College Football's Top 25 Running Back Prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft

Sadly, college football lost many of its best running backs from the 2011 season with the departures of players such as Alabama’s Trent Richardson, Oregon’s LaMichael James, Virginia Tech’s David Wilson, Washington’s Chris Polk and Boise State’s Doug Martin.

The good news, though, is that there are plenty of talented up-and-coming rushers around the country who are now ready to step out onto the national stage and become part of college football’s next wave of star backs.

This year, we’ll welcome back two of the most talented running backs in the country, Arkansas’ Knile Davis and South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore, who both went down with significant injuries in 2011. We’ll also be treated to an encore performance from Wisconsin’s Montee Ball, who became one of the sport’s biggest breakout stars last year.

Davis, Lattimore and Ball are surely going to catch the attention of NFL scouts next season, but there will also be plenty of other backs that’ll be jockeying for position in the 2013 NFL draft as well.

So how do college football’s top runners stack up heading into the 2012 season?

Well, here’s a very early and preliminary peak at the Top 25 eligible running back prospects for the 2013 NFL draft.

1. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State was home to one of college football's most explosive passing attacks in 2011. However, now that the ultra-dangerous passing duo of QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon is gone, the Cowboys will be forced to rely more heavily on the running game for offensive success next season. 

It's a good thing that the team will once again have one of the most talented backs in the country, Joseph Randle, to exploit in 2012. 

Last year, Randle proved his worth as both a runner and a receiver, as he ran for over 1,200 yards, caught 43 passes and scored 26 total touchdowns. 

The 6'1'', 191-pound junior is now set to take on an even bigger role and become the focal point of Oklahoma State's offense, and he'll enter the season as both a legitimate Heisman contender and one of the top eligible pro prospects for the 2013 NFL draft. 

Randle is a dynamic runner who possesses the type of elite speed and elusiveness that only truly top-tier backs can offer. 

If he can build on his eye-opening 2011 campaign and put up big numbers yet again next season, Randle has the chance to develop into a Top-20 pick, and he could possibly even be the first back taken in the 2013 NFL draft. 

2. Knile Davis, Arkansas

After a breakout performance in 2010, in which he ran for 1,322 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, Knile Davis was all set to ascend to star status in 2011 before a freak preseason ankle injury put him on the shelf for the entire season. 

Now that Davis has had time to recover and rehabilitate, though, he should be ready to return to his rightful place as one of the SEC's top offensive playmakers in 2012. 

The 6'1'', 226-pound junior has a rare combination of size, speed, power, agility, vision and balance, and he has everything that NFL teams are looking for in a No. 1 running back. 

Davis is a truly special talent, and if he's fully healthy, he's got the chance to have a monster campaign in 2012.

With Davis, along with other standout skill-position players such as QB Tyler Wilson, WR Cobi Hamilton and TE Chris Gragg all returning, Arkansas should have one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the country next season, even though recently fired coach Bobby Petrino won't be leading the way. 

If Davis has the type of season he's capable of in 2012, he's clearly got the chance to be a Top-20 pick in the 2013 NFL draft. 

3. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

Marcus Lattimore knew that he had a lot of lofty expectations to live up to when he first arrived at South Carolina as a heralded 5-star recruit back before the start of the 2010 season.

However, if Lattimore was feeling any pressure as a freshman, he certainly didn't show it, as he came out and completely dominated in his first year in a Gamecock uniform, rushing for 1,197 yards and scoring 19 total touchdowns.

After bulking up and adding muscle to his already imposing frame during the offseason, the 6'1'', 232-pound junior was in the process of putting together an even bigger campaign as a sophomore in 2011, as he came out and totaled 932 yards of offense and scored 10 touchdowns in the team's first six games. 

Then came that one nightmarish play that every running back dreads and fears the most. While throwing a block against a Mississippi State defender, Lattimore's leg got rolled up on and he ended up tearing a ligament in his knee, effectively sending him to the sideline for the remainder of the year. 

South Carolina surprisingly still managed to go 11-2 without its star tailback, but it was obvious that the Gamecocks missed his presence in the backfield. 

After feverishly rehabbing his knee for the past few months, Lattimore is now on track to be back and ready to go by the time fall camp finally rolls around. 

While it will certainly take some time for Lattimore to ease back into the flow of the offense, if his knee proves to be up to the challenge, it wouldn't be shocking to see him put together a huge comeback season. 

Lattimore is certainly a rare physical specimen. He's one of the best running backs to grace the college game in years, and it's a real shame that he went down with such a serious injury. 

Still, if he can bounce back and prove that he's the same type of runner we saw in 2010 and early on in 2011, the South Carolina star will once again regain his reputation as one of the sport's top rushers.

As far as natural physical ability is concerned, Lattimore has what it takes to be a high first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft, just as long as he can prove that he can stay healthy and show that his knee is fine next season. 

4. Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Before the start of the 2011 season, Montee Ball's name wasn't being mentioned with the top Heisman candidates from around the country. However, after an extremely impressive and shockingly productive campaign, Ball found himself sitting in New York City as a fourth-place finisher in the Heisman voting. 

No one could have predicted the type of outstanding performance that the 5'11'', 210-pound senior put together last year, as he accounted for over 2,200 total yards of offense and scored 39 touchdowns. 

After such a huge season, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Ball would leave Madison a year early and head off to the NFL, but he surprised everyone when he announced that he would be returning to Wisconsin for one final season. 

Ball really has nothing left to prove at the college level, which makes his decision a curious one to say the last. 

Still, you certainly won't hear any Badgers fans complaining about getting another opportunity to watch Ball burst through defenses and power his way through would-be tacklers again in 2012. 

It still remains to be seen whether Ball has what it takes to be a top back for an NFL team, and it's more likely that he'll end up as a member of a two-back system in the pros. 

The NFL back that Ball most reminds me of is Ahmad Bradshaw of the Giants, who has been highly successful as part of a tag-team rushing tandem during his pro career. 

Ball will likely find a similar role as Bradshaw in the pros, and if he has another big season for the Badgers in 2012, he'll likely solidify his status as a second-round pick for the 2013 NFL draft. 

5. Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State

It only takes one look at Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell to realize that he's the type of back that no defender is going to want to try to wrap up and tackle. 

The 6'2'', 237-pound Bell is a huge, powerful runner who possesses surprising speed and agility for his size. 

Last year, the junior had to split carries with fellow backfield mate Edwin Baker, but he still managed to run for 948 yards and score 13 touchdowns on just 182 total carries. 

With Baker gone, Bell should now see his number of touches increase in 2012, which has to be a scary thought for defenses around the Big Ten.

Bell employs a punishing running style, and he certainly isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and truck a would-be tackler.

With his intriguing combination of size, speed and strength, Bell has the chance to be one of the most coveted running back prospects in college football next season. 

6. Andre Ellington, Clemson

Andre Ellington had to wait his turn to be the starting running back at Clemson, as he sat for two years behind older backs such as C.J. Spiller and Jamie Harper. However, once he was finally handed the job in 2011, he definitely made the most of it. 

Last year, Ellington stepped into the starting role and proved why he was such a highly-touted commodity coming out of South Carolina's Berkeley High School, as he ran for over 1,100 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

The 5'10'', 190-pound senior was a valuable piece of the Tigers' offensive success, as he displayed the type of speed and burst to fly past opposing defenses. 

Ellington could have entered the 2012 NFL draft and been a day-two pick, but he made the wise move to return to school and boost his stock even higher. 

With Ellington, QB Tajh Boyd and WRs Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins all returning, Clemson should have one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the country in 2012. 

7. Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

Notre Dame may have questions surrounding both the quarterback and wide receiver positions this offseason, but there's definitely no uncertainties at running back, where Cierre Wood returns to lead the way. 

Last year, Wood proved to be an excellent complement to Notre Dame's passing attack, as he racked up over 1,100 yards on the ground and scored nine touchdowns. He also proved to be a valuable receiver out of the backfield, catching 27 passes for 189 yards. 

The 6'0'', 215-pound junior is a well-built back who possess terrific talent and natural physical ability. 

Wood has the vision to find openings in a defense, and he has the speed and elusiveness to pick up big chunks of yardage once he finds a crease. 

Last year, Wood had an impressive 37 total rushes of 10 yards or more, which shows that he has the type of explosiveness to create big runs on a consistent basis. 

NFL scouts have surely already taken notice of Wood, and now that he's expected to have an increased role in the offense in 2012, he'll have the opportunity to really climb up draft boards with another strong showing next season. 

8. Eddie Lacy, Alabama

Alabama has produced a first-round running back in each of the past two years, and the Tide could make that three straight if new starter Eddie Lacy plays up to his potential in 2012. 

