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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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Senior Tony Baker has missed nearly two full seasons with a knee injury. In 2006, Baker was the Wolfpack's leading rusher with 688 yards. He joins the team's second leading rusher from 2008, Jamelle Eugene who had 442 yards.

If Baker can return to his 2006 form, the Pack will have a nice running-back tandem.

10) Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Deacs played musical chairs with their running backs last season. Coach Jim Grobe started the season with Josh Adams, switched to Brandon Pendergrass, and finished the year with Kevin Harris.

Harris had 136 yards in the EagleBank Bowl and is the likely starter for 2009. Josh Adams has the most potential though, as he looks to regain the form that made him the ACC Rookie of the year in 2007.

11) Duke Blue Devils

How good the Blue Devils are at running back will depend on one thing, the return of Re'quan Boyette.

Boyette was Duke's leading rusher from 2006-2007, but he missed all of 2008 with a knee injury. The returning leading rusher, Jay Hollingsworth, led the Blue Devils in 2008 with 399 rushing yards.

Tony Jackson also saw significant time last year, while gaining 259 yards, and showing good speed in his limited opportunities.

12) Virginia Cavaliers

The Cavs' 2008 leading rusher Cedric Peerman is gone. Now, the Cavaliers are left searching for who will start at running back this season.

The top candidate appears to be Mikell Simpson, who ran for 570 yards in 2007, but only 262 in an injury filled 2008. The Cavs will be running a new spread attack under recently hired offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon, so it's a little tricky to say how the running backs of Virginia will adjust.

Redshirt freshman Torry Mack and sophomore Max Milien could vie for time as well.

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written on June 08, 2009 Opinion