Recruiting by position: Running backs
Running back has gone from being one of the most important positions in football to now being somewhat undervalued, thanks to a shift in philosophy at the professional level.
There are still elite running back prospects out there, several of whom are either heading to the SEC for the 2015 season or still considering an SEC school.
Editor’s note: recruiting rankings are in reference to 247sports’ industry composite rankings.
Running backs: Currently, five of the top 20 running back/all-purpose back recruits in the country are on their way to SEC programs for 2015.
Uncommitted: Three of the top 20 prospects are currently uncommitted, and all are considering SEC schools somewhere on their list.
- Soso Jamabo, uncommitted — The country’s top running back is considering Texas A&M, as well as SEC schools Arkansas and Alabama, but Notre Dame and UCLA seem to be atop his board at the moment.
- Damien Harris, Alabama — The Crimson Tide secured a commitment from Harris last week, adding to what will be crowded backfield in 2015.
- Jacques Patrick, Florida State
- Taj Griffin, Oregon
- Derrius Guice, LSU — Guice dominated the U.S. Army All-America Bowl and will provide LSU with some backfield versatility.
- Larry Scott, Michigan State
- Johnny Frasier, Florida State
- Chris Warren, uncommitted — The Texas native is considering local schools like Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. Alabama is a longshot to land Warren, especially considering the Crimson Tide’s crowded backfield.
- Jordan Scarlett, Miami (Fla.)
- Ronald Jones II, Southern California
- Dexter Williams, uncommitted — Texas A&M is still in the running for Williams, but Florida has a much better chance to bring in the Florida native. He is also considering Notre Dame and Louisville, among others.
- Mark Walton, Miami (Fla.)
- Desherrius Flowers, Alabama — Flowers is already on campus in Tuscaloosa, giving him a shot to compete for playing time early.
- Michael Weber, Ohio State
- Eric Swinney, Ole Miss — The versatile Swinney is the latest in a string of four-star running backs to head to Ole Miss, and he’ll compete for playing time immediately after a few transfers.
- Nyheim Hines, North Carolina State
- Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma
- Nick Brossette, LSU — Brossette, a Baton Rouge local, is known for his balanced game despite lacking elite athleticism.
- Saquon Barkley, Penn State
- Malik Lovette, Oregon