Even though Trent Richardson hogged up most of the carries last season, Lacy still got to show what he had to offer on a few occasions in 2011, as he averaged 7.1 yards per carry on 95 touches and scored seven touchdowns. 

The 6'1'', 220-pound junior proved that he was the type of big, powerful downhill runner that's a perfect fit for Alabama's offense. 

Lacy may not possess elite breakaway speed, but he has the kind of strength and the toughness it takes to consistently pound the ball inside the tackles and wear down a defense. 

Running behind the best offensive line in college football, Lacy will have a great chance to show scouts that he's got what it takes to be Alabama's next great back in 2012. 

9. Kenjon Barner, Oregon

Oregon's offense is certainly going to miss star RB LaMicheal James, who ran for over 5,000 yards and scored 57 touchdowns over the last three seasons. However, the Ducks are lucky to have two explosive weapons, Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas, to pick up the slack in the backfield. 

Both Barner and Thomas possess game-breaking speed, and they're the type of home-run threats that can cause destructive damage to opposing defenses. 

Last year, Barner ran for 939 yards on just 152 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per touch, and he had 27 runs in which he accounted for 10 yards or more. 

The 5'11'', 195-pound senior may be more of a finesse speed back than a true power runner, but his burst and overall athleticism make him one of the most dangerous running backs in college football. 

If Barner can show that he's capable of stepping in for James and carrying a bigger work load next season, he's the type of back that could go flying up draft boards. 

10. Christine Michael, Texas A&M

Christine Michael is still in the process of rehabbing and recovering from a torn ACL that he experienced in an early-November loss to Oklahoma last season. However, if Michael can get back to full strength by the time the season starts, he should be one of the must-watch backs in the SEC.

Last year, Michael ran for 899 yards and scored nine touchdowns in just nine games of action, and he showed the type of skills and traits that NFL teams are looking for in a running back prospect. 

The 5'11'', 213-pound senior is a complete back who has the speed and the strength to either run around defenders or run right through them. 

The former 5-star recruit has been blessed with tremendous physical ability, and he was really starting to come into his own before suffering the knee injury last year. 

Hopefully, Michael can work his way back to full health because if he can, it should be very intriguing to see what he's capable of against the tough SEC defenses he'll face in 2012. 

11. Spencer Ware, LSU

LSU will unquestionably have the deepest backfield in college football next season, as the Tigers are stocked with four running backs who possess starting-caliber ability. The leader of that talented foursome is Spencer Ware. 

Last year, Ware proved to be a valuable member of LSU's offensive attack, as he compiled over 700 rushing yards on just 177 carries and scored nine touchdowns. 

The 5'11'', 223-pound junior is the type of strong and stocky back that is built to succeed against the big, physical defenses found in the SEC, and he's got the combination of power and athleticism that will really intrigue NFL scouts. 

Ware may not have the type of explosion or breakaway speed to create the big, game-changing type of runs, but with his big build and his balance and vision, he has what it takes to pound the ball inside the tackles on a consistent basis.

Look for Ware to continue to develop into a reliable work horse for the Tigers in 2012, as he'll once again be one of the key figures for LSU's dangerous rushing attack next season. 

12. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford

It remains to be seen just what life at Stanford will be like without star quarterback Andrew Luck running the offense. However, even though a drop-off in production is to be expected next season, the Cardinal will at least have one of the Pac-12's top running backs, Stepfan Taylor, to help out in 2012. 

Because he played in the same backfield as college football's biggest, most focused on celebrity, Taylor has been one of sport's best kept secrets for the past two seasons. 

Over the last two years, Taylor has run for a combined 2,467 yards and scored 28 total touchdowns, and he's played a key role in Stanford's offensive success. 

The 5'11'', 208-pound senior doesn't have one specific trait that will overwhelm NFL scouts, but he's a solid all-around back who has the proven production and the resume that will impress pro teams. 

Taylor will now be asked to play at an even higher level and take on a bigger role in 2012, and it will be interesting to see if he can answer the call. 

If Taylor has the type of season he's capable of, he should really make scouts take notice of what he has to offer in terms of pro potential. 

13. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA

There hasn't been a whole lot to get excited about at UCLA over the past few years, as the Bruins went a combined 21-29 during previous coach Rick Neuheisel's four seasons at the school. However, there is hope once again in Westwood now that new coach Jim Mora is taking over, and one of the real reasons for optimism is the return of running back Johnathan Franklin. 

