He chose Georgia over Florida, Notre Dame and Clemson.

Marshall can also be used as a receiver out of the backfield and reminds me a bit of LeSean "Shady" McCoy of the Eagles.

Who Is Johnathan Gray?

Gray, a Texas commit, is a top-tier running back prospect in the country this year, out of Aledo, Texas. He has been perhaps the most productive player in Texas in recent memory. Gray burst on the scene as a freshman, nearly topping 1,000 yards.

His sophomore year was just silly as he ran for nearly 2,800 yards and 50 touchdowns on a 7.5 average. Then this past season, Gray just simply outdid himself, rushing for over a whopping 3,200 yards and 59 scores with a ridiculous 9.5 yards-per-carry average.

Keith Marshall Scouting Report

At 5'11", 185 pounds, Marshall has been timed in the 4.3 range in the 40-yard dash, and his speed shows up on tape.

He clearly understands that getting to the second level of the defense is where he makes his money, as his burst to and through holes is excellent. Marshall can also double as a receiver in the slot or just be used on screens and other exotic plays.

He just needs the ball and for you to get out of his way. He's not a big power back, so he'll struggle some in blitz pickup, but he's a big-time home run threat that also shows solid vision, field awareness, elusiveness, nimble feet and long split.

Johnathan Gray Scouting Report

At 5'11", 195 pounds, Gray has the size to grow into an every-down back in college. He understands each play's design and intention as to when he's supposed to burst out of his stance and attack downhill or be patient to let zone runs and stretches develop.

He makes his money where a running back should—on the second level of the defense. Gray opens his basket and uses his vision to anticipate holes, creases and alleys. He has a sheer burst to jump on top of run defenders, to and through.

Gray will need learn how to hold up as a pass-protector and also chip better to help his linemen in pass protection when releasing from the backfield.

Differences

There are a few subtle differences in the games of these elite backs. With Gray, he shows more run strength and tackle-breaking ability. I think Gray can get up to the 215- to 220-pound range before he leaves college.

Marshall is the faster back that is a little better on the perimeter. However, I have some reservations as to if Marshall can be an every-down, complete-rushing-load, bell-cow type of back for an offense.

So in all, Gray is the stronger runner, but Marshall is the speedier runner. The tricky part is, Gray has good speed and Marshall isn't a weakling by any means. Marshall is probably a better receiver, but Gray showed very good hands at The Opening.

And the Winner Is...?

I like Gray a bit more than Marshall at this point. Gray's bigger and a bit more complete. But then again, Marshall should be a star in college too.

I tend to lean towards the more bigger and complete back when two RBs grade out pretty evenly for me, so that's why I'm going with Gray if I had to pick.

If you like Marshall better, then that's not a stretch by any means at all.