Michigan's Top 10 Running Back Prospects for the Class of 2018

The state of Michigan has a long and glorious history when it comes to producing top-flight running backs. Like the high-powered muscle cars churned out by the Big Three automakers of Detroit, the state of Michigan annually churns out explosive and fast "muscle cars," if you will, when it comes to talented tailbacks. From Hall-of-Fame running back Jerome "The Bus" Bettis (Detroit Mackenzie, Notre Dame), to Detroit Public School League legends Marion Barber (Detroit Chadsey, Minnesota), Harlan Huckleby (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M) and John "Frenchy" Fuqua (Detroit Eastern, Morgan State) to current NFL backs Mark Ingram Jr. (Flint Southwestern, Alabama), Jeremy Langford (Westland John Glenn, MSU), Joique Bell (Benton Harbor, Wayne State) and Thomas Rawls (Flint Northern, U-M/CMU) Michigan has cultivated skilled runners throughout the decades. This season, the Great Lakes State has some of the best running back talent in the Midwest. Here are Michigan's Top 10 running backs for the class of 2018.

Michigan's Top 10 running back prospects for the class of 2018 -- 

1. Tariq Reid-6-0, 200-Davison- Just an absolute workhorse of a back. Always falling forward, tough to bring down and ultra productive, Reid is one of the best tailback prospects in the country. Last year, he finished with 1,837 yards rushing on 182 carries with 31 touchdowns. For his efforts, Reid was named the Flint Journal Player of the Year and Detroit Free Press Division 1 All-State.
2. Rashawn Allen-5-9, 215-Orchard Lake St. Mary's- Allen helped lead St. Mary's to the Division 3 state championship last year, rushing for 2,109 yards on 264 attempts with 22 TDs. A home run threat every time he touches the ball, Allen uses his 4.4 speed, quick feet and low center of gravity to break ankles and explode by most defenders trying to tackle him. Was named to the Detroit News' Dream Team last season. Temple and most Ivy League schools have offered. Big Ten, where are you?
3. Eric McArn-5-10, 215-Southfield A & T- Was at Detroit King recently, but has returned to Southfield A & T. McArn is a powerful runner with 4.5 speed. He brings the hammer down on defenders every time he touches the football. He's a Big Ten-level talent headed to the MAC. Verbal to CMU.
4. Dequez Weathers-6-0, 185-Bay City Central-Weathers is one of the best two-way players in Michigan. He has D-I defensive back talent, as well as being one of the best running back prospects in the state. With 4.5 speed, Weathers last season rushed for 1,443 yards with 16 TDs en route to Bay City Times Dream Team selection.
5. Alex Carter-5-10, 205-River Rouge-Will be a three-year starter for the Panthers. A rugged, physical back with speed (4.5 40), Carter can take it to the house from any place on the field. Difficult for one defender to bring down, Carter is a load for any opponent to take on.
6. Thomas Griggs-5-11, 200-Wyoming Kelloggsville-Another brusing-type runner with speed, Griggs rushed for 1,378 yards and 20 TDs last season. Also a skilled LB, Griggs is a just a football player. Last season, Griggs earned Grand Rapids All-South accolades.
7. Demetrius Christian-5-9, 215-Detroit Central-A strong, all-around player for a Central team loaded with offensive talent (WR Jerrod Vines, QB El-Julien Jordan, both high D-I recruits), Christian brings the pain from the running back position. With speed and a physical, punishing running style, Christian earned Detroit News All-Detroit second team honors last year.
8. Emmett Brehler-5-9, 200-Saginaw Sawn Valley-A shifty, lightning-quick back, Brehler is one of the best at his position in Michigan. Last season, he finished with 1,335 yards rushing with 17 touchdowns. For his efforts, Brehler was named to the Saginaw News Dream Team.
9. Griffin Kelly-6-1, 185-Frankfort-One of the top players in northern Michigan, Kelly is a big back with nifty moves and speed in the open field. Helped lead Frankfort to a 9-0 regular season last year. The Panthers reached the Division 8 state quarterfinals before falling to eventual state champion Muskegon Catholic Central. Kelly earned AP Division 7-8 All-State first team honors last season.
10. Dawson Bartlett-6-2, 180-Battle Creek Harper Creek-Bartlett is another top two-way player for Harper Creek. A skilled DB, Bartlett makes plays on either side of the line of scrimmage. But it's at running back, where Bartlett really shines. Last year, Bartlett finished with 1,228 yards rushing with 18 TDs en route to Battle Creek Enquirer All-City honors.

Other top RB prospects for Michigan's class of 2018 -- Jacari Roberts-6-0, 190-Flint United (rushed for 1,097 yards and four TDs last season), Luke Helwing-6-1, 220-Brighton, Matt Young-6-1, 225-Detroit Catholic Central, Brad Feasel-5-10, 190-Marshall (rushed for 1,500 yards on 226 carries last year, named to the Battle Creek Enquirer All-Area squad), Mike Fluegel-6-1, 180-Clarkston (Detroit Free Press All-North second team), Elijah Cross-6-0, 215-Lincoln Park, David Spedowski-5-10, 175-Remus Chippewa Hills (ran for school record 1,632 yards on 196 carries with 26 TDs, Mount Pleasant Morning Sun Dream Team), Dylan Gordon-5-10, 190-North Farmington (EMU verbal), Derek Flory-5-10, 170-Marcellus (1,164 yards, 14 TDs, D-4 state champion in 300-meter hurdles and long jump as junior), Derek Thomason-5-11, 205-Ypsilanti Lincoln, Sam Forsyth-6-0, 190-Chesaning (D-3 long jump champion), Joe Baugh-5-9, 180-Boyne City (runs 4.5, rushed for 1,216 yards and 12 TDs last season).