Franklin has been one of the lone bright spots for the UCLA offense during his three seasons in a Bruins uniform, as he's combined to rush for 2,669 yards during that time. 

The 5'10'', 193-pound senior is one of the most athletic and physically skilled backs in the country, and he possesses the type of speed, agility and natural instincts to cause plenty of chaos for opposing defenses. 

Last year, Franklin had 12 runs of 20 yards or more, and it didn't seem to matter that he didn't have the best blocking in front of him, as he still managed to consistently find his way to the second level and create big runs. 

If Franklin can get better blocking from his offensive line in 2012 and if his surrounding cast can step up and help take some of the pressure off his shoulders, he has the chance to really elevate his already strong stock next season. 

14. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina

Giovani Bernard arrived at North Carolina as a coveted and highly-touted 4-star recruit out of Florida's St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and he looked like he was ready to make an immediate splash for the Tar Heels as a freshman before a torn ACL robbed him of his entire first season. 

Bernard didn't seem to show any after effects from the injury this past season, though, as he finally got the chance to step out onto the field and make good on his high school hype. 

The 5'10'', 205-pound redshirt sophomore ended up running for 1,253 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns, and he also proved his worth as a receiver, hauling in 45 passes for 362 yards. 

Bernard's one of the most dangerous and versatile backs in the country, and he should be the spotlight player for the Tar Heels once again in 2012. 

While Bernard's brother, former Oregon State running back Yvenson Bernard, never materialized into much of an NFL back, Gio has a much better shot to make it in the pros, and if he has another big season in 2012, he may have to seriously think about leaving Chapel Hill a few years early. 

15. Ray Graham, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Ray Graham only played in seven full games last season, but he still managed to run for 958 yards, score nine touchdowns and finish as the fourth ranked rusher in the Big East.

Graham's stellar productivity last year is a big reason why he'll enter the 2012 season as the clear-cut favorite to win the conference's rushing title, but he first must prove that he's completely healed from the knee injury that cut his year short. 

If Graham can return to full health, he has the chance to be a star rusher in new coach Paul Chryst's offensive system, which is the same one that helped Wisconsin's Montee Ball become a household name in 2011. 

The 5'9'', 195-pound senior won't overwhelm any defense with his size, but he's got pretty much everything else you look for in a standout runner. 

Graham possesses the speed, vision, strength and receiving skills to be a complete every-down back, and his versatility as both a runner and a receiver should only help to boost his NFL stock. 

If Graham returns and plays like the back we saw in the first seven games of the 2011 season, he has the chance to be one of the most productive rushers in the country next season, and he should emerge as a desirable mid-round prospect for the 2013 NFL draft. 

16. Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt

Zac Stacy turned out to be one of the most surprising breakout stars of the 2011 season when he stepped in for injured starter Warren Norman and really made a name for himself around the SEC.

After a modest performance during the first half of the season, Stacy really hit his stride in the second half of the year, as he finished with 100-plus rushing yards in four out of the final six games of the regular season.

As a whole, the 5'9'', 208-pound senior finished with 1,193 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, and he was a big reason that Vanderbilt was able to make it to just its fifth bowl game in school history.

With Norman set to return to the lineup next season, Stacy will have to now split some of the rushing workload with the former SEC Freshman of the Year. However, that doesn't mean that the powerful and physical bowling ball back won't be capable of having another eye-opening performance. 

Coach James Franklin knows that Stacy is the type of reliable and consistent back that can put the offense on his back and carry the Commodores to success, and he'll have plenty of chances in 2012 to prove to NFL scouts that he's got what it takes to be a difference-maker in the pros. 

17. Michael Ford, LSU

LSU's Michael Ford reminds me a lot of a lot of former Auburn star running back Cadillac Williams. 

Like Williams, Ford is a strong, compact runner who possesses terrific vision and balance, and last year, he showed SEC defenses what he's made of when he ran for 756 yards and scored seven touchdowns on just 127 carries. 

The 5'10'', 215-pound junior would be the clear-cut featured back for most teams, but because LSU's backfield is so deep, he has to defer carries to Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue. Still, Ford should have plenty of opportunities next season to prove that he's not just one of the most talented backs in the SEC, but that he's one of the best backs in the country. 

