2014 Big 12 Recruit Rankings: Running Back

Below are my first rankings for the 2014 running backs.  You can click on their name for a more detailed scouting report.  This list is not final and there could be a lot of movement between now and National Signing Day.

1.  Donald Catalon

Catalon has a great build to be a successful back in college, but still is very "slippery".  He cuts from many would-be tacklers and has the potential to also become a more physical player.  He had a nagging toe injury last year that probably hampered him a bit, so expect a big senior season.

2.  Traevohn Wrench

Wrench is a really good back and it doesn't seem like many people have heard his name.  At 6'0/190, he has nice size and is a very well-rounded player.  I was somewhat tempted to put him at #1.

3.  Devon Thomas

There's a lot of hype around Thomas, but his video was underwhelming.  However, if he's right, he has potential to be maybe the best in the conference.

4.  Samaje Perine

Perine is a different from all the other RBs here in that he's more of a "bruiser".  At 6'0/215, Perine will pick up some tough yards for the Sooners in the future.

5.  Justin Stockton

Stockton is here because of his pure speed.  Although not as highly rated as some below him, Stockton's speed is truly elite.  Could end up being the fastest player in the Big 12.

6.  Dalvin Warmack

This is unfair because there's now way Warmack should be at the bottom.  He was the player of the year in Missouri last year and is ranked pretty well among the recruiting services.  With a good senior season, Warmack could make his way to to the top of the list.

Last Updated April 30th.

Chad President Becomes Baylor's First 2015 Commit

Baylor picked up their first commitment of the 2015 class today in QB/WR Chad President.  As a sophomore, President already has offers from two other Big 12 schools; Texas and Texas Tech.  247Sports lists President at 6'2/180 and has him as a receiver.  However, he will play QB this season at Temple High School as he fills in for 2013 TCU commit Zach Allen.  He's expected to be one of the best players in the state by the time he graduates, already being ranked #12 in the 2015 LSR.  President is a great start for Art Briles' 2015 recruiting class and is set to enroll early in 2015.  Below is an excerpt from OurDailyBears.com on what position he'll play in Waco.

He should get his chance this season, after playing QB only sparingly in relief of Allen so far, to start for the Wildcats. Whether he plays that position again in college is anyone's guess (Wescott, in the link off to the right, says he thinks President will be a WR). According to Brian Etheridge of BearsTruth.com, we're apparently willing to give him the chance.

Handicapping Edwin Freeman's Recruitment

(h/t FoxSportsNext.com)

Edwin Freeman is one of the top linebackers in the state of Texas this year.  He's a 4-star recruit and a top 150 player overall in the 247Composite.  As expected, Freeman has piled up numerous offers, but three stand out.  Below is an analysis of each team's position with Freeman and the chance that he lands with that team.

Texas:  Texas is reportedly the leader for Freeman, as reported by Jeff Howe, after visiting Austin for the spring game.  Yet it doesn't even seem like many Texas fans see him signing with the Longhorns in February.  It has also been reported that Freeman's favorite team growing up were the Horns.  So I'm a little confused why Texas fans think he isn't going to end up a Horn.  Maybe it's because they're recruiting him as a safety. I don't know. 45%

TCU:  As mentioned, Texas is the reported favorite, but almost everyone sees him landing with the Horned Frogs.  TCU recently hired former Bowie coach to be a member of Gary Patterson's staff, so that certainly helps TCU's chances.  247Sports' Crystal Ball feature has all five predictions being TCU.  While Texas is the favorite by Freeman, TCU is the favorite by the experts. 45%.

Texas A&M:  A&M used to be Freeman's favorite, but they've since have fallen from the top spot.    According to his 247Sports' profile, he hasn't been in College Station since October.  I don't really see Freeman ending up with the Aggies.  10%.

Sam Sizelove Commits to Kansas State

(via SBnation.com)

K-State held their spring game today and they picked up a commitment from Texas LB Sam Sizelove following it according to ESPN's Damon Sayles($).  Sizelove is a unanimous 3-star recruit and chose the Wildcats over offers from Houston, Iowa State, Washington State, Texas Tech, and SMU.  There seems to be some disagreement whether Sizelove is a ILB or OLB, but the Kansas State coaches reportedly see him as a MIKE($).  As a junior, Sizelove totaled 138 tackles and a pair of sacks according to his 247Sports profile on his way to being named to the Class 3A All-state first team.  Sizelove is Kansas State's sixth commitment in the 2014 class.

