Who is the best Running Back in Michigan's Class of 2027?

I'm all-in on the Class of 2027 at this point. We're a month or so out from a massive update, which will bring north of 300 new additions to the rankings, including a ton of new RBs. While other positions will get shaken up a ton, the top of the running back position shouldn't be too shocking. Sure, some will move up a spot or two, and some will move down, but outside of one guy climbing from RB #14 to the Top 5, this update shouldn't be too shocking.   Here's where I'm at with who I think are the clear Top 5 RBs in Michigan. These guys have all proved themselves at the Varsity level, and four of them hold at least one FBS offer.    The current #1 running back. I'd still argue that Cameron has the best athleticism-strength combo in this class. Plus, good vision, can block, and can run routes. This is a running back whom I've been in front of several times, and I've been around him enough to know that he doesn't have any major weaknesses.   I don't have verified height, weight, or testing from Cameron like I do a few others, but the in-person evals have proved even more valuable. Upgrade vision, athleticism, and strength by a touch, and Cameron is easily a Power 4 guy.   [player_tooltip player_id='1573500' first='Cameron' last='Payne'] could retain the #1 spot. I'll tell you that the lowest I can currently see him going is #4. I'm happy that Toledo sent out an offer, because there's a couple other West Michigan RBs who also deserve a D1 look.     LJ has great testing numbers, great tape, and a recent offer from Miami (OH).   LJ's biggest strength has to be his ability to change direction. Several instances on tape where LJ is able to put a foot in the ground and explode east-west like very few RBs can. My 40-yard dash is a tad slower than the 40 listed on his Twitter, but the point is that he's definitely in that 4.45-4.66 range. I'm also pretty impressed by LJ's contact balance, especially for being on the lighter side.   I am genuinely considering ranking LJ #1 in the running back group. Though, with five really good RBs fighting for the spot, it's tough. Either way, he'll definitely skyrocket up from RB14. I'm looking forward to watching LJ at Gateway to North, assuming he'll still be in attendance.     One of if not the most versatile RB on this list. Dakota loves to pound the rock, but they also love to get the ball in open space. Jeramiah is a weapon in both aspects.   He's also a player who is great at running within structure. Follows his blocks, is explosive enough to get through holes that would otherwise close too fast, and can make a defender miss in tight space. Where I'd like to see Jeramiah improve is in his strength (contact balance) and vision. Especially on the strength side, Jeramiah has the athletic ability to slip by a ton more tackles.   Could find his way at #1 for a lot of reasons. He's got the athleticism, and will be RB1 for a state-championship contending team with a very difficult schedule. If Jeramiah has been doing the right things this offseason, then he'll have a monster 2025 season.     Someone who has grown on me, and someone who could see himself at #1.   Already with offers from Colorado State, Kentucky, Miami (OH), and Western Michigan, Trenton is far and away the most offer-decorated RB in this class. Tape (although lacking full-season highlights) showcases a top-tier athletic profile. Against bad tackling teams, Trenton was able to consistently run people over, and power through arm tackles while staying upright. At other times, Trenton flashes his open-field elusiveness, albeit a little more rare.   Trenton is a tough grade. A very quick eye test says that he's the #1 running back simply based on the school he goes to and the offers he carries. I do think there is a Belleville bias out there, but it's also apparent to me that Trenton is a Top-5 back in this class. I would love if I had a little more information on Trenton- hope I can catch him at a camp.     The only running back on this list with zero FBS offers.   It's a little puzzling to me because Andrew will be confidently ranked above players with FBS offers. Heck, I think there are a few FBS-offered players with clearly inferior tape.   Andrew's #1 trait has always been his speed. Dude shoots out of a cannon every time he touches the ball. On top of that, he has great testing numbers across the board. 112inch broad jump backs up the explosiveness, and the 4.5s shuttle indicates good change of direction. Athletic profile shown on tape and in the numbers indicate FBS talent.   I do think that Andrew's vision, cut quickness, and contact balance can be improved. Andrew's running style reminds me a bit of Donovan Edwards, albeit less explosive and lacking the contact balance Donovan had coming out. High-end GLIAC is what I think Andrew's lowest floor is. I hope that Andrew can hit a new gear this season. He's got a shot at #1 this update as well.

I'm all-in on the Class of 2027 at this point. We're a month or so out from a massive update, which will bring north of 300 new additions to the rankings, including a ton of new RBs. While other positions will get shaken up a ton, the top of the running back position shouldn't be too shocking. Sure, some will move up a spot or two, and some will move down, but outside of one guy climbing from RB #14 to the Top 5, this update shouldn't be too shocking.