If the list of the top 10 high school running backs heading into the 2021 season is any indication, universities in Oklahoma look to be on the upswing.
Three of the 10 are headed to the Sooner State as Raleek Brown and Gavin Sawchuk are pledged to the University of Oklahoma while Braylin Presley will stay in state and play for the Cowboys.
Last week, we started our Top 10 player list grading the
best quarterbacks in the country. Later this week, we will zone in on wide
receivers, tight ends and offensive linemen.
Among the undecided backs are IMG Academy's Kaytron Allen, who helped the Ascenders to a 2020 MaxPreps National Championship, as well as five-star Reuben Owens of El Campo (Texas).
Mater Dei's Brown leads the list of ball carriers, having rushed for 367 yards in a shortened spring season for the Monarchs.
![Christian Brothers senior and Ohio State commit Dallan Hayden rushed for 2,010 yards in nine games in 2020.](https://image.maxpreps.io/editorial/article/d/e/7/de772241-6c77-414f-aa6d-ba45727864cf/1a0c06d5-34e3-eb11-80ce-a444a33a3a97_original.jpg)
Christian Brothers senior and Ohio State commit Dallan Hayden rushed for 2,010 yards in nine games in 2020.
File photo by Chris Evans
Top 10 high school running backs
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 220
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2022)
Has played a major role for the Ascenders over the last two seasons. Helped IMG Academy finish No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25 for the first time in school history last season.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2023)
The four-star has rushed for 3,700-plus yards and 43 touchdowns during his first two seasons. He's been a MaxPreps Freshman and Sophomore All-America first-team selection in each of those seasons.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 220
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2022)
The third-rated running back on 247Sports composite rankings for the Class of 2022 is set to make his college choice on July 22. His three finalists: Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2022)
Has racked up over 4,000 total yards with 52 touchdowns. The recent Sooner commit leads the Eagles, who were named the
best team in Colorado to begin the 2021 season.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2023)
The top-rated running back in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports is averaging more than 100 yards rushing per game through his first two seasons.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2022)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2023)
Rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore. Owens is one of two backs from the Class of 2023 listed as a five-star recruit on 247Sports composite rankings.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 175
Status: Committed to Oklahoma State | Class: Senior (2022)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2022)
The only five-star running back in the Class of 2022 on 247Sports composite rankings has piled up 66 total touchdowns over the last two seasons and added seven more on special teams during his sophomore season.
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2022)
The four-star running is one of the most explosive playmakers in the country and equally adept as a receiver. The Monarchs begin the 2021 season as the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Top 25.