The best rushing attacks work in cohesion, marrying talent to scheme while staying in unison with the offensive line. The same can be said when recruiting the position. One size rarely fits all at running back. The best programs find players with the right skills to accentuate their scheme, from bruising downhill runners to elusive backs in space and everything in between.
With that, we're looking at how the top 10 runners in the ESPN 300 suit their respective schemes. By assessing their individual skills -- including how they might compare to previous running backs in those systems -- we can get a sense at how some of the top programs in the country will deploy these backs this fall.
Taylor Tatum, Oklahoma Sooners
ESPN 300 rank: 38
Tatum is a power back who is compact and runs low to the ground. Oklahoma's run scheme features a heavy dose of counter and inside zone, and that can fit Tatum, given his power and lateral agility at this stage. He will need to develop the vision and lateral flexibility to better expose cutback lanes in the back side zone scheme. We really like Tatum's patience and ability to press the hole when he sees daylight. Oklahoma's running backs underwhelmed in 2023 -- Gavin Sawchuk never got going and Jovantae Barnes only showed flashes -- so Tatum could get on the field and push this group in a hurry.
Jerrick Gibson, Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 rank: 59
The Longhorns love the inside zone and outside stretch zone as the focal point of their run game. Gibson fits because he has the speed to attack before putting his foot in the ground to get downhill. He gets low when he runs and can get lost behind the line of scrimmage, making him dangerous as a cutback runner where he excels at jump-cutting through traffic. Gibson has posted fast testing times and can win foot races in the open field. CJ Baxter flashed star power last year as a true freshman and Jaydon Blue showed real promise as a change-of-pace back behind Baxter, but Texas lacks depth beyond those two options. Gibson has an opportunity to get involved early.
Nathaniel Frazier, Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 rank: 62
Frazier is quite similar to former Bulldogs running back James Cook. Georgia's scheme will enhance Frazier's talents by getting him out in space, particularly on the perimeter. Frazier is compact (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) and stout enough to perform in Georgia's power run game, but he's at his best in the open field. He could be a redshirt candidate in 2024. There are five other backs at Georgia vying for playing time, headlined by Florida transfer Trevor Etienne.
Kevin Riley, Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 rank: 81
Before Roydell Williams transferred to Florida State, Nick Saban felt like Alabama's running back room was the deepest and most talented in his 17-year tenure. Now, new coach Kalen DeBoer adds Riley to a new Crimson Tide offense that will feature a heavy dose of counter and split zone from the shotgun. Riley is an upright runner who needs to use his patience initially and thrives when he can use his explosive burst to press the hole and get to the second level. The counter requires patience, vision and sudden burst. Riley has all three. He needs to lower his pad level with a lower center of gravity to avoid getting knocked off his feet between the tackles.
Kameron Davis, Florida State Seminoles
ESPN 300 rank: 85
The Seminoles love to have two different types of backs. Davis fits the Trey Benson mold. He thrives in counter, power and duo schemes with a downhill approach. He needs a complement, like Lawrance Toafili was to Benson. Davis will get the tough yards but might not win a ton of foot races. Even with the addition of Williams from Alabama, Florida State's depth is thin. Davis will play if he can pass protect and take care of the football.
Quinton Martin, Penn State Nittany Lions
ESPN 300 rank: 91
Martin is a jack-of-all-trades type, so it's difficult to project his true fit. However, that versatility is his greatest asset and could help him see the field early even though traditional running back reps might be limited to Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Martin will allow new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to utilize him as a receiving threat both from the backfield and in the slot. Martin is a galloping, upright runner and at his best when his shoulders are squared to the line of scrimmage and he can gain momentum.
Jordan Marshall, Michigan Wolverines
ESPN 300 rank: 104
Marshall is everything Michigan wants in a running back -- tough, physical and fantastic after contact. He has the power to press the hole, but also the vision to exploit the cutback lane when available. Michigan takes so much pride in winning at the point of attack and it's the back's job to get to the second level and extend runs. The only issue for Marshall? He's joining a running backs group that is six-deep, including returning feature back Donovan Edwards.
Dilin Jones, Wisconsin Badgers
ESPN 300 rank: 117
In years past, Wisconsin might not have recruited a running back like Jones. He's built more like a receiver, so offensive coordinator Phil Longo can utilize him in space and on the perimeter in their new spread attack. Jones is more quick than fast, and the inside zone, split zone and counter will be staples for him. Jones will likely redshirt considering Chez Mellusi returns and the Badgers added Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker to a group that includes three others.
Daniel Hill, Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 rank: 123
Hill has similar traits to Riley (listed above), only he's not as fast or explosive. However, Hill could be utilized as a H-back/utility weapon much like Jaheim Bell at Florida State. He's best fit for the downhill game considering he's more elusive than sudden. Both Hill and Riley will have a tough time seeing the field this season given the return of Justice Haynes, Richard Young and Jam Miller to a crowded Alabama backfield.
Kedren Young, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 rank: 127
The Irish are getting a power back with better play speed than testing times. Young has a great opportunity to play right away without a clear-cut established option in Notre Dame's backfield. Like Michigan, the Irish pride themselves on winning in the trenches and getting the back to the second level. Young has really impressive agility in tight spaces despite his appearance as a power back. He is effective in the inside and outside zone game because once he sees the crease, he puts his foot in the ground and gets north and south.