Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake led the way as the top running backs off the board in the 2016 NFL Draft. The position is absolutely loaded with elite talent once again in 2017 and all eyes will be on those big-play running backs to see if they can top their production from a year ago in order to boost their draft stock. While that group of running backs is on their way to the NFL, there is a new class of elite talent on its way in to the college game. Here is a look at the four best running backs in the 2017 college football class.
5-Star Najee Harris
No. 1 RB; No. 1 Overall
Harris accepted an offer from Nick Saban at Alabama in 2015 but there has been a lot of speculation about whether or not he will join the Crimson Tide. There are some that feel the Antioch, California-native will ultimately choose to stay on the west coast with the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins as the top options, but Alabama remains the frontrunner. Depending on what happens this year could very well determine where he goes. Remember, Alabama has had some stellar running backs come out of their program recently, and if USC and UCLA put forth another so-so season, expect Harris to go to Alabama.
Arguably the most complete prospect at the position since Leonard Fournette was the No. 1 overall recruit in 2014, Harris has similar physical measurements to former Tide running back and Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry at 6’3’’ and 226 pounds with elite speed and rare power. Harris has the potential to dominate from the outset wherever he ends up and his continued recruitment will be worth monitoring in 2017.
5-Star Cam Akers
No. 2 RB; No. 9 Overall
Akers had initially committed to Alabama before his pact fell apart when he backed off his verbal pledge in March. Remember that one of the challenges of going to a place like Alabama is that a lot of running backs want to go there. And they already have a cupboard that’s pretty stocked. There are only so many carries that can be had, so sharing sometimes means that a player won’t get to shine how they would like.
Akers followed up his decision to back out with a trip to Ohio State as well as visits across the Southeast and he will remain a highly sought after recruit until he makes a decision. The 5’11’’, 213-pound back all recruits at his position with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and he pairs that incredible speed with outstanding power and vision. The Buckeyes would love to be able to steal Akers away from Alabama because wherever he ends up he is bound to dominate.
5-Star Stephen Carr
No. 3 RB; No. 16 Overall
The Fontana, California-native remained committed to USC all the way through their coaching change and is expected to stay on the west coast when he makes the jump to college. Carr isn’t as big or as powerful as Harris and Akers, but he is incredible compact and agile with strong legs that allow him to burn defenders once he sees the hole. A lot of attention is being paid to the big two but this guy will be a big difference-maker. Carr has also emerged as an excellent pass-catcher at Summit high school with the vision and versatility to thrive as both a runner and receiver at the next level.
4-Star D’Andre Swift
No. 4 RB; No. 33 Overall
The No. 4 ranked running back in the 2017 class has been heavily pursued by Penn State, among other teams. There will be no shortage of contenders lining up for his services and it wouldn’t be a surprised if he landed somewhere else other than Happy Valley given the current state of the program.
Swift added nearly 10 pounds of muscle since last summer but managed to maintain his elite breakaway speed and remains a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield. At 5’9’’, 214-pounds, Swift is an intriguing running back prospect that is bound to put up big numbers at the college level regardless of whether or not he remains in the state of Pennsylvania.
