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NCAA Football 2009: Ranking the Running Back Units in The ACC

Jeffrey Fann

Correspondent Written on June 08, 2009

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 08: Jonathan Dwyer #21 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets carries the ball during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Ryan Williams, the four-star High School All-American from 2008, had 86-yards running in a spring game to go along with 66-yards receiving. Former starter Kenny Lewis Jr., who ruptured his achilles tendon last season, won't unseat Evans and likely will not play ahead of Williams. However, he should still have a major impact for the Hokies.

4) Maryland Terrapins

The Terrapins have their own 1,000 yard runner coming back in underrated Da'Rel Scott. Scott last year gained 1,133 yards on the ground and was named first team All-ACC.

Along with Scott, Davin Meggett and Morgan Green form a formidable backfield. Davin Megget is son of former NFL player Dave Megget, who was one of the top freshman running backs in the ACC last year. He gained 457 yards for a 5.13 yards-per-carry average.

Green, who should also see some playing time, ran for 72 yards in the Humanitarian Bowl

5) Miami Hurricanes

Returning Hurricane leading rusher Graig Cooper gained 841 yards on the ground in 2008. The often injured, but talented, running back Javaris James looks to come back healthy for his senior season.

If James is 100 percent and returns to the form that made him a Freshman All-American, the Hurricanes will possess one of the best one of the best one-two punches in the ACC.

6) North Carolina Tar Heels

The Tar Heels have a nice one-two running back combination of their own.

Shaun Draughn rushed for 866 yards on 198 carries. Ryan Houston will be considered the in-between-the-tackles runner for the Heels. Last year, he gained 299 yards and scored eight touchdowns.

Another top ACC running back from the recruiting class of 2008 is Jamal Womble, who could also vie for playing time.

7) Boston College Eagles

The Eagles have one of the youngest backfields in the ACC, but they have plenty of talent. True freshman Josh Haden and Montel Harris combined for 1,379 yards last year and six touchdowns.

Harris had 900 yards and Haden ran for 479. Senior Jeff Smith provides running back experience and had 192 yards rushing last year on 37 carries.

8) Florida State Seminoles

The Seminoles will have a new starter at running back who will have to replace Antone Smith's team-leading 792 yards and 15 touchdowns. The most likely candidates are sophomores Jermanine Thomas, who rushed for 482 yards last year, and Ty Jones.

Thomas in particular is a very good receiver too.

9) North Carolina State Wolfpack

The Wolfpack have the potential to carry a very solid backfield this season.

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written on June 08, 2009 Opinion