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While Moreno has been compared to former Auburn great Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, King has been compared to the legendary Herschel Walker, as evidenced by this video. While it’s unlikely that the 5'11”, 205-pound running back will take over Moreno's starting job, King should play an integral role for the Bulldogs in 2008.
RB—LeSean McCoy, sophomore, Pitt
McCoy led all freshmen in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,328 rushing yards, and tied for the lead with Moreno with 14 rushing touchdowns.
Despite Pitt’s poor passing game, McCoy was able to average 4.8 yards per carry. With an experienced offensive line returning and coach Dave Wannstedt desperate for a strong season, McCoy could emerge as one of the best running backs in the country.
RB—Joe McKnight, sophomore, USC
The top overall recruit in the 2007 class (according to some publications) showed flashes of brilliance as a true freshman.
McKnight finished the season with 903 all-purpose yards, but his best performance came in the Rose Bowl against Illinois. In that game, McKnight showed why all the pundits called him the “next Reggie Bush,” as he rushed for 125 yards on 10 carries, made six catches for 45 yards, and returned three punts for 36 yards.
Like Bush, McKnight possesses superior speed and athleticism, but has a slightly larger frame and could fill out into a more complete back. The biggest issue for McKnight will be getting enough playing time in a fierce running back competition with juniors Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable, and Allen Bradford, and freshmen Marc Tyler and Broderick Green.
McKnight or Johnson will start for USC, but how much will they have to rotate?
RB/WR—Chris Rainey, redshirt freshman, Florida
Urban legend has it that the 5'9”, 156-pound Rainey once raced West Virginia superfrosh Noel Devine in a Wal-Mart parking lot while both were in still high school. Rainey allegedly beat Devine all three times.
While this isn't the greatest indicator of potential success at the next level, it shows that Rainey may be one of the fastest players in the country. And based on this highlight tape of Rainey in high school, he's got the skills to boot.
RB/WR—Greg Little, sophomore, North Carolina
The versatile 6'3”, 210-pounder was a jack-of-all-trades last season for the Tar Heels. Little lined up as a receiver, running back, and even quarterback in his freshman year. For good measure, he also walked on to the North Carolina basketball team.
After compiling almost 400 yards combined rushing and receiving last season, Little will be playing an increased role in 2008, as head coach Butch Davis has named him the full-time starting running back over Anthony Elzy and Johnny White—the latter of whom has switched to cornerback.
RB/WR—Jock Sanders, sophomore, West Virginia
Sanders, a 5'8” slot back from St. Petersburg, finished his freshman year with 308 all-purpose yards for the Mountaineers.
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