Texas: Donald Catalon Scouting Report

(h/t 247Sports.com)

Position:  RB

Height/Weight:  5'11/195

School:  Eisenhower (Houston, TX)

Other Offers:  SMU, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, USC

40: - 

Ratings:

Rivals: 4*, #13 RB, #149 OVR

247Sports: 4*, #13 RB, #14 TX, #131 OVR

Scout: 4*, #20 RB

ESPN: 4*, #24 RB, #26 TX

Report:  Donald "Duke" Catalon is arguably the best running back in the state of Texas for 2014.  Despite splitting time with others, he still has rushed for over 1000 yards and 7 TDs in each of the last two seasons.  Catalon had a nagging toe injury throughout his junior year which required surgery in the offseason, but he still improved his yards per carry from his sophomore season.

Everyone seems to describe Catalon as a "slippery" player and I agree with that assessment.  He cuts and slides in and out of traffic with relative ease.  With the combination of his size and agility, Catalon may end up as the top back in the Big 12 in 2014.  He has very good speed (not elite) and excellent acceleration to go along with his quickness.  Although he has decent size, he doesn't run with much power and that will probably develop a little down the line.  Still, he showed flashes of physicality on video by leveling a d-lineman and throwing one of the best stiff arms I've ever seen.  Lastly, he can also slip out of the backfield and become a threat in the passing game.  Overall, a very good back and will be a contender for the best in the 2014 Big 12 class.

Oklahoma State: Devon Thomas Scouting Report

(h/t baledger.com)

Position:  RB

Height/Weight:  5'11/210

School:  Broken Arrow (Broken Arrow, OK)

Other Offers:  Oklahoma, Houston, Clemson, West Virginia

40: -

Ratings:

Rivals: 4*, #15 RB, #155 OVR

247Sports: 4*, #10 RB, #109 OVR

Scout: 4*, #22 RB

ESPN: - 

Report:  As you can see, the recruiting services are pretty high on Thomas (who was once an OU commit).  However, he did have a tough junior year on top of being suspended for several weeks.  His stats weren't as good last year and the video of him as a sophomore was more impressive than that of his junior year.  While I think the potential is there to be great his senior year, it was hard for me to really gauge Thomas.  Having said that, below are my thoughts:

Thomas is another back that does a little bit of everything.  At 5'11/210, he's got nice size for a back.  He keeps his legs going and picks up several yards after contact.  Although he isn't necessarily quick, he can effectively change direction and is very smooth at it.  He doesn't have great speed, but I see him as more of a between-the-tackles back in Stillwater, so he doesn't need speed as much as power.  As I stated above, in the end, I couldn't get a very good read on Thomas, and I think his senior year will be more indicative of the player he'll be in the future.

A Quick Look At Texas's 2015 Commits

(h/t Austin American-Statesman)

Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns are now putting more emphasis on recruiting younger prospects and they're starting to reap the rewards.  Already, the 'Horns have three 2015 commitments which is larger than many of the Big 12's 2014 classes.  Below is a quick look at their early 2015 commits.

CB Jalen Campbell:  Campbell committed to Texas in late March, a week after receiving his first offer from Texas at their inaugural sophomore day.  Campbell will end up as one of the top players in the state for 2015.  Already, in the '15 LSR, he's #8 overall and the second DB on the list.  He impressed many at a Rivals Camp Series stop in Houston and was named the second-best overall defender at the camp regardless of class.   Here is a snippet of what Rivals had to say($):

He showed great footwork and hips and most importantly ball skills. When he did get beat he used tremendous leaping ability to high point the ball, making one of the top plays of the day against one of the top offensive performers on day by making a leaping over the should interception.

OL Aaron Garza:  Garza was the first to commit out of the three back on UT's sophomore day.  Garza is #23 overall and #2 at his position in the 2015 LSR.  Garza chose Texas over offers from Baylor and Michigan.  Garza is already 6'3/315 and still has two more years of high school football left.  Most see him playing in the interior of the line and he already shows qualities better than older lineman as noted by SB Nation:

There is also evidence on film that he can pack a significant punch both in the run game and in pass protection, which is hardly a given even for older offensive linemen who are quality prospects.

DT Bryce English:  Last is Bryce English who also committed in late March.  English is a little further down the LSR coming at #76.  English has ties to the Texas program as his godfather is the a recruiting coordinator and the tight end coach for the Longhorns.  Here is a little more on English from Orangebloods.com($).

