California 2007 Final Rankings: RBs

Led by five-star running back Marc Tyler, a commit to USC, California is home to a deep and talented group of ball-carriers. Nine Pac-10 schools will receive a signed LOI from a California running back...

California running backs in the class of 2007 will be sprinkled throughout the Pac-10 in the next five years, with every school but Arizona State receiving a commitment from a Golden State ball-carrier. And the finest rushers in the state aren’t just limited to the Pac-10, with the Big Ten, Big 12, Mountain West and WAC getting a piece of the pie. Tyler is one of the best power backs to ever play in California and he’s one of the top six players in the nation, regardless of position. Carter had a fine career in the City and could see serious time as a freshman. Best was elusive both on and off the field, but Cal fans will love knowing he’s theirs along with Vereen and fullback Tyndall. Tyrone Willingham came south to get a pair of Cali running backs. Mike Riley and Mike Belotti did too. Stanford gets another Inland Empire star and the Mountain West should see some fun battles with DiLuigi and Davis, both top 10 backs.

1. Marc Tyler, 6-0, 214, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
Committed to: USC
One of the best high school players in SoCal history, Tyler is a sure-fire star at the collegiate level whatever side of the ball he ends up. Injury at end of the season was only downer in outstanding career.

2. Raymond Carter, 6-0, 190, Los Angeles (Calif.) Crenshaw
Committed to: UCLA
Battled nagging injuries all year, but when he was on his game, showed why the Bruins think he can play as a true frosh.

3. Jahvid Best, 5-10, 185, Richmond (Calif.) Salesian
Committed to: California
One of the fastest players in the nation, Best avoided the media most of the year and tacklers almost all of it.

4. Shane Vereen, 6-0, 175, Valencia (Calif.)
Committed to: California
Didn’t get a chance to duplicate his junior season because of team’s inconsistencies. Still Vereen is as good a back in the state as any and several schools wanted him as a corner too.

5. Brandon Johnson, 5-11, 190, Compton (Calif.) Dominguez
Committed to: Washington
Major reason why Dons won two straight CIF titles, Johnson is not afraid to take on a tackler.

6. Ryan McCants, 6-2, 230, Corona (Calif.) Santiago
Committed to: Oregon State
Speaking of not afraid to take on tackler, only Tyler was a more powerful running back in the Southland than McCants, who also suffered a nasty leg injury.

7. Curtis Shaw, 5-11, 190, Stockton (Calif.) Lincoln
Committed to: Washington
Shaw had another fine season and gives the Huskies another outstanding ball-carrier

8. Chike Amajoyi, 6-0, 210, San Bernardino (Calif.) Aquinas
Committed to: Stanford
The most intelligent running back in California, Amajoyi could team with Toby Gerhart to give the Cardinal an all-Inland Empire backfield.

9. J.J. DiLuigi, 5-9, 190, Canyon Country (Calif.) Canyon
Committed to: BYU
The best player on the Division I state champions, DiLuigi shined in the playoffs.

10. James Davis, 5-9, 172, Monrovia (Calif.)
Committed to: Wyoming
Despite having to split duties in the backfield, Davis still passed 1,000 yards and now takes his skills to the Mountain West.

The Next 10:

11. Willie Griffin, 5-8, 190, Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds- Washington
12. Avery Horn, 5-10, 180, Hanford (Calif.)- Michigan
13. Nicholas Grigsby, 5-11, 190, Whittier (Calif.) California- Arizona
14. Roy Helu, 6-0, 205, Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley- Nebraska
15. Ryan Mathews, 6-0, 195, Bakersfield (Calif.) West- Fresno State
16. Troy Evans, 5-10, 185, Hayward (Calif.)
17. Brian Lockridge, 5-7.5, 175, Mission Viejo (Calif.)- Colorado
18. Doug Martin, 5-11, 195, Stockton (Calif.) St. Mary’s- Boise State
19. Mark Rodgers, 5-9, 180, Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger
20. Lavelle Peterson, , 5-9, 200, La Canada (Calif.)

FULLBACKS

1. Josh Ferrel, 6-1, 245, San Clemente (Calif.)
Even with big frame, Ferrel glides like a tailback.

2. Charles Neal, 6-1, 210, Anaheim (Calif.) Esperanza
Committed to: Oregon
Ran for over 1,000 yards for three straight seasons.

3. John Tyndall, 6-3, 215, Pacific Grove (Calif.)
Committed to: California
One of the best two-way threats in the state, Tyndall should help pave the way for the vaunted Bears running game.

4. Ahmed Mokhtar, 6-0, 215, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
Committed to: Oregon State
A workhorse for the Monarchs, Mokhtar and McCants will be an excellent 1-2 punch for the Beavers.

5. Joseph Easter, 6-2, 240, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco
Committed to: Washington State
May very well end up at linebacker in college, if not, will dish out the hits to backers from the backfield.