Since Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall’s Letters of Intent came over the fax machine in the Butts-Mehre building the Bulldogs have had a special run with at tailback. As an encore to Gurley and Marshall, in the Class of 2014 the Dawgs were able to ink 5-Star backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.  With Chubb and Michel most likely headed to join Gurley and Marshall in the NFL after the 2016 season Coach McGee and the rest of the staff will be looking for the next duo of dynamic backs to tote the rock Between the Hedges.
 
 
By no means is this meant to diminish what young men like Elijah Holyfield and Tae Crowder are capable of but most recruiting gurus out there would agree that those two don’t have the God given natural talent of those names preceding them.  That is not to say one of them will not surprise and exceed expectations but the next “star” will likely come from either the Class of 2017 or ’18.  That said, who are the Dawgs top targets at tailback over the next couple years?
 
 
#1 – Zamir White – 6’1 215 – Class of 2018

 Based purely on talent, White is the best tailback on this list.  He jumps off the screen when you watch his tape and you instantly know he is a man amongst boys.  The NC native is already drawing comparisons to Todd Gurley and his combination of speed and physicality makes that comparison apt.

http://www.hudl.com/v/Egq23
 
 
#2 – Cam Akers – 5’11 210 – Class of 2017

 A current Alabama commit, Akers is the prototypical downhill tailback that has the body type to withstand the pounding between the tackles that you normally face.  He is compactly built with a stout lower body which makes him very difficult to arm tackle.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2761306/highlights/314954380
 
 
#3 – D’Andre Swift – 5’9 205 – Class of 2017

 The Philadelphia, PA native would be an impressive pull for the Bulldogs and he is an extremely pure runner.  He isn’t going to blow you away with his speed or quickness but his balance is incredible and his knack for making people miss in open space is something you just can’t coach.

http://www.hudl.com/v/QPLgz
 
 
#4 – Toneil Carter – 5’11 205 – Class of 2017

Carter is an extremely well-rounded tailback that can do a little bit of everything and he does everything well.  He possesses great toughness and plays with a lot of heart and it shows on film with his effort.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2893060/highlights/190295375
 
 
#5 – Trey Sermon – 6’1  220 – Class of 2017

 The only Georgia native on this list, Sermon is also right there with Zamir White as the biggest.  He doesn’t possess elite speed but he runs behind his pads and runs angry.  If he can stay healthy on the collegiate level he is going to be a big time back.

http://www.hudl.com/v/NNwZy
 
 
#6 – Ty Chandler – 5’11 190 – Class of 2017

 Maybe the fastest tailback on this list, Chandler can absolutely fly.  He may never be an elite back between the tackles but if he gets the edge and turns the corner you can say goodbye.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5438018/highlights/289144377
 
 
#7 – Anthony McFarland, Jr. – 5’9 189 – Class of 2017

The electric Maryland native is a fast twitch third down back that you want to get the ball to in open space.  He has an extremely explosive running style and can make a 45 degree cut at full speed or stop on a dime and let a defender fly by.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2906544/highlights/192465375