Meet the Running Backs of the 2009 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

In the most recent Athlon Sports College football preview magazine, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are listed as having the 2nd best running back unit in the country. The Jackets are behind only the talented Oklahoma Sooner running back unit that is headlined by Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray.

Most college football fans are familiar with running back Jonathan Dwyer, but who are some of the others? The others, in addition to Dwyer, that helped the Jackets average 273 yards a game on the ground and be the 4th leading rushing team in the nation last year. Who are the new faces too?

Jonathan Dwyer No. 21 Junior 6-0 235 Lbs

Dwyer, the starting B-Back in Paul Johnson's triple option offense ran for 1,395 yards and 12 TDs. He was also named the ACC's offensive player of the year for 2008, and is on several preseason All-America lists. Dwyer ran for 1,821 career yards, which places him 10th on Georgia Tech's all time running yardