B/R CFB 250: Top 29 Running Backs
Bleacher Report's CFB 250 is an annual ranking of the best players in college football, regardless of NFL potential. Through interviews with B/R Experts Matt Miller, Michael Felder, Barrett Sallee andAdam Kramer, authors Brian Leigh and Brian Pedersen have studied, ranked and graded the top athletes in the country, narrowed that list to 250 and sorted by position. Today, we present the Top Running Backs.
Other CFB 250 Positions
It's been a while since the college game has had as many talented ball-carriers as it did in 2014, and the best part of it is that so many of them are coming back. This is welcome news for everyone other than defensive coaches, who again have to figure out how to slow down and tackle some massive and masterful rushers.
Even with the top nine running backs from last year's rankings no longer in school, there's no shortage of big names who will be churning out big yardage in 2015. We could have gone far deeper than the 29 we've ranked, but we had to cut it off somewhere.
The following rankings are based primarily on players' skills as college players rather than how they'd fare in the NFL. Though they may be using this time to develop their games for the pro level, first and foremost their goals are centered around helping their teams succeed.
The rankings are based on a tabulation of six different categories (ball security, power, vision, hands, speed and balance) and on evaluations made by our writers in conjunction with Bleacher Report football experts.
Note: Any ties in overall grades were broken based on which player would give a hypothetical college all-star team the best chance to win.
29-26. Hansbrough, Washington, Folston, Howard, Robinson
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29. Russell Hansbrough, Missouri
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 15/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 12/15; Speed: 17/20; Balance: 12/15
Missouri nearly had two 1,000-yard rushers last season, with Russell Hansbrough being the leader of that tandem with Marcus Murphy. Murphy has moved on, leaving the slippery 5'9”, 195-pound senior to handle the workload all by himself.
28. DeAndre Washington, Texas Tech
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 15/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 13/15; Speed: 16/20; Balance: 12/15
A massively underrated rusher, DeAndre Washington compiled 1,103 yards last season, the most for Texas Tech since 1998. Washington also averaged nearly 11 yards per reception in the Red Raiders' wide-open offense.
27. Tarean Folston, Notre Dame
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 16/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 12/15; Speed: 16/20; Balance: 13/15
Tarean Folston developed into the Fighting Irish's top rusher last season and now will be even more integral to the run game with backup Greg Bryant ineligible for 2015.
26. Jordan Howard, Indiana
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 17/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 12/15; Speed: 16/20; Balance: 12/15
Jordan Howard shined for UAB last season but was without a team after the Blazers shuttered their program during the winter. Now he gets to face power-conference competition on a regular basis while stepping in for 2,000-yard rusher Tevin Coleman at Indiana.
25. Jovon Robinson, Auburn
Ball Security: 6/10; Power: 18/20; Vision: 17/20; Hands: 11/15; Speed: 16/20; Balance: 14/15
The nation's top-ranked junior college running back figures to be Auburn's next big producer in the backfield. In 2013, he set national JUCO records with 2,387 yards and 34 touchdowns for Georgia Military College.
24-19. Barrs-Woods, Breida, Dixon, Green, Jackson, Franklin
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24. Storm Barrs-Woods, Oregon State
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 17/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 13/15; Speed: 16/20; Balance: 12/15
Storm Barrs-Woods will get a chance to show off his full value this year, with Oregon State moving to a spread attack. Despite limited touches, he's rushed for more than 2,100 yards in his career.
23. Matt Breida, Georgia Southern
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 15/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 12/15; Speed: 18/20; Balance: 13/15
Part of the nation's top-ranked rushing offense, Matt Breida was the workhorse of the nearly unstoppable Georgia Southern triple-option attack with 1,485 yards, 17 touchdowns and an astounding 8.68 yards per carry.
22. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech
Ball Security: 7/10; Power: 18/20; Vision: 16/20; Hands: 13/15; Speed: 16/20; Balance: 13/15
Kenneth Dixon has a nose for the end zone, having topped 20 touchdowns for the second time in three seasons in 2014. Louisiana Tech has gotten dependable production from him since his freshman year in 2012.
