As July winds down, a large amount of prospects have either committed, or have cut their lists down to a handful of teams. In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into what I believe to be the best running back classes of 2024 recruiting cycle so far.
Number One: Georgia
With how well Kirby Smart and company have been recruiting as of late, it should come as no surprise that Georgia has received pledges from some of the top backs in the country. Let’s take a look at who the Dawgs have committed, as well as who they are still in play for.
Dwight Phillips Jr
Dwight Phillips Jr. is currently Georgia’s highest rated runningback commit this cycle. Listed at 5-11, 170-pounds, as well as boasting a 10.43 100-meter dash, the Peach State native is a versatile player that shows blazing speed, as well as promising receiving ability out of the backfield. At the high school level, he has played all over the field, lining up at both running back and wide receiver, on top of getting some snaps on defense and special teams as a return man.
Chauncey Bowens
Chauncey Bowens is another Georgia pledge that has the potential to do big things in the future in Athens. Currently weighing in at 219-pounds according to 247 Sports, Bowens is a big-body back that actively seeks out contact. The Florida native rushed for 940 yards and 8 touchdowns in his Junior season. He’s struggled with injuries over the course of his high school career, but if he can stay healthy, he’ll be an excellent power back at the next level.
Nate Frazier (Uncommitted)
If the 2024 cycle ended today, Georgia would have the best backfield by far. However, they have a chance to further add to their already great class with Compton native Nate Frazier. Listed as the #1 RB in the 2024 class by On3 Sports, Frazier would be the highest rated rusher to commit to the Bulldogs this cycle if they can close this one out. Several crystal balls have flown in over the past few days in favor of Georgia from experts such as Steve Wiltfong and Greg Biggins. We’ll see if Georgia can close on him and round out what could be a historically great backfield in the future.
Number Two: Ohio State
Next on the list is the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State has been one of the hottest teams on the recruiting trail so far this cycle. Let’s take a look out at who the Buckeyes have locked in for the 2024 class.
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James Peoples
The San Antonio native chose Ohio State all the way back in early April, and has been a cornerstone piece of their class. Peoples is one of my favorite rushers in the class, and once you turn on the tape, it’s not hard to see why. Peoples ran for over 2,000 yards his junior season, and scored 34 touchdowns. He’s a quick, shifty back that isn’t afraid of contact. He has a pretty sturdy frame as well, weighing in at 192 pounds. The #85 overall player in the country (#7 RB) has a chance to make an impact in a big way at Ohio State.
Jordan Lyle
Jordan Lyle is an explosive runner that fits into Ohio State’s offense very well. Lyle is able to run through arm tackles with relative ease, and possesses an excellent sense of balance while running. He rushed for 1015 yards at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, FL over the course of the 2022 season. He’s listed as the #12 RB by the 247 Sports Composite, and looks to keep climbing over the course of the 2023 season.
Number Three: Texas
Texas has been on a tear on the recruiting trail over the summer, landing several big name players from all over the country. They’ve recruited well at several positions, especially at runningback. Let’s take a peek at some of the talent that Texas has committed in the backfield.
Jerrick Gibson
Listed as the #48 overall player in the 2024 class (#2 RB), Texas commit Jerrick Gibson can do it all. He is extremely explosive out of the backfield, and is strong enough to stay on his feet and run through contact. He ran for 608 yards and eight touchdowns at IMG Academy last season, and he has performed well as a pass catcher when given the opportunity. He possesses off the charts athleticism, posting a 40 inch vertical, and a 4.5 forty time at right around 200 pounds. He has a ton of potential, and he’ll be running behind an ever-improving offensive line at Texas.
Christian Clark
Phoenix native Christian Clark is a strong runner that is a chore to bring down. He’s a smart runner with great vision that seemingly always finds lanes to run through in the backfield. He posted 737 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022 on just over seven yards per carry. He and Gibson will be a great tandem for the Longhorns in the coming years.
