Phil Steele: Top 25 Freshman Running Back rankings ahead of 2024 college football season
College football analyst Phil Steele revealed his top 25 freshman running back rankings ahead of the 2024 college football season.
You can view Phil Steele's college football preview magazine in full HERE . It's a great reference to find the young bucks in college football that could break out right away.
Let's dive into the top 25 freshmen running backs in college football for the 2024 season, per Steele.
Jerrick Gibson – TexasGibson should add to a high-quality backfield featuring CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue. He is Steele's top-ranked freshman back and could see the field rather quickly.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Gibson was a four-star recruit out of Gainesville (Fla.) IMG Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 18 overall prospect in the state, the No. 7 running back in the class and the No. 117 overall prospect in the class.
Taylor Tatum – OklahomaThere's a loaded backfield in Oklahoma this season but Tatum might be able to crack the lineup, even if it's under the redshirt threshold. He's the No. 1 running back in the Class of 2024, so it might be hard to keep the training wheels on.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Tatum was a four-star recruit out of Longview (Texas) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 8 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 running back in the class and the No. 40 overall prospect in the class.
Quinton Martin – Penn StateMartin is the first of two Penn State freshman backs in the top 10. Nick Singleton is the lead back, along with Kaytron Allen. But the young bucks could get their chances.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Martin was a four-star recruit out of Belle Vernon (Pa.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 athlete in the class and the No. 99 overall prospect in the class.
Nathaniel Frazier – GeorgiaFrazier is the second highest ranked freshman back in the class but the Georgia backfield is led by transfer Trevor Etienne. However, there's no denying the young man's talent despite a loaded and young backfield.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Frazier was a four-star recruit out of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 5 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 running back in the class and the No. 49 overall prospect in the class.
James Peoples – Ohio StateTreVeyon Henderson already leads the pack, along with transfer Quinshon Judkins. A scary one-two punch. But Peoples might be in that rotation very early this season.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Peoples was a five-star recruit out of San Antonio (Texas) Veterans Memorial, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 18 overall prospect in the state, the No. 8 running back in the class and the No. 119 overall prospect in the class.
Kam Davis – Florida StateRoydell Williams is the lead back, but Davis might be relied on to carry a decent load this season. FSU also uses tailback Lawrence Toafili, but Davis could be special.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Davis was a four-star recruit out of Albany (Ga.) Dougherty, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 16 overall prospect in the state, the No. 11 running back in the class and the No. 125 overall prospect in the class.
Jason Brown – Arizona StateThere are two seniors at the top of the backfield but the position isn't deep. Brown will have a chance to stand out in camp and make a case to play right away.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Brown was a four-star recruit out of Seattle (Was.) O'Dea, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 18 running back in the class and the No. 251 overall prospect in the class.
Jordan Marshall – MichiganThe backfield still has a dynamite RB with Donovan Edwards and others like Kalel Mullings. Marshall will have to find his way through a crowd, but he was a top five running back in the class.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Marshall was a four-star recruit out of Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 4 running back in the class and the No. 87 overall prospect in the class.
Dwight Phillips – GeorgiaPhillips is in the same boat as Frazier listed above. However, the freshman duo could be a dynamic backfield in a year or two.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Phillips was a four-star recruit out of Mableton (Ga.) Pebblebrook, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 31 overall prospect in the state, the No. 19 running back in the class and the No. 266 overall prospect in the class.
Corey Smith – Penn StateAs mentioned above, Smith is one of two true freshmen on this roster this year. It could be a battle for carries with Martin listed above.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Smith was a four-star recruit out of Waukesha (Wisc.) Catholic Memorial, according to the On3 Industry Ranking , a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 28 running back in the class and the No. 369 overall prospect in the class.
Top 25 freshman running backs in 2024Caden Durham – Kevin Riley – Kedren Young – Notre Dame Daniel Hill – Dilin Jones – Aneyas Williams – Notre Dame Peyton Lewis – J'Marion Burnette – Anthony Carrie – Georgia Tech Stacy Gage – Jeremy Payne – Braylen Russell – Davion Gause – North Carolina Jordan Lyle – Darrion Dupree –
Despite the rankings, some running backs might play earlier than others and some might struggle while others excel. Either way, it'll be fascinating to see the young bucks in action.