English lists himself at 6-0, 315 pounds right now and credits the great strength and conditioning program at DeSoto for his outstanding strength and quickness. He's not one of the most well-known 2015 prospects in the recruiting world at the moment, but that will soon change. And English is gunning for the top spot at his position. With an ability to play all over the defensive line, it's not surprising that Texas jumped on him early.

NotRecruit: 2013 NFL Mock Draft

This site covers Big 12 recruiting, but once in a while, I'll touch on something not recruiting related (Big 12 football, general college football, Big 12 hoops, NFL, etc.).  My first "NotRecruit" post (yes, I ripped it off from FanGraphs), is my NFL Mock Draft for Thursday.  Agree or disagree?  Leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@Big12Recruit).

1.  Luke Joeckel - OT - Texas A&M
It seemed pretty evident just a few weeks ago that Joeckel would be the clear number one pick.  However, recently, there have been reports that the some of the Chiefs staff are favoring Eric Fisher.  In the end, I think the Chiefs go with the more proven commodity in Joeckel.

2.  Dion Jordan - OLB - Oregon
The Jags could take Eric Fisher here or even reach for Geno Smith to replace Blaine Gabbert.  But, the Jaguars need to build the defense and they do so in drafting high upside LB Dion Jordan.

3.  Sharrif Floyd - DT - Florida
The Raiders desperately need help on defense and more specifically at tackle.  Floyd seems like the obvious pick here.

4.  Eric Fisher - OT - Central Michigan
Erick Fisher falls right into the lap of the Eagles.  This is probably exactly where they want to be and take arguably the best OT and fill a huge need.

5.  Ezekiel Ansah - DE - BYU
If Eric Fisher falls to #5, I think the Lions pull the trigger on him.  However, he's not and I think the Lions will be satisfied with Ansah who will replace the void left behind Kyle Vanden Bosch.  Ansah has a very high upside and has been compared to the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul.

6.  Dee Milliner - CB - Alabama
Milliner probably is a little high going here, but the Browns need a starting cornerback for next year.  Other options include Lane Johnson or Barkevious Mingo.

7.  Lane Johnson - OT - Oklahoma
New reports tell that the Cardinals are high on Lane Johnson and with him available, they pick him.  Johnson has great athleticism and will hopefully keep Carson Palmer upright.

8.  Ryan Nassib - QB - Syracuse
I don't think many saw this coming a couple weeks ago, but there is some serious talk that Nassib goes in the top 10.  In a surprising pick, new Bills coach Doug Marrone takes a player he just coached last fall.

9.  Star Lotulelei - DT - Utah
Lotulelei slips a little bit and the Jets select the best run-defender in the draft.  If Lotulelei is gone, expect the Jets to draft Barkevious Mingo from LSU.

10.  Jonathan Cooper - OG - North Carolina
The Titans could use help in their secondary, but reports have stated that the Titans are very interested in Cooper.

11.  Chance Warmack - OG - Alabama
The Chargers really needed Lane Johnson to fall, but instead they go with Chance Warmack to fix their broken line.

12.  Sheldon Richardson - DT - Missouri
Miami's current defensive tackles' contracts are set to expire after this year.  Miami has a lot of flexibility if their in this position and I believe they'll select arguably the best player available.

13.  Xavier Rhodes - CB - Florida State
After Revis got traded to Tampa Bay, taking Rhodes here seems like the obvious pick.

14.  Tavon Austin - WR - West Virginia
Steve Smith doesn't have much time left in his career and Cam Newton needs more weapons on offense.  If Austin is available, which he is in this mock, the Panthers take him.

15.  Barkevious Mingo - DE/OLB - LSU
New Orleans has implemented a 3-4 scheme and Mingo will provide a pass-rush off the edge for the Saints.  The Saints could also pick OLB Jarvis Jones if they have him higher on their board.

16.  DeAndre Hopkins - WR - Clemson
The Rams have hosted Hopkins a couple times for private workouts and according to reports, they'll pick Hopkins if Tavon Austin isn't available.

17.  Jarvis Jones - OLB - Georgia
This seems like another obvious pick and a lot of mock drafts have the Steelers selecting Jarvis Jones here.  Jones can come in and immediately replace James Harrison.

18.  Kenny Vaccaro - S - Texas
From reports, it seems that the Cowboys are very interested in LSU safety Eric Reid.  However, if Vaccaro is still available, I feel that the 'Boys selecting Vaccaro is more likely.

19.  Bjoern Werner - DE - Florida State
I'm not really sure on this pick, but I see most other mocks taking Werner.  Werner has some upside having just recently starting playing football.

