Lemming's Top 25 RBs :: Schools hoping they can land the next Reggie Bush out of class of 2007
Lemming's Top 25 RBs
 
Schools hoping they can land the next Reggie Bush out of class of 2007  

Sept. 22, 2006

By Adam Caparell

CSTV.com

 



 ADAM CAPARELL

Adam is CSTV.com's football editor and national football writer.
E-mail here!

CSTV Recruiting Expert Tom Lemming has highlighted the top recruits in the country with his Lemming 100. Now he's broken down each position into its own Top 25. As signing day rapidly approaches, CSTV.com will highlight the top recruits at each position with Lemming's personal insights on the players who will be the next stars of college football.

 

The 2007class of running backs can be characterized as a very good class, but not a great one by Tom Lemming. While the names aren't as notorious as their quarterback counterparts, Lemming thinks these 25 running backs are the most creative in the open field he's ever seen.

 

1. Caleb King - 5-11, 196-pounds, 4.32-40, Norcross-Greater Atlanta Christian, Ga.

 

The No. 1 running back in the class of 2007 isn't just a running back, he's an all-around athlete. And, according to Lemming, Caleb King's "remarkable skills" set him apart from the rest.

 

"He's probably the best all-around back," Lemming said. "He has great cutting ability. He should be an instant impact player."

 

King's recruiting is still wide open with nearly every big time program around the nation clamoring to get him, especially Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn.

 

2. John Clay - 6-2, 220-pounds, 4.4-40, Racine Washington Park, Wis.

 

While King may take the title of best back in the country, John Clay's size makes him the best big-bodied back out there.

 

"Without a doubt the best big back in the country," Lemming said, comparing Clay to a high school version of Jim Brown. "He looks like he's not moving as fast as he is."

 

Clay averaged 12 yards per carry last season and could wind up at Wisconsin, Iowa or Ohio State.

 

3. Joe McKnight - 6-0, 195-pounds, 4.3-40, River Ridge John Curtis, La.

 

Joe McKnight is a highlight reel waiting to happen.

 

"He's one of the real exciting players in the country," Lemming said. "Explosive, he's a threat to go all the way on every play. He has brilliant speed and runs with good power which is surprising because he's a good cutter."

 

McKnight also just happens to be the premier punt and kickoff returner in the nation. LSU and USC are two of the favorites to land his considerable talents.

 

4. Noel Devine - 5-8, 175-pounds, 4.3-40, N. Ft. Myers, Fla.

 

While there never will be another Reggie Bush, in this class, Noel Devine may be the one who resembles last year's Heisman Trophy winner the most.

 

"His film is probably the most exciting film when you watch him," Lemming said. "He's the most difficult to tackle in the country. Once he gets a half step on someone, its' all over. He's a Reggie Bush type."

 

Devine's recruiting is still wide open with Florida State, Rutgers, West Virginia and Auburn some of the favorites to land the Sunshine State native.

 

5. Marc Tyler - 6-0, 215-pounds, 4.5-40, Westlake Village Oaks Christian, Calif.

 

If there's one running back in the 2007 class who has the total package, it just may be Marc Tyler.

 

"He's the best all around back when it comes to running, blocking, and catching," Lemming said. "He has great hands, he's blocked a lot for [quarterback Jimmy] Clausen. He's a good size back and good outside speed. He has it all."

 

Tyler averaged over 10 yards per carry last season, but it's been tough to get any recognition when your backfield mate is widely considered the top recruit in the country.

 

Tyler will take his talents to USC next year.

 

6. Gerald Jones - 6-0, 190-pounds, 4.4-40, Oklahoma City Millwood, Okla.

 

Just like fellow top recruits McKnight and Devine, Gerald Jones is a quarterback who is going to be switched in college to a running back.

 

"He's the best punt and kickoff returner in Oklahoma," Lemming said. "He's not much of a passer, he's more of a runner. But he's a strong runner with great vision."

 

Jones could land anywhere from Texas Tech to Oklahoma to Oklahoma State, or even Notre Dame.

 

7. Bradley Stephens - 5-10, 190-pounds, 4.4-40, McAllen Memorial, Tex.

 

Bradley Stephens is the best pure running back in Texas, but, according to Lemming, has been overlooked because he committed very early to Texas A&M.

 

"He's not real big, but he can break tackles," Lemming said. "A great catch for A&M. He has decent size, but he's not a big guy. He's a bit of an Emmit Smith type running back."

 

8. Armando Allen - 5-9, 187-pounds, 4.3-40, Hialeah Miami Lakes, Fla.

 

Armando Allen may be out of action for the time being after breaking several bones in his leg recently, but that won't stop teams from lining up to sign the offensive MVP from last year's U.S. Army National Combine.

 

"He's a small guy, but very powerful," Lemming said. "He has blinding speed, great moves and bursts."

 

Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame and Tennessee all could be in line to sign Allen.

 

9. Lamark Brown - 6-3, 215-pounds, 4.4-40, Hazelwood West, Missouri

 

Lamark Brown could be an All-American linebacker if he wanted to, but he'd rather be a running back.

 

"One of the top players in Missouri," Lemming said. "He has pretty good instincts. He's just a top notch player. But I think he may be better suited to play defense."

 

Brown is Kansas State's biggest catch in two years, according to Lemming.

 

10. Lennon Creer - 6-0, 202-pounds, 4.49-40, Tatum, Tex.

 

Lennon Creer may be a surprise at No. 10 from some, but he's certainly not without his fair share of talent and ability.

 

"He has real good power and vision," Lemming said. "He's a strong runner, has balance, and he's tough to bring down. He's just a real good all around back."

 

Texas, Miami, Oklahoma and Tennessee are some of the schools that Creer could end up at.

 

11.       Ryan Houston          6-2, 250, 4.6      Charlotte Butler, N.C.

12.       Chris Rainey            5-9, 170, 4.3       Lakeland, Fla.

13.       Robert Hughes         6-0, 230, 4.6      Chicago Hubbard, Ill.

14.       Joseph Reese            6-2, 190, 4.4     Pflugerville Hendrickson, Tex.

15.       Broderick Green       6-1, 225, 4.55    Little Rock-Pulaski Aca., Ark.

16.       Ray Carter                6-0, 187, 4.5      Los Angeles Crenshaw, Calif.

17.       Golden Tate              6-0, 185, 4.4      Hendersonville Pope John Paul, Tenn.

18.       Jon Dwyer                6-0, 205, 4.4      Marietta Kell, Ga.

19.       Malachi Lewis          6-4, 210, 4.4      Oxnard Rio Mesa, Calif.

20.       Brian Maddox          6-0, 215, 4.48     Anderson-T.L. Hanna, S.C.

21.       Brandon Saine         6-0, 200, 4.35     Piqua, Ohio

22.       Enrique Davis          5-11, 210, 4.5     Lynn Haven Mosley, Fla.

23.       Robert Elliott           6-1, 197, 4.43     Okolona, Miss.

24.       Antwan Easterling   5-11, 185, 4.5     Miami-Northwestern, Fla.

25.       Dale Martin             5-11, 195, 4.35    Bolingbrook, Ill.


 

 


 
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