Oregon Ducks Football: Best Running Backs of All Time

Here is part two of a series in which every position will dissected and compared amongst Oregon's finest.

Now is the list of the top running backs in Ducks history.

This one was perhaps the most challenging because of all the greats to play for the Ducks.

(Note: Rankings are based off of statistical performance with the Ducks, as well as leadership ability and performance in professional football. Feel free to comment below if you agree or disagree with any of these choices.)

For quarterbacks: click here

For receivers: click here

For offensive linemen: click here

For defensive linemen: click here

For linebackers: click here

For defensive backs: click here

For special teams: click here

Honorable Mentions

Reuben Droughns: He was simply a load to bring down and wreaked havoc in the Pac-10. In two seasons with Oregon, Droughns rushed for 2,058 yards and is one of the great Duck backs of all-time.

Jeremiah Johnson: It saddens me that many fans seem to overlook the importance that Jeremiah Johnson had with the Ducks. Johnson was forced to split carries for the majority of his career behind another famous Ducks running back on this list, but his senior season Johnson went off and helped get the Ducks into the national rankings and an appearance in the Holiday Bowl.

Saladin McCullough: It’s unfortunate that he only played for two seasons with the Ducks, or he would have rewritten the record books.

10. Sean Burwell

Burwell was a do-it-all back with the Ducks who may have been more feared as a returner than coming out of the backfield.

From 1990-93, Burwell made his way to third all-time in rushing and second in all-purpose yards.

9. Ricky Whittle

Similar to Burwell, Whittle was a dominant back with the Ducks who also put fear in opposing special teams coaches.

Part of what puts Whittle one notch above Burwell was the fact that Whittle did play in the NFL and adds that to his reputation.

8. Mel Renfro

Renfro is another player who is on this list at multiple positions.

He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and he may be the most versatile player on this list.

Renfro is in the college and NFL Hall of Fame as running back, but he also was dominant on defense and as a return man.

7. Terrence Whitehead

Whitehead is to this day one of my favorite players to ever wear an Oregon Duck uniform.

He is third all-time in rushing and fifth in all-purpose yards.

From 2002-2005, Whitehead dominated and was one of the nation's most underrated backs.

Whitehead played a bruising style, knocking over defenders and bursting away with his great speed.

6. Alphonse (Tuffy) Leemans

There aren’t many Ducks in the NFL Hall of Fame, so "Tuffy" needs to be recognized on this list.

You won't find him very high on Oregon's record books, because of the era he played in. 

5. Johnny "Flying Dutchman" Kitzmiller

Here is another Ducks Hall of Famer.

This time it’s the collegiate HOF.

Kitzmiller’s bruising style made him one of the Pac-8’s most dominate halfbacks for his time.

And is there a better nickname in all of sports?

4. Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart is without a doubt the most heralded recruit the Ducks have ever landed.

Coming out of high school, nearly ever team on the West Coast was recruiting this kid, and the Ducks were fortunate enough to land him.

In his three seasons, Stewart exploded in both rushing and returning.

His first play at Autzen was a kickoff return for a touchdown and fans knew this kid was going to be something special.

Stewart is currently a running back for the Carolina Panthers.

3. Bobby Moore

Bobby Moore, or Ahmad Rashad, is one of the greatest Duck players at any position, period.

Looking at the Oregon record books, you will find this man’s name all over it.

Moore will be remembered for not only his great running, but also his great catching abilities.

2. LaMichael James

I know that this is going to anger a lot of Duck fans.

I know.

But to simply put it, LaMichael has only played two seasons with the Ducks.

If he has another stellar season in 2011, he will be at number one.

Until then Ducks fans, continue to read about the next Oregon great, and see why this is how it is.

1. Derek Loville

Find any Oregon offensive statistic, and odds are Loville is on there somewhere.

First in rushing, all-purpose rushing, and second behind only Jared Siegel in all-time scoring.

No matter what, he could do it all.

Statistically, Loville is clearly the best. The numbers support him.

Derek Loville is the greatest Oregon running back, of all-time.