20.  Alec Ogletree - ILB - Georgia
Brian Urlacher is gone and the Bears now have a hole to fill.  Ogletree is ranked higher than Manti Te'o by most, but don't be shocked to see Te'o picked here.

21.  Matt Elam - S - Florida
Safety is probably the top need for the Bengals this year.  Vaccaro is gone so they go with the next best option in Matt Elam.

22.  Eric Reid - S - LSU
They got their WR earlier in the Draft and now they bolster the secondary with the selection of Eric Reid.

23.  Sylvester Williams - DE/DT - North Carolina
Williams fills a major need and most mock drafts have him falling here.

24.  Datone Jones - DE/DT - UCLA
A strong and versatile defensive lineman that will fit well in Indy.

25.  Cordarelle Patterson - WR - Tennessee
Patterson has as much upside as any WR in the Draft and can replace Percy Harvin's playmaking ability.

26.  Justin Hunter - WR - Tennessee
The Packers take Patterson's teammate a pick later and are hopeful that he can replace the loss of Greg Jennings.

27.  Tyler Eifert - TE - Notre Dame
The Texans probably would pick Justin Hunter if he's available, but he's not.  Instead, the Texans take another offensive playmaker and one of the best still available.

28.  Tank Carradine - DE - Florida State
The second FSU DE taken in the first-round, Carradine seems to be the obvious pick and will replace the loss of Elvis Dumervil.

29.  Jamar Taylor - CB - Boise State
According to reports, the Patriots have been very interested in Taylor throughout the entire process.  The Pats could use another WR, but I don't think they will reach for one.

30.  Desmond Trufant - CB - Washington
The Falcons need a corner and they take the best one available in Trufant.

31.  Damontre Moore - DE - Texas A&M
A players the 9ers can groom in to replace veteran Justin Smith in a few years.

32.  Kevin Minter - ILB - LSU
A tackling machine help ease the loss of HOFer Ray Lewis.

Kansas State: Dalvin Warmack Scouting Report

(h/t 247Sports.com)

Position:  RB
Height/Weight:  5'9/180
School:  Blue Springs (Blue Springs, MO)
Other Offers:  Mizzou, Kansas, Toledo,
40:  ~4.5

Ratings:

Rivals: 3*, #9 APB

247Sports: 4*, #21 RB, #4 MO

Scout: -

ESPN: -

Report:  Warmack rushed for over 2300 yards and 39 TDs last year on a Blue Springs team that won the Missouri Class 6 state championship.  He was also named the Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year last season as a junior along with all-state and all-district selections. 

The first thing that jumps out to me when watching his film is how "slippery" he is.  Warmack is elusive and weaves in and out of traffic with the help of his superb vision.  While he isn't big enough to break tackles with physicality, he shows on film an ability to bounce of tackles with his quickness.  He also possesses great acceleration that gets him to top his top-end speed rather quickly.  Obviously his size will not allow him to be able to do these things mentioned above to Big 12 defenders.  Still, Bill Snyder has to be happy with picking up Warmack, one of the best backs in the region.

WR Cameron Batson And QB Patrick Mahomes Commit To Texas Tech

Texas Tech continued their hot streak as they picked up two commitments on Sunday.  The first to commit was Oklahoma City WR Cameron Batson.  Batson instantly fell in love with Texas Tech, committing the day after his first visit to Lubbock.  Former Tech coach Mike Leach had also offered Batson along with Kansas.  The 3-star prospect stands at 5'8 and will play in the slot under Kingsbury.

The second commitment of the day was TX QB Patrick Mahomes.  After D.J. Gillens decommitted from Texas Tech, it became apparent that Mahomes was the staff's top target at QB. It was even speculated that Mahomes might have been the man they originally wanted.  Regardless, Tech is getting a consensus 3-star prospect that threw for over 3800 yards and 46 TDs last year.  Mahomes chose Tech over offers from Oklahoma State and Rice.   Mahomes will also play baseball for Tech and it sounds like he has a legitimate shot at being an early-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft.

Cameron Batson and Patrick Mahomes became the seventh and eighth commitment in the 2014 class for Tech.