21. Aaron Green, TCU
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 15/20; Vision: 17/20; Hands: 12/15; Speed: 18/20; Balance: 13/15
Despite not joining the starting lineup until November, Aaron Green led TCU in rushing with 922 yards and nine touchdowns. His lightning quickness and shifty moves resulted in 7.15 yards per carry.
20. Justin Jackson, Northwestern
Ball Security: 8/10; Power: 16/20; Vision: 17/20; Hands: 13/15; Speed: 17/20; Balance: 12/15
Justin Jackson was buried deep on the depth chart to start last season but quickly developed into Northwestern's most reliable weapon. He averaged 142 yards and scored five times in the Wildcats' last three games.
19. Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan
Ball Security: 7/10; Power: 17/20; Vision: 17/20; Hands: 12/15; Speed: 17/20; Balance: 13/15
An unheralded recruit who was key to Western Michigan's big turnaround, Jarvion Franklin was a touchdown machine with 24 scores as a freshman in 2014, including six three-TD games as well as seven 100-yard outputs in his first nine college games.
18. Jalen Hurd, Tennessee
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Even though he's a bigger back, he can play like a smaller back. He's a lot more shifty than people realize. You combine that with Alvin Kamara, and that's a thunder-and-lightning combination that's second to none in college football."
—Barrett Sallee
Ball Security
Jalen Hurd had a critical fumble in a three-point loss to Georgia last September, failing to secure the ball on a handoff in the end zone, which resulted in a touchdown for the Bulldogs. He learned from that mistake and was much more careful for the rest of the season.
Power
Hurd now packs 242 pounds onto his 6'3" frame, according to head coach Butch Jones, and he was powerful to begin with last year, playing at 227 pounds. This is a bruiser in the purest form of the word, though he's not all about brute force.
Vision
This is an area that Hurd needs to work on, and it will help him overcome any issues with blocking up front. He averaged fewer than four yards per carry in seven of 13 contests in 2014 partly because he was unable to find his own lanes.
Hands
Hurd was quite productive as a pass-catching option as a freshman with 35 receptions, including a handful that went for more than 10 yards thanks to his ability to catch and run without any pause in his momentum.
Speed
As Wes Rucker of 247Sports noted early in training camp this year, "It should be illegal for a 242-pound running back like Jalen Hurd to have feet as quick as he does." That footwork has turned him into one of the fastest big men out there.
Balance
Hurd's weight is well-proportioned, and he adds to that balance by keeping himself from leaning too hard when cutting or turning. He can't be bumped off his line without a hard hit.
Overall
With the addition of junior college transfer Kamara, Tennessee is going to have one of the more formidable running duos in the SEC. But it all begins and ends with Hurd, who had a promising start to his career but can do so much more.
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17. Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State
4 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"The production speaks for itself. From Day 1, he's delivered. It's just a shame that more people don't get to see him."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Despite being a dependable back from a production standpoint, Donnel Pumphrey's style is one that isn't always textbook when it comes to securing the ball and avoiding fumbles. He can be somewhat careless with it at times, and that resulted in a few notable fumbles in 2014.
Power
The 5'9", 180-pound junior isn't built to go through people, so his game doesn't involve much in the strength department. He makes up for it in other areas, though.
Vision
Pumphrey's 6.76 yards per carry last season were heavily influenced by his ability to read the defense and its tendencies on the fly. His 276 carries included 52 that went for 10 or more yards and 16 that resulted in gains of at least 20.
Hands
San Diego State's passing game wasn't a very good one, but it spread the ball around to everyone, including the running backs. Pumphrey did well but could always do better to treat receptions like tosses or pitches.
Speed
Since he can't rely on strength and power, Pumphrey must be fast in order to succeed. He's among the swiftest rushers in the country and can weave through holes before defenders have time to get a hand on him.
