3 College running backs Steeler fans need to watch this upcoming season

The 2021 NFL Draft is still a ways off, but it is never too early to watch for potential Steeler prospects during this upcoming college football season. Here are three talented running backs that could catch the Steelers eye.

Going into the 2020-2021 season the Steelers enter with some uncertainty with their future at the running back position.

James Conner enters the final year of his contract with an injury history and unproven guys like Benny Snell and rookie Anthony McFarland. A running back could be high on their list of needs if James Conner is not back so here are some potential options if that cased scenario becomes reality.

Travis Etienne, Clemson

Etienne is one of the most explosive and consistently productive running backs in the nation over the past couple of seasons. He is explosive and shows up on an already overpowered offense at Clemson. He is explosive and speedy and that is complimented with some strength.

His lack of stats when it comes to catching the ball out of the backfield seems to be the biggest issue with him thus far. Etienne has eclipsed back to back 1,600 yard rushing seasons at Clemson and a total of 3,707 yards on the ground since playing for the Tigers. He did begin to show some receiving ability last season by totaling 432 yards receiving. Overall at Clemson, Etienne has got to the pylon for a touchdown 54 times during his Clemson career. If he continues this season with his amazing run prowess and adds to his abilities as a receiving threat then he will be a first-round lock come April, that is if he is not now.

Najee Harris, Alabama

Another underclassman, Harris is a big and powerful back that brings strength to this crop of prospects. He exploded onto the scene with his first year of starting at Alabama. He helped carry the battered offense when Tua Tagvailoa went out for the season.  At 230 pounds entering his Junior year, Harris could jump up draft boards if he builds off of last season.

Harris is also a dual-threat for the Crimson Tide as he can run someone over and has soft hands to be a productive receiving threat as well. Harris had over 1,200 yards rushing and added 13 touchdowns on the ground. When it comes to his receiving abilities, one would like to see better production but the skills are there for him to develop. He totaled over 300 yards receiving and caught seven touchdowns.

Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State

This guy might have the best name in this year’s draft as one can see all of the amazing shirts and products that could be designed around that alone. Hubbard has a quick gear shift with him that provides explosiveness. His numbers alone show why he is in conversation to be one of the top-ranked running backs in this class.

He busted onto the scene last year as it was his first starting. He totaled over 2,000 yards rushing and added 27 rushing touchdowns. The biggest red flag I see is what worried many about this year’s prospect, Jonathan Taylor. Very small numbers in the receiving game in their amazing rushing years. If Hubbard can create a spark in the receiving game while continuing his running dominance then he will be the top back in the nation come time for draft day.

The Steelers might need to add a running back come draft time in 2021 and these three prospects are very talented and could be a possible selection come April.