Texas Tech Picks Up Commitment From Ian Sadler

(via dentonrc.com)

Before Texas Tech's spring game today, they picked up their sixth overall commitment in WR Ian Sadler as reported by RedRaiderSports.com($).  Sadler, from Argyle (TX), chose Texas Tech over the likes of Minnesota, Iowa State, and North Texas.  At 5'11/195, Sadler seems to do it all for Argyle.  Sadler is mainly a WR, but also plays in the secondary, returns kicks, and is under center in the wildcat for Argyle.  Also, Sadler is an excellent soccer player, as mentioned in the linked article.  Rivals lists Sadler as a 2-star prospect and a 3-star recruit in the 247Composite.  Keep checking back here and follow @Big12Recruit for more recruiting updates throughout the day.

QB William Crest Chooses West Virginia

William Crest (via 247Sports.com)

As many expected, William Crest pledged to be a West Virginia Mountaineer earlier today.  This is big get for Holgorsen and company as Crest was one of their top targets.  Crest, a 4-star prospect by most, had other offers from Maryland, Ohio State, Rutgers, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and more.  He led Dunbar High to state championships in both his sophomore and junior seasons.  Crest seems to fit the mold of a prototypical Holgorsen QB.  He has some size, can make plays with his legs, but are more known for being a pass-first QB.  To me, atleast, Crest and Geno Smith seems to have similar traits (not saying he ends up the caliber of Geno).  In the end, West Virginia got what they wanted and William Crest is now #2 for their 2014 class.

Kansas: Traevohn Wrench Scouting Report

(h/t 247Sports.com)

Position:  RB

Height/Weight:  6'0/190

School:  Gardner Edgerton (Gardner, KS)

Other Offers:  Iowa, Kansas State, Mizzou, Nebraska

40:  ~4.5

Ratings:

Rivals: 4*, #27 RB

247Sports: 3*, #28 RB, #3 KS

Scout: 4*, #29 RB

ESPN: -

Report:  Last year, Wrench rushed for over 2,200 yards and 25 TDs on 256 carries.  After the season, Wrench was placed on the all-state first team and Kansas City all-metro first team.  Wrench, the best back in the state, was KU's first commitment in 2014.

Wrench isn't spectacular or great at any one thing, but instead is very solid all around.  At 6'0/190, he has decent size for a RB with the potential to add more weight/muscle to his frame in Lawrence.  He doesn't blow by many defenders with his speed, but has enough of it to be effective.  He isn't a bulldozer, but demonstrates on film that he can break tackles and be physical when needed.  Maybe his best asset, I believe, is his vision and patience.  He seems to always find the holes and waits for the blocks to be made before making his move.  Overall, KU is getting a smart player who is very well-rounded.

Checking In On Iowa State's 2014 Recruiting

Top WR and ISU commit, Allen Lazard.

As it stands, Iowa State has just one commitment, but it's a great one.  Urbandale (IA) WR Allen Lazard committed to the Cyclones back in early December.  So what makes Lazard's commitment to ISU so significant?  Well, Rivals lists him as the top receiver not just in Iowa, but in the entire nation.  That's right, Iowa State, not Alabama or Texas, has the commitment of arguably the best player at the position.  His father played at Iowa State and his brother is currently on the team.  If Iowa State can hold onto him, and Lazard seems very committed to ISU, it will be their best commitment in program history.

There are a handful of other prospects right now that have a decent chance of committing to Iowa State.  One is 3-star Illinois athlete Tommy Mister who fell in love with the program at junior day.  Mister has other offers from Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Notre Dame, but is pretty confident that he'll commit to the Cyclones when he makes his decision in June.

TE Matt Nelson may be the best player right now that the Cyclones could realistically land.  Nelson stands at 6'8 which helps him be the star two-sport athlete that he is at his school.  Nelson is a 4-star recruit according to 247Composite rankings and has other offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Stanford, and Nebraska.

MO CB Logan Cheadle has "warm" interest in Iowa State after attending their junior day.  A 3-star prospect by 247Composite has offers from Northern Illinois and Mizzou.  TX DB Victor Holmes has an offer from ISU and will be in Ames this weekend for the spring game($).  Texas Tech and Minnesota are the main competition for 3-star TX WR Ian Sadler.  Iowa State is also the only offers for a pair of Texans; ATH Orion Salters and RB Chris James.

Iowa State is in the mind of a couple other pretty good prospects, but it will be an uphill battle for Paul Rhoads.  Jeff Jones, a Minnesota commit and a top 150 player overall, was in Ames for their junior day and expressed interest in ISU.  The rival Iowa Hawkeyes are the favorite for instate OL Keegan Render.  Lastly, there seems to be a chance, albeit a small one, to land IL DE and Rivals250 player Dewayne Hendrix($).