NCAAF, Player News / Analysis
talented group of running backs. However, it leaves room for new guys to step up and become household names for their respective programs.
There are plenty of quality running backs coming back in 2012; some recognizable, some not. Here are the top 10 RBs for the upcoming season ready to tear up the gridiron with stat predictions.
10. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State
Class: Junior
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190 lbs
2011 stats: 208 carries, 1,128 yards (5.8 ypc), 24 TDs ... 43 receptions, 266 yards (6.2 ypc), 2 TDs
2012 prediction: 237 carries, 1,328 yards (5.6 ypc), 22 TDs ... 35 receptions, 336 yards, 3 TDs
Why: One of the lone skill players returning for Oklahoma State this season, Randle comes in with a heavy load put on his shoulders. Both Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon are gone, leaving him as the No. 1 go-to-guy in 2012.
The consensus pick as the best running back in the Big 12, Randle should see a significant increase in carries and could easily top his sophomore season.
9. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
Class: Sophomore
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 205 lbs
2011 stats: 239 carries, 1,253 yards (5.2 ypc), 13 TDs ... 45 receptions, 362 yards (8.0 ypc), TD
2012 prediction: 252 carries, 1,361 yards (5.4 ypc), 16 TDs ... 47 receptions, 404 yards (8.6 ypc), 3 TDs
Why: The transition from the high school playing field to college was not a difficult one for this particular running back, as Bernard handled the ACC in his freshman debut with the Tar Heels.
Bernard exploded into the college football scene with seven games of 100-plus yards on the ground and was also a huge contributor to the passing game. With the addition of quarterback Bryn Renner back under center, North Carolina could have one of the more prolific offenses in the conference.
8. Kenjon Barner, Oregon
Class: Senior
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs
2011 stats: 152 carries, 939 yards (6.2 ypc), 11 TDs ... 17 receptions, 184 yards (10.8 ypc), 3 TDs
2012 prediction: 286 carries, 1,716 yards (6.0 ypc), 19 TDs ... 25 receptions, 298 yards (11.9 ypc), 4 TDs
Why: Barner sat behind LaMichael James for nearly his entire collegiate career. Now that he's a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Barner gets his shot of fame and will show NFL scouts what he's made of.
During James' absense last year due to injury, Barner burned Pac-12 defenses for over six yards a carry and really showed he was starter-worthy when he combined for 294 yards off 46 rushes (6.4 ypc) for three touchdowns against Arizona State and USC.
Expect big things from the upcoming senior in 2012, especially with Darron Thomas and James gone.
7. Andre Ellington, Clemson
Class: Senior
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190 lbs
2011 stats: 223 carries, 1,178 yards (5.3 ypc), 11 TDs ... 22 receptions, 109 yards (5.0 ypc)
2012 prediction: 241 carries, 1,350 yards (5.6 ypc), 17 TDs ... 29 receptions, 209 yards (7.2 ypc), 2 TDs
Why: The top running back in the ACC is back for his senior season. Ellington led the way for Clemson's No. 24 overall scoring offense, providing a dynamic, yet balanced attack from the backfield.
For the Tigers to make an even deeper run into the postseason than they did last year, they'll need to get Ellington more involved in all aspects of the game. It's that simple; when he touches the ball, they get better.
If Ellington has an exceptional senior season (which I expect him to do), he could be a mid-to-late second-round selection in the 2013 NFL draft.