With Ford, Ware, Hilliard and Blue all returning to the backfield, LSU has the type of four-headed rushing monster that will be tough to contain in 2012. 

18. Cameron Marshall, Arizona State

Arizona State may have lost starting quarterback Brock Osweiler a year early to the NFL, but the Sun Devils will be bringing back one of the top rushers in the Pac-12, Cameron Marshall, for the 2012 season. 

Last season, Marshall finished tied for first in the conference with 18 total rushing touchdowns, and he was one of only seven backs in the Pac-12 to top the 1,000-yard rushing mark. 

With Osweiler gone, the 5'11'', 215-pound senior will now be counted on to be the focal point of the offense next season, and he'll once again be asked to carry a heavy workload. 

Marshall has the size, strength and durability to tote the rock frequently yet again in 2012, which means he should have plenty of opportunities to impress NFL Scouts. 

Marshall possesses intriguing speed and athleticism for his size, and he has the big, strong build that NFL teams are looking for in a power back. 

19. Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michigan

Last season, RB Fitz Toussaint proved that star QB Denard Robinson wasn't the only player in the Michigan backfield that deserved attention and praise. Toussaint may have only carried the ball 187 times in 2011, but he still managed to rush for over 1,000 yards and score 10 touchdowns.

After the breakout performance, the 5'10'', 195-pound junior has established himself as one of the premier backs to watch in the Big Ten going into the 2012 season. 

Toussaint is the type of solid and strong back who is reminiscent of other former Michigan rushers such as Mike Hart and Chris Perry. 

While Robinson is going to soak up a lot of attention as the leader of Michigan's offense next season, Toussaint is slowly but surely starting to make a name for himself as well. If he can build on his strong sophomore season and put together another big campaign in 2012, the Wolverine back should put himself squarely on the NFL's radar. 

20. Ed Wesley, TCU

With backs like Ed Wesley, Matthew Tucker and Waymon James all returning, TCU will have one of the deepest and most talented backfields in college football next season.

The real player to watch out of that trio will be Wesley, who has run for over 2,400 yards and scored 24 total touchdowns during his three seasons in a Horned Frogs uniform. 

The 5'9'', 200-pound senior has an intriguing combination of speed, power and balance, and he has the skills it takes to succeed in the NFL. 

Wesley is cut from the same mold as some of the running backs in the 2012 draft class like Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead and San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman. While he may not be big enough to be considered an elite prospect, he does have the traits that will interest NFL teams in 2013.

Although he'll have to split carries with Tucker and James again next season, Wesley should still be able to put together another solid campaign in 2012.  

21. Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

You probably couldn't build a back who is better suited for Nebraska's power run-based offensive attack than Rex Burkhead. 

Burkhead is a strong, physical and tough runner who shows no fear running into traffic, and he never shies away from contact. 

Last year, the 5'11'', 210-pound senior had no trouble adapting to life in the Big Ten, as he racked up over 1,300 yards on the ground and scored 17 touchdowns. 

Burkhead will once again be the Cornhuskers' key offensive weapon in 2012, as he rejoins QB Taylor Martinez to give Nebraska a terrific 1-2 rushing punch. 

While white running backs are still considered somewhat taboo in today's NFL, Burkhead has the desired size, speed, strength and receiving ability to be a valuable offensive contributor in the pros, and if he can build on his strong 2011 campaign, his pro stock should really climb next season. 

22. Robbie Rouse, Fresno State

Some Fresno State fans were concerned about losing Ryan Matthews, the school's second all-time leading rusher, after the 2009 season, but his successor, Robbie Rouse, quickly alleviated many of their concerns when he stepped into the starting role in 2010. 

Over the past two seasons, Rouse has combined to account for more than 3,000 yards of total offense, and he's scored 24 touchdowns. 

The 5'7'', 185-pound senior has proven that his lack of size won't stop him from producing at a high rate.

Rouse has the speed, agility and quickness to make tacklers miss, and when he gets into the open field, he's certainly tough to bring down. 

While his small stature may cost him a shot at being a featured back in the NFL, you can bet that some pro team will find a spot on its roster for the scrappy and feisty Fresno State rusher.  

23. Onterio McCalebb, Auburn

This offseason, Auburn will have to figure out a way to replace RB Michael Dyer, which is something that certainly won't be easy. 

