The week in recruiting: LSU, UGA grab elite running backs

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This week in recruiting is a collection of thoughts and things of interest from me as a recruiting expert that either didn’t rise to the level of being their own story, or for which I did not have time to make into a story this week.

Of interest

This week was notable for the commitments of two elite running backs.

John Emery Jr., of Destrehan (La.), committed to LSU. He is a bona fide 5-star recruit.

Running back is a major need in this class, and with Emery in the fold the Tigers have two very good ones, along with Baton Rouge’s Tyrion Davis, a four-star. Emery is the No. 3 player in the state of Louisiana, and with his commitment that puts four of the top five players in the state and six of the top 10 committed, with receiver Devonta Lee still expected to choose LSU eventually, and defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher likely to be a heated pursuit until National Signing Day in February.

Emery was at one point committed to Georgia, but decommitted shortly after LSU beat Georgia by three scores in October.

LSU now has commitments from the vast majority of the best players in the state.

In turn, Georgia gained a commitment from Kenny McIntosh, of Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) University School. McIntosh is the brother of former Miami DT R.J. McIntosh (2014-17 at The U). And in addition to being a good runner, he is a legitimate threat in the passing game.

Miami isn’t sure where it will turn.

As for Miami, recruiting continues to be a struggle. Miami has already lost previous RB commit Marcus Crowley to a flip to Ohio State, and Wellington (FL) 4-star Mark-Antony Richards, the younger brother of former Miami star WR Ahmmon Richards, is on the board, but not trending toward Miami at this time.

With no RBs committed, where does Miami turn? Increase pressure on Richards? Circle back to players that were evaluated but overlooked such as Daniel Carter or Nayquan Wright? New offers like DJ Williams, who is committed to Appalachian State but has garnered many top-tier P5 offers in recent weeks? Who knows.

Other Commitments

• Arkansas added a commitment from four-star New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr defensive back Devin Bush.

Decommitments

• No big ones this week.

Quickly

• Michigan has a big group of visitors in town.
• Some Ohio State players received recruiting ranking bumps.
• Here’s a look at what Tennessee is doing on the recruiting trail.
• Our Alabama site gives its recruiting predictions.

Etc.

• Here are my top bets of the week. It’s been a very strong season for my gambling column.