Balance
There's a defined wiggle to Pumphrey's running style that rarely puts him off-balance. His cutting ability is smooth and effortless.
Overall
At a bigger school, Pumphrey would likely get converted into a slot receiver or return man, but San Diego State has built its offense around him—and the results have been great. The Aztecs are 10-3 in games when he tops 100 rushing yards.
16. Devon Johnson, Marshall
5 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"This is a guy who just gets his, a production machine. His yards per carry were insane. He's certainly a guy they'll need this year."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
A converted linebacker (who still looks the part), Devon Johnson understands what defenders are trying to do when they go for the ball. He's adjusted his carrying style to negate this quite well.
Power
At 6'1" and 244 pounds, Johnson is among the biggest backs in the country and doesn't shy away from pounding into the line or pushing through tackles. He's not a first-hit-and-go-down type of player.
Vision
Marshall's offense was one of the most balanced in the country, and opponents never knew what was coming on each snap. Johnson benefited from this confusion. Otherwise, he might not have produced as well, since he's not that quick to react to what's happening in front of him.
Hands
With only six receptions—albeit for 121 yards and two touchdowns—Johnson didn't get utilized much in the passing game. His hands are soft and would do well in this area, but he's still an unfinished product.
Speed
This is an underrated part of Johnson's game and helped explain why someone of his size was able to average better than 8.5 yards per carry. He wasn't just running over people but also running past them.
Balance
Johnson has the kind of frame that makes it difficult to tackle him without piling on. He compacts himself well to avoid being top-heavy.
Overall
Johnson ran for more than 1,700 yards for an offense that also had a 3,900-yard passer. His workload will become much greater in 2015, but based on his results, Johnson should be able to handle being more of a regular factor.
15. Alex Collins, Arkansas
6 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He can handle the punishment in the middle, but he seems like he's much more dangerous when he's going from side to side. Two steps, and he's gone if he gets by you."
—Barrett Sallee
Ball Security
Because Alex Collins tended to be more of the outside runner in Arkansas' two-man backfield in 2014, his running style is such that he sometimes swings the ball out from his body and puts it at risk of getting stripped. This hasn't happened much, but it's an area he can work on.
Power
He's sturdily built at 5'11" and 215 pounds, but Collins' game isn't one that is meant to invite contact. He can push a pile and shake off arm tackles, but he's not a bulldozer by any standards.
Vision
Collins has a great eye for finding a seam or seeing what's coming on the next level, and thus he's able to change direction before tacklers can get a line on him.
Hands
The grade here is more deserving of being incomplete because of a lack of opportunities for Collins, who caught a mere three passes for nine yards in 13 games last season.
Speed
Collins was faster than fellow running back Jonathan Williams, but not by much. His speed is most valuable in being able to turn upfield on a dime.
Balance
Arkansas' defensive front was one of the best in the nation last season, ranking 12th against the run. The Hogs' ball-carriers take a lot of punishment in practice from the team's defensive front, and this has steeled Collins and made him learn to keep himself balanced effectively.
Overall
If he hadn't been splitting carries, Collins would have made a hard push for at least 1,700 yards in Arkansas' offense last season. Now that Williams has been ruled out for the regular season (h/t Yahoo! Sports) after needing foot surgery, the spotlight is entirely on Collins to be the workhorse.
14. Nick Wilson, Arizona
7 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He's in an offense that will really lean on him. He's very fast and has big-play capabilities."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Nick Wilson had a strong year as a true freshman that was highlighted by impressive awareness of what defenders were trying to do to pop the ball loose. Not a big back at 5'10" and 199 pounds, he has to keep it snug to avoid getting stripped and did so quite well.
Power
Arizona had a power back in 2013 in Ka'Deem Carey, but its spread offense benefits more from smaller guys who work to avoid contact. Wilson fits that mold and wasn't one to draw hits, and he also suffered a concussion midway through the season that altered his approach.
Vision
Wilson sees the holes well and wastes little time in trying to burst toward the opening. Because of his size, he tries to slip through before a defender notices, which adds to the need to know what's coming.
Hands
Wilson wasn't utilized much in the passing game, as other backs and slot guys took the touches he otherwise might have received. This is an area he can improve on in order to remain on the field.
Speed
Excellent lateral quickness makes up for a lack of straight-line speed, but overall Wilson is fast enough to do what Arizona asks from him in the spread.
Balance
Wilson has good footwork and avoids leaning too much, though it's not his strongest trait.
Overall
A 1,375-yard season included 100-plus-yard games in his first three appearances and seven for the year. Wilson performed far better than expected, and as long as he's able to weather the workload, he'll keep producing.
13. Kareem Hunt, Toledo
8 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"I watch him, and I see a future NFL star. I know the teams he's going up against weren't exactly the most dominant in the nation, but he's one of the most imposing guys out there."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Kareem Hunt is a big-bodied ball-carrier who handles the rock quite well and gives it maximum protection, whether heading into traffic or out in space. Toledo has great confidence that the drive will continue when Hunt gets the ball.
Power
Hunt is a strong and powerful back, but to this point, he hasn't had that strength tested much because of his team's competition. He's only seen significant action against one power-conference opponent, Missouri, and while he scored three times, he was also stuffed quite a bit by the Tigers' stout defensive line.
Vision
His ability to see what's coming is good, but it will need to be a lot better this year with Toledo replacing its entire offensive line.
Hands
This is a place where Hunt can stand to become more adept. Toledo rarely threw his way, so it's unknown how well he'd handle being a receiver.
Speed
Hunt can get the angle with the right edge set for him, but he's no burner. He runs hard—and it adds to the appearance of being fast—but he won't outrun defenders.
Balance
At 6'0" and 225 pounds, Hunt is sturdily built and keeps himself centered and able to withstand most contact, though he doesn't cut as much as other backs of his size.
Overall
If Hunt were playing at a Big Ten school instead of one in the Mid-American, he'd be getting far more praise for the fact he's topped 100 rushing yards in 15 of his last 16 games. He's a good one who deserves more attention.
12. Shock Linwood, Baylor
9 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"This is a guy who's critically important to his offense. I think he could have a monster year, because they need that running in this offense. What a perfect fit."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
With the pace that Baylor plays at, keeping the tempo going is essential and requires avoiding hiccups like fumbles. Shock Linwood understands his role as a change of pace and has worked hard to shore up his care of the ball.
Power
Few players of his size (5'9", 195 lbs) are as strong as Linwood, who has built his game on elusiveness but can also handle the pain. He's been known to push a pile or two with his strong legs.
Vision
Baylor's linemen use wide sets to spread out the defense, which helps make for good running lanes, but Linwood can also find his own and isn't afraid to take his own line if he sees it.
Hands
There are too many other receiving options for Linwood to get many opportunities, though the ones he's had have been a mixed bag. He could stand to become more comfortable in the flat as a nice outlet for new quarterback Seth Russell.
Speed
A change in diet this offseason helped Linwood shed five pounds, and that should help him improve a speed element that has room to get better. To this point, his speed is more based off being slippery than just plain fast.
Balance
Linwood is susceptible to arm tackles, both in terms of being taken down and slowed on his path, and without great speed, he can't afford to lose a step.
Overall
The best Baylor offenses are more than just prolific passing attacks; they require a dependable rushing element that Linwood has provided. He figures to be more valuable this season with an untested quarterback.
11. Devontae Booker, Utah
10 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He's violent, an extremely violent runner—one of those guys whom I would hate to have to wrap up. He's just done it without the same number of eyeballs as other guys."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Despite becoming Utah's most important offensive player last season, Devontae Booker was surprisingly careless with the ball and had several notable fumbles. With the Utes expecting even bigger production from him in 2015, this has to change.
Power
Booker barrels ahead and will look to push through defenders as his first option in traffic, and he's strong enough to make this work. He's well-defined, at 212 pounds, and willing to draw contact.
Vision
It took Booker a few games to work his way into a featured role, and part of this was because he showed some hesitation at the point of attack, though this improved as the season went on.
Hands
One of the better pass-catching backs in the country, Booker had 43 receptions to rank third on the team. He's quick to turn upfield without slowing his momentum on screen passes, a key element of the Utah offense.
Speed
Booker is faster than he looks, especially when going from side to side. There's a burst he can tap into—almost like a turbo button—to get around the edge or spin away from a defender.
Balance
He's not a leaner—more upright than anything—but Booker keeps himself centered and avoids putting too much weight on one foot while stutter-stepping.
Overall
Booker's big burst in production coincided with Utah having a breakthrough campaign, and it will lean heavily on him this fall. If he continues to be a dangerous weapon on screens, he'll easily top 2,000 all-purpose yards after going for 1,875 in 2014.
10. Corey Clement, Wisconsin
11 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"If you're going to lose a guy who ran for 2,500 yards, he's the guy you want after him. I'd be shocked if he didn't have a 1,700-yard year. He's the next great running back at Wisconsin."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Corey Clement spent the past two seasons as Melvin Gordon's understudy and learned many of his traits from the star running back, including the importance of taking care of the ball. This is one of his strengths.
Power
A compact but thick 5'11" and 219 pounds, Clement can handle contact well and doesn't shy away from it. He isn't outwardly forceful but brings it out when necessary.
Vision
Wisconsin routinely has one of the best offensive lines in the country—and the holes are almost always there—yet that group is being retooled for 2015. Clement's move into a featured role will require him to be better at identifying running lanes.
Hands
A seven-yard touchdown catch early in the Outback Bowl bodes well for Clement's prospects as a receiver, something he'll need to be more involved with under new coach Paul Chryst.
Speed
Clement has excellent footwork that helps him make quick cuts and change direction in an instant combined with straight-line speed that's above average and helps him pick up extra yardage.
Balance
With a solid frame and an ability to remain centered, Clement can stay on his feet relatively well and avoid being susceptible to touch tackles.
Overall
The best backup running back in the country in 2014 now has a chance to be Wisconsin's next great rusher. He outgained several starters in the Big Ten and was given key touches alongside superstar Gordon, so he should be prepared to take the next step.
9. Paul Perkins, UCLA
12 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He's extremely balanced, and he has a perfect understanding of how he fits in this offense. Now that Brett Hundley is gone, I think people will realize that."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Paul Perkins is one of the most careful ball-carriers in the game, whether it's running it or catching it out of the backfield. This security helped make UCLA become more and more confident in his play as last season progressed.
Power
Perkins isn't a bruiser—a little bit more finesse than straightforward power—but he can still take and dish out a hit. He's on the smaller side at 5'11" and 198 pounds but still has enough strength to handle the contact.
Vision
The holes weren't always there for Perkins last season behind a shaky offensive line, so he often had to freelance and scope out lanes on his own. This sometimes came off as looking hesitant but in reality was because of what was going on in front of him.
Hands
An underrated part of Perkins' game is how he handles being part of the passing attack. He had huge receptions to trigger wins over Texas and California last season and becomes an open-field running back when he gets thrown to.
Speed
Perkins' speed is most noteworthy when watching how he can cut and change directions. He isn't a sprinter who outruns people but rather one who uses lateral quickness to create separation.
Balance
Perkins is able to stay balanced rather well, but it's not something he excels at. He can be knocked around a bit but does well to keep his feet moving and remain upright.
Overall
Hundley got all the attention last season, but Perkins was the unsung hero of UCLA's offense. He'll be far more important this fall, with the Bruins likely playing a freshman at quarterback, and he figures to have a good shot to repeat as the Pac-12 rushing champion.