Onterio McCalebb will be the man asked to step his game up the most in Dyer's absence, as he tries to fill the departed running back's shoes in 2012.

Given the type of encouraging breakout performance we saw from McCalebb in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Virginia, he could be ready to shine as a starter next season.

Last year, the 5'10'', 170-pound McCalebb totaled 985 total yards and scored seven touchdowns, as he proved to be a valuable and versatile threat as both a runner and a receiver. 

His ability to catch the ball should help the slight senior catch the attention of scouts who would otherwise dismiss him as too frail to make it in the NFL. 

If McCalebb can build on his MVP bowl performance and show that he's capable of being a reliable replacement for Dyer next season, he should cause a strong buzz for himself around the SEC and the NFL scouting community in 2012. 

24. Matthew Tucker, TCU

Ed Wesley isn't the only TCU running back that Big 12 defenses are going to have to be concerned about next season. His teammate Matthew Tucker will also be looking to make a splash in the team's new conference in 2012. 

Last year, the two backs put up nearly identical stats, as Wesley ran for 726 yards on 120 carries, while Tucker carried the ball 123 times for 702 yards. It was Tucker who proved to be the more effective short-yardage and goal line weapon, though, as he led the team with 12 rushing touchdowns. 

The 6'1'', 227-pound senior is a big, strong and sturdy runner who possesses the power to bulldoze his way through defenders. 

While Wesley may be the more explosive of the two, Tucker has enough quickness and speed for his size to be a big difference-maker in the running game. 

With Tucker, Wesley and Waymon James all returning to the backfield for 2012, look for the Horned Frogs to have one of the most potent rushing attacks in the country next season. 

25. Curtis McNeal, USC

Quarterback Matt Barkley and wide receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee are set to be the big-name stars for USC's offense next season, but another player who will also play a crucial role in the Trojan's ultimate offensive success is running back Curtis McNeal. 

Last year, McNeal ran for 1,005 yards, even though he only had 145 total carries, which was the lowest number of attempts for any back in the country who topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2011. 

His 6.9 yards per carry average was certainly impressive, and you have to believe that USC will be looking to feed him the ball more often in 2012, especially with Marc Tyler now out of the picture. 

The 5'7'', 180-pound senior may not possess the ideal size that NFL teams are looking for, but McNeal packs a lot of strength and power into his compact frame.

McNeal may not have the size and bulk to be a featured back in the NFL, but he can definitely make it in the pros as a secondary rushing option for a team. If he can show that he can catch the ball out of the backfield on a consistent basis next season, McNeal will definitely endear himself to scouts as a potential third-down back in the NFL. 

Not Included: Michael Dyer and Henry Josey

Sadly, we may not get to see two of college football's top running backs perform next season, as both Arkansas State's Michael Dyer and Missouri's Henry Josey could be forced to sit out in 2012. 

Dyer, who transferred from Auburn to Arkansas State this offseason, is a former highly-touted recruit who ran for a combined 2,335 yards during his two seasons with the Tigers. While no decision has officially been made on his status as of yet, it's likely that Dyer will have to sit out the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules. 

Josey, who ran for 1,168 yards in just 10 games last season, is still recovering from a serious knee injury that he experienced late last season in a 17-5 victory over Texas. If he's not fully recovered in time for the season, he'll have the option of redshirting in 2012 and returning as a junior in 2013. 

Both Dyer and Josey are certainly on the NFL's radar after the type of performances they had last year.

If Dyer can stay clean and prove that his maturity issues aren't a problem while at Arkansas State, and if Josey can return to full health and show that his knee is fine, they will be two of the top running back prospects to watch during the 2013 season. 

Other Seniors to Watch

Mike Gillislee, Florida

Dennis Johnson, Arkansas

Isi Sofele, Cal

Orwin Smith, Georgia Tech

Dominique Whaley, Oklahoma

D.J. Harper, Boise State

Montel Harris, Boston College

Eric Stephens, Texas Tech

Perry Jones, Virginia

Mike James, Miami

Demetris Murray, South Florida

Other Underclassmen to Watch

James White, Wisconsin

Dominique Brown, Louisville

Waymon James, TCU

Marcus Coker, Stony Brook

Silas Redd, Penn State

David Sims, Georgia Tech

Jeremy Smith, Oklahoma State

John Hubert, Kansas State

Orleans Darkwa, Tulane

Charles Sims, Houston

Carlos Hyde, Ohio State