College running backs are
always difficult to figure out. Redshirt freshmen emerge, freshmen blow up, JUCO transfers come in, and
quarterbacks tend to run for
touchdowns more in college taking points away. Just as in NFL Fantasy
Football, the top running backs are at a premium. Always be very careful of
some of the top backs as bad lines, backup running backs, and other factors
always come into play. According to the
CFN Scoring System, touchdowns are
important, but the points rack up quickly for the guys who put up the yards
and can catch the ball as well. Go for the guys you know aren't going to be
subjected to the RB-by-committee format.
BLUE CHIP RECRUITS -
Get your hands on one of these RBs no matter what. These are the franchise
players.
1. Ian Johnson, Jr.
Boise State CFN 2006 Point Total (note: these don’t include two-point
conversions): 256 … 19.70 ppg
The touchdown machine of last year (rushing for 25) could be even more
productive as he'll be asked to do more for the offense. He'll rip apart the
WAC behind a tremendous offensive line.
2. Steve Slaton, Jr.
West Virginia CFN 2006 Point Total: 234 … 18.02 ppg
Mr. Reliable, there's not a
steadier scoring running back in college football with at least one
touchdown run in 17 of his last 20 games. Expect more of the same, and a
shot at 1,500 yards if he can stay healthy.
3. Ray Rice, Jr. Rutgers CFN 2006 Point Total: 229 … 17.60 ppg
After a phenomenal breakout year, Rice should do even more behind one of the
Big East's best offensive lines. QB Mike Teel has improved enough to take
the heat off, so watch out for a 25 touchdown season.
4. P.J. Hill, Soph.
Wisconsin CFN 2006 Point Total: 200 … 15.35 ppg
Unstoppable around the goal line, he should be a threat to hit 20 touchdowns
if he can stay healthy. After rushing for 1,569 yards, a 1,700-yard season
isn't out of the question.
5. Yvenson Bernard, Sr.
Oregon State CFN 2006 Point Total: 173 … 13.31 ppg
One of the games best unsung players, Bernard has been a terrific producer
for the last few seasons. While he might have to share a little bit of time,
and there are a few questions about the passing game that weren't there last
year, he'll still be a major league player.
SECOND
TIER - These will be some of the biggest producers in the country with a
good chance of breaking into the top five prospects.
6. Darren McFadden, Jr. Arkansas CFN 2006 Point Total: 208 … 14.87 ppg
If anything happens to Felix Jones, put McFadden in the top three.
Don't forget, the Heisman finalist will throw for a few, too. 7. Jamario Thomas, Sr. North Texas
CFN 2006 Point Total: 54 ... 4.91 ppg
He hasn't been able to recapture the magic of his 2,000-yard freshman
season, but he should be the featured player in the new Mean Green offense. 8. Mike Hart, Sr. Michigan CFN 2006 Point Total: 185 … 14.25 ppg
Can he stay healthy like he did last year? That's a huge if. The offensive
line isn't as good, the passing game will be better, and Hart will be a
marked man. 9. Kyle Bell, Sr. Colorado State
CFN 2005 Point Total: 139 … 11.61 ppg
Back from missing all of last year with a knee injury, Bell will be the
focal point of the Ram attack. He should benefit from an improved passing
game taking the heat off. 10. Kalvin McRae, Sr. Ohio CFN 2006 Point Total: 188 … 13.42 ppg
Everyone knows exactly what Ohio is going to do, but can anyone stop it?
McRae was, arguably, the MAC's best player last year with 1,252 yards and 15
scores. 11. Justin Forsett, Sr. California
CFN 2006 Point Total: 75 … 5.73 ppg
The main man in the Cal rushing attack now that Marshawn Lynch has shuffled
off to Buffalo, Forsett should put up big numbers.
12. James Davis, Jr. Clemson CFN 2006 Point Total: 180 … 13.86 ppg
If anything happens to C.J. Spiller, put Davis in the top five. He's
an elite runner who's automatic around the goal line. 13. Ontario Sneed, Jr. Central Michigan
CFN 2006 Point Total: 137 … 10.52 ppg
Sneed does a little of everything well. One of the nation's elite pass
catching backs, he's also a slippery runner around the goal line. 14. Tyrell Sutton, Jr. Northwestern CFN 2006 Point Total: 118 … 9.81 ppg
Now that the coaching staff has decided to use its star back again, Sutton
should explode like he did in 2005. 15. Amir Pinnix, Sr. Minnesota
CFN 2006 Point Total: 145 … 11.12 ppg
Tim Brewster and the new coaching staff will work Pinnix early and often
until the passing game comes around.