8. James Conner, Pittsburgh
13 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"It's such a year for those power backs, and James Conner is probably the most accomplished of them all. He's abusive with that stiff-arm. He plays pissed off."
—Matt Miller
Ball Security
As big as he is, Conner doesn't protect the ball as well as you'd expect. He had one punched out at the end of a long run against Georgia Tech last October, though for someone with as many carries as he had, the problem wasn't that frequent.
Power
There are few players on the field who have more strength than the 6'2", 240-pound Conner. A former defensive end, he dishes it out as well as anyone else in the country and runs like a wrecking ball with a full-frontal assault on tacklers. He also has one of the best stiff-arms in the game.
Vision
Because he's more brawn than flash, Conner doesn't concern himself too much with seeking out holes since he can create his own.
Hands
The ball looks tiny in his massive hands, yet Conner doesn't treat it the same way when catching passes. As a result, he's rarely on the field in passing situations and is only looked at as a last resort.
Speed
Conner can be run down without much effort, but he's not in the game for his speed. He's as fast as he needs to be for his size.
Balance
There's no weak spot on Conner's body where he can be hit and knocked off his line, and he also avoids putting himself in position to be upended easily.
Overall
A throwback rusher who emphasizes strength and brute force over finesse, Conner is the kind of weapon whom every ball-control team dreams of having. His 26 rushing touchdowns set ACC and school records, topping Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett's Pitt mark.
7. Royce Freeman, Oregon
14 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He's so physically imposing and yet pretty shifty. He looks like that workhorse whom you can hand it to 30 times a game, and he has a nose for the goal line."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Taking care of the ball was never an issue for Royce Freeman during his stellar true freshman season at Oregon. Even as he wore down toward the end, Freeman remained focused on keeping the rock from hitting the turf.
Power
Most bowling balls don't weigh 230 pounds, but Freeman is an exception. He turns himself into a compact knot of muscle and strength at the point of contact, which enables him to be the aggressor rather than the victim.
Vision
Oregon's zone-read offense puts most of the vision responsibilities on the quarterback, but Freeman is still adept at spotting where a hole exists and where it's going to close up.
Hands
The running backs are a key part of the Ducks pass offense, but Freeman hasn't been much of a factor to this point. He'll need to be more assertive in this area with a new quarterback in the system.
Speed
Freeman is the thunder to teammate Thomas Tyner's lightning—not necessarily a slow back but also not one who's going to outrun most defenders.
Balance
Because he won't often be getting around tacklers, Freeman works hard to remain level as he makes cuts and approaches contact. This makes him seem more light on his feet than you'd expect from someone of his size.
Overall
Freeman had the most productive freshman season ever for an Oregon back, and that was while sharing carries with Tyner. He's capable of being a workhorse as long as he continues improving his conditioning and durability.
6. Dalvin Cook, Florida State
15 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"There are no questions about him on the field. When he had the ball in his hands last year, I stopped breathing because anything could happen."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Critical fumbles in the Rose Bowl loss to Oregon exposed a weakness in the way Dalvin Cook carries the ball, something he likely spent much of the offseason working on. If that problem persists, he'll risk losing touches.
Power
Cook is strong but doesn't do much muscling to get his yards—instead he tries to slip off tackles and extend plays with his legs.
Vision
An observant player for one so young, Cook doesn't hesitate and hits the hole almost as soon as it develops.
Hands
Cook was a valuable outlet for Jameis Winston for either dump-off passes or screens and figures to be in the same boat with this year's quarterback.
Speed
Once he gets to the corner, Cook isn't likely to be caught. His speed and big-play ability are what initially got him into the mix last season, and they remain key assets as the rest of his game develops.
Balance
Excellent footwork and cutting ability make it possible for Cook to be fast and elusive without ever getting off-balance.
Overall
Cook was expected to play a major role in Florida State's offense this year, but his future is uncertain as he remains suspended, pending the resolution of a battery charge from June. If he returns, he'll take a lot of pressure off Florida State's new quarterback.
