Part 2 below focusing on the running back position. Again as with the first part these are alphabetical not a ranking. Early on the running back class does not look great, but it’s early and there is still a season to play, so that may change. You can view the previous part here: https://atbnetwork.com/2021/08/05/the-early-bird-list/
Running Backs:
Jerrion Ealy – Ole Miss
A kind of do-it-all running back. He is a little undersized. Ealy is also well built. Ealy can be used all over the formation. Just get him the ball. Not built to be a every down back.
Breece Hall – Iowa State
Hall is seen by most in the scouting community as the #1 back entering the 2021 season. He brings great size, vision, decent speed and balance. Not many flaws in his game. Although he could improve some in the passing game.
Zonovan Knight – NC State
Knight is fast and also elusive. Knight shows good contact balance and good lower body power. Tends to be a one speed runner. Because of that he could learn some patience. Could rise with improvements.
Bijan Robinson – Texas
Big time recruit coming out of high school. Robinson does have a lot of talent but has yet to break out. He did show some flashes last season. If he puts it all together this year he could challenge Hall for the top running back spot.
Isaiah Spiller – Texas A&M
Very productive in his time at Texas A&M. Big(6’1 225). He shows good power on film. Also his blocking is advanced for a college back. He does most of his damage inside the tackles. Shows some quickness and burst to the outside. Long speed looks to be average. Some development in the passing game is needed.
CJ Verdell – Oregon
Verdell is a fast undersized back. Similarly he has shown he can be dependable in the passing game. He surprisingly decided to return for his senior year. He also has a solid compact build.
Zamir White – Georgia
Very good athlete with good size. Give him and lane and he will explode through it and he will be gone. But he does not get a lot of carries. Also he does have a bit of an injury history that needs to be check into. He also needs more experience in the passing game.
Kyren Williams – Notre Dame
Came out of nowhere last season. Williams rushed for 1,100 yards after only rushing for 26 the previous season. He showed good instincts and vision in 2020, he also showed well in the passing game. He is a bit undersized and how much growth his frame can handle is a question. Decent overall athlete.
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