Who are Oklahoma State’s Top Targets at Running Back?

The Oklahoma State staff has big shoes to fill on the recruiting trail. Following the 2016 season, they will lose their most productive tailbacks with Rennie Childs and Chris Carson, and x-factor Barry J. Sanders who is eligible for one year thanks to the graduate transfer rule.

It may sound like a problem.

But losing that much talent is a big opportunity with recruits, of which Oklahoma State has their eyes on a few.

More than likely, the Cowboys will target at least two tailbacks in the 2017 recruiting class. Up to this point, they have yet to land a commitment. But they have their eyes set high. Here’s who the Cowboys top targets at running back are:

Chase Hayden – 5-11, 185-pounds

The Cowboys are dipping into SEC territory with Hayden, a highly regarded back from Collierville, TN. He has offers from South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, OSU, Michigan, Illinois, and others. His father, Aaron Hayden, played at the University of Tennessee in the early 1990’s. Which could obviously play a factor in his decision. But the Cowboys are right in the mix with Hayden, too. He had 2,625 total rushing yards and 37 touchdowns last season, per 247sports.

Alex Fontenot – 5-11.5, 188-pounds

Fontenot is a George Ranch, Texas prospect whom the Cowboys recently offered. He has offers from OSU, Colorado State, and North Texas. But don’t expect that to stay the same. As a backup last season, he compiled more than 1,400 rushing yards sitting behind the depth chart of one of the best tailbacks in Texas. Fontenot may very well be on his way to claiming that same title. George Ranch can churn out some big time talent, so nabbing Fontenot would be a huge feat.

JD King – 5-11, 205-pounds

King was one of the most productive backs in Georgia last season, racking up 2,377 rushing yards on 323 attempts to go with 32 touchdowns in his junior campaign. The freak prospect from Fitzgerald, Georgia, is a big-time athlete who is flying surprisingly low on the national radar, which has given the Cowboys a solid period to help build a relationship and an advantage in his recruitment. It’s still early, but King, who is expected to make a visit in the coming weeks, is looking like a very viable option.

Chuba Hubbard – 6-1, 190-pounds

The Canadian sprinter, who was at one time a sleeper from Sherwood Park AB, is no longer under the radar. Since his offer from OSU, he has exploded onto the scene. He now has offers from TCU, Oregon, and most recently Alabama. Running backs coach Marcus Arroyo is planning to make a trip to Canada soon to see the big man firsthand. It’s pretty clear he’s still a top priority for OSU.