5. Samaje Perine, Oklahoma
16 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"Look at this 230-, 240-pound monster. He broke the single-game rushing record, and I think people still aren't sure what to make of that. Physically, he's a professional. He has an NFL body already."
—Adam Kramer
Ball Security
Samaje Perine's breakout freshman season saw him lose only one fumble on 263 carries, and that came on a play when he was injured against Oklahoma State. Despite all that, he does hold the ball somewhat loosely and has been fortunate to not fumble more.
Power
As part of what started out as a three-man battle for carries in Oklahoma's backfield, Perine had to rely on strength and force to make his mark. He puts every ounce of his 237 pounds into all of the contact he initiates.
Vision
Perine's record-setting 427-yard performance against Kansas saw him rarely get touched, but a lot of that had to do with massive holes and horrible defense. He's still a bit raw in terms of finding the seam on his own but should be much improved this season.
Hands
Perine had a few opportunities to show off what he could do in the passing game but didn't make much of that. This is a critical area to get better in, since Oklahoma is switching to an "Air Raid" attack that will require him to be more involved when not getting carries.
Speed
Perine's speed is as good as it needs to be for his size; it's not blazing but also not lumbering, just enough to be able to get through the initial hole and then rumble.
Balance
A low center of gravity makes it nearly impossible to bounce Perine off his line or tip him unless he does it himself, which isn't often.
Overall
Oklahoma's disappointing 2014 season somehow made what Perine did seem unimpressive, but he kept the Sooners offense from being completely lethargic. How he fits into the new scheme will determine how valuable he is for the future.
4. Derrick Henry, Alabama
17 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He was probably the best closer in college football last year. You bring him on in the fourth quarter, and he just pounds it. He's just an absolute punisher."
—Barrett Sallee
Ball Security
Since it's far easier to try to force a 6'3", 242-pound running back to fumble than it is to try to tackle him, Derrick Henry has become used to defenders going for the ball and hitting around the arms to jar it loose. This hasn't led to much success, as Henry's massive arms help protect the ball.
Power
Henry's running style can best be described as being that of a bulldozer, and this requires plenty of power. He's not lacking in that department, running downhill better than almost any other back in the country.
Vision
Henry's first two seasons saw him split carries with T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake, and one area where that limited action has kept him from becoming better is in noticing the holes in advance. His physical style lessens this need, but he can still do better.
Hands
With some more seasoning and a better approach to the receiving game, Henry could be a huge weapon in space. He had only five catches last season.
Speed
Henry's speed is good—not great—but as strong as he is, he doesn't need to be that fast.
Balance
Tall and thick, he's well-centered and usually in position to weather the initial hit without being knocked off his track.
Overall
Henry was Alabama's leading rusher last season despite getting fewer carries than Yeldon, and he remains a weapon who isn't getting used as much as he could. He has fresh legs, though, and with added duty could easily top 1,500 yards.
3. Leonard Fournette, LSU
18 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He came in with a ton of hype and matched it. He established himself as the next superstar. He has everything you want. He has tremendous speed; he's a great receiver out of the backfield. That kind of versatility, for a big guy, you don't see that very often."
—Barrett Sallee
Ball Security
Take away a critical lost fumble just short of the end zone against Ole Miss, and Leonard Fournette would have been perfect in taking care of the ball last season. That's almost unheard of for a true freshman.
Power
Anything you need to know about Fournette's power can be summed up by watching him steamroll a Texas A&M defender last November. There was no interest in trying to elude or go around him; Fournette just went straight through the would-be tackler.
Vision
After some early hiccups, Fournette became more adept at spotting the openings as or before they happened and thus saw his production pick up. His late run was keyed by being able to get into space.
Hands
Fournette was on the field to run the ball and rarely had an opportunity to catch it. He had some big receptions, but it's still an area he needs to develop by watching the ball into his body instead of stabbing at it.
Speed
You don't find a lot of 230-pound guys who not only return kicks but can also just blaze past defenders. He did this against Notre Dame and had enough of a cushion on those trailing him to watch himself on the video board.
Balance
With great cutting ability and strong footwork, Fournette rarely gets off-balance and in a position to get toppled over. He can maintain this even when running more upright.
Overall
As hyped as he was coming into college, Fournette didn't disappoint, and he accomplished this without much training. Now given a full offseason to work on his strength and endurance, he undoubtedly will be the focal point of an LSU attack that's going to be dependent on him.
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
19 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"I think he's a complete player. He's very, very special. I think he's the real deal, a top-10 player as of now."
—Matt Miller
Ball Security
Ezekiel Elliott played nearly all of last season with a broken left wrist, thus limiting him to carrying the ball on just his right side. That didn't have any effect on his play, though, as he treated the ball like a prized possession when taking a handoff, cradling it high and tight with a firmness that doesn't leave any room for it to wiggle around.
Power
Elliott's power was most evident during the postseason for Ohio State, when he became the team's workhorse and got stronger with each game. He averaged 16.4 carries per game in the regular season and 25.3 over the final three contests, muscling through tackles and pushing the pile forward.
Vision
It's rare to ever see Elliott make the wrong cut or take a bad angle. If he wants to get around you, he will, and he has a keen eye for anticipating a defender's next move.
Hands
Elliott was used in the receiving game far more often during the regular season, when his carries weren't needed as much thanks to J.T. Barrett's running ability. He handled this job well, catching at least four passes in four different games.
Speed
He doesn't outrun defenders, but thanks to great footwork and quick cutting, Elliott can juke them out and then push past in a way that makes him look faster than he is.
Balance
Elliott keeps himself from getting off-balance quite well, remaining centered and keeping his shoulders level until he's ready to make contact.
Overall
Elliott was one of the biggest reasons the Buckeyes were able to breeze through the Big Ten title game and the College Football Playoff, as he put the team on his back and dominated. He'll be the one Ohio State turns to if there's any uncertainty at quarterback, having already shown he can be a go-to player.
1. Nick Chubb, Georgia
20 of 20
B/R Expert Scouting
"He needed to be a workhorse for Georgia, and he was one. There are not many running backs in America who could have thrived in that kind of situation. The Bulldogs probably won't do that this year, but that's always in Georgia's back pocket if he's healthy."
—Barrett Sallee
Ball Security
Nick Chubb takes care of the ball as well as anyone else at his position, securing it high and tight to minimize the chance of having it poked away. He avoids putting the ball at risk when approaching contact.
Power
Chubb's 5'10", 220-pound frame is a coiled mass of strength and fury, and he uses it to his advantage on nearly every carry. He's able to muscle through tackles with a strong lower half, enabling him to keep his legs working and continue forward after he's shaken off a defender.
Vision
From his first opportunity to start, when he carried it 38 times in a shutout win at Missouri, Chubb showed amazing patience and the willingness to let his line create the opening. Once he saw a seam, he took it without hesitation.
Hands
Georgia didn't make much use of Chubb as a receiver, as he had only 18 catches, and those came across seven games. He handled screens and swing routes adequately, but they're not his strength.
Speed
Chubb's first step isn't that fast, but it's good enough when combined with the fact he can turn upfield without any slowing of his momentum. This enables him to get around defenders far more quickly than you'd expect for someone of his size.
Balance
There's no leaning or swaying in Chubb's stride; it's all about keeping centered and pushing forward. This makes it difficult to take him down on first contact.
Overall
We didn't expect to see that much from Chubb as a true freshman because of the presence of Todd Gurley at Georgia, but once Gurley was removed from the equation, Chubb wasted no time in asserting himself as one of the best rushers in the country. He's just getting started and, barring injury, will remain at or near the top of the rankings for his position.
Note: All slides written by Bleacher Report featured columnist Brian Pedersen. Follow the author on Twitter at @realBJP.
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