College Football’s Top Ten Running Backs

1. Jahvid Best JR, California

Best is exactly that when it comes to the 2010 class of college running backs. While he could be confused as a smaller scatback-type, ask PAC-10 defenders how easy Jahvid is to take down when he gets a full head of steam. Once he breaks into the second level, his 4.3 speed makes him nearly unstoppable. His 1,580 yards in 2008 are the most for a BCS running back returning from this season. Look for him to flirt with 2,000 this year as Cal will turn to Best to milk the clock throughout the season. If Cal’s line can improve and find a replacement for C Alex Mack, Best will be in the Heisman race with the Big 3 QBs (Bradford, Tebow, McCoy) for the entire season. His NFL future is about as bright as anyone in the country.

2. Jonathan Dwyer JR, Georgia Tech

At 6′, 230lbs, Dwyer was an integral piece of Paul Johnson’s immediate success at Georgia Tech. Dwyer stepped in for Tashard Choice and made Yellow Jacket fans forget about the NFL back after a couple weeks. One of the advantages of Tech’s offense is that scouts get to see Dwyer run in every situation. When asked to spread the defense outside, Dwyer hits the corner as well as anyone in college football. When G-Tech needs a tough three yards, Dwyer is called upon to get them. And his hands are on display constantly in the flexbone offense. The returning ACC Player of the Year dropped ten pounds since last season, leaving opposing defenses wondering how much better he could possibly become. Look for an improvement on the 1,395 yards and 12 TDs from a year ago.

3. CJ Spiller SR, Clemson

From the moment Spiller stepped foot onto the Clemson campus, coaches and fans knew there was something special about the 5′11″, 195lbs track star. He shared the spotlight and the backfield with James Davis for his first three seasons in Death Valley, but this year is all about Spiller and he’ll need to produce for the Tigers to get back in the mix for an ACC title. Coming into this season with 2,335 yards and 20 career TDs, Clemson fans are going to enjoy watching Spiller thrive in the backfield by himself. He uses a quick burst through the line of scrimmage to catch defenders off their feet and buries them with his 4.3 speed. He may become an even better NFL back depending on where he lands at the next level.

4. Kendall Hunter JR, Oklahoma State

Hunter is the third piece of the best QB/WR/RB tandem in the country. Teaming with QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant, Hunter keeps the defense honest and most of the time burns them for big plays of his own. Hunter racked up 1,555 yards and 16 TDs on his way to 1st Team All-Big 12 honors last year. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a 1st Team All-American this year, with added strength and power to go along 4.4 speed. He may not be the best of this group when it comes time for an NFL career but his production at the college level will rival any player’s in the nation.

5. James Starks SR, Buffalo

If there is a sleeper in this year’s running back class, Starks is the guy. He has done nothing but produce for Turner Gill’s up and coming Buffalo program. He comes into the season with 3,140 yards and 34 TDs, while looking to put himself in the category with the best backs in the country. This isn’t a kid who is piling up yards against mediocre competition, Starks is rated highly on every draft board and at one point was Mel Kiper’s best running back in the class of 2010. He should leave college with close to 5,000 career yards and as one of the top 25 most productive backs in college football history. Include this guy in any running back talks that come up while you and your boys are knocking back a few Grey Goose and tonics.

6. Evan Royster JR, Penn State

Royster joins QB Daryll Clark to form the most talented and experienced backfield in the Big Ten. Royster bullied his way to a 6.5 yard per carry average last year but look for his numbers to improve as the Nittany Lions roll through their schedule this season. Even though PSU loses a lot on their O-line, Royster will team with Stepfon Green to form the dangerous 1-2 punch. Royster isn’t all power either. His 4.5 speed plays up in the Big Ten. Hopefully he can keep his speed as he gains a few pounds because it will also be an asset to the 6′1″, 210lb back once he decides to take his talents to the next level.

7. Chris Brown & Demarco Murray SR, JR Oklahoma

It’s almost impossible to choose between the two Sooner stars. They each run between a late 4.4 and fast 4.5’s. If not for Murray’s injury, which sidelined him for the final two games of the season, they may have ended up with identical stats too. Brown rushed for 1,220 yards and 20 TDs, while Murray racked up 1,002 yards and 14 TDs in 2008. Murray may have the brighter NFL future because he is a year younger but for now they provide Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with one of the best running back combinations in the country. Who else can claim they return a Heisman winning QB and two 1,000 yard rushers? It’s good to be a Sooner fan.

8. Noel Devine JR, West Virginia

He might not be the type of running back that you hand the ball off to 25 times a game but the beauty with Devine is that you don’t need to do that for him to have a big impact on the game. Once Devine sees daylight, there isn’t much stopping him. There’s no doubt that he needs to bulk up a little bit in order to succeed in the NFL but Devine will be as effective as any returning rusher in the country this season. Look for the lightning fast Devine to improve on his 4 TDs from last season as well as his 1,289 yards. With QB Pat White out of the picture, WVU’s offense will rely on Devine a lot more this season. If he becomes a bigger receiving threat out of the backfield, we’re going to see Devine highlights plastered all over Sportscenter.

9. LaGarrette Blount SR, Oregon

Blount had to share the backfield with Jeremiah Johnson last season but he was still able to gain 1,002 yards by making the most of carries, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The 6′2″, 240lb truck now has the backfield to his self and is ready to do some heavy damage. He combines that brute force with high 4.5 speed and, if he ever becomes fully committed, could be one of the bet running backs in the nation this season.

10. Charles Scott SR, LSU

If you were looking for the opposite of Noel Devine, Scott would be your man. He’s a bruising back who just plugs away at defenses throughout the game. In the SEC, that’s a lot harder than it sounds. Even with some of the nation’s top defensive teams getting their licks on the 5′11″, 235lb Scott throughout the game, he’s amazingly durable. He’ll probably leave Baton Rouge with over 40 TDs to his name and a trophy case full of bruised egos.

Honorable Mention:
Southern Cal’s Stable (McKnight, Johnson, Gable, Bradford, Tyler)

Darrell Evans SO, Virginia Tech
Jacquizz Rodgers SO, Oregon State
Damion Fletcher SR, Southern Miss
Ben Tate SR, Auburn
Toby Gerhart SR, Stanford
Javarris James SR, Miami
Caleb King SO, Georgia
MiQuale Lewis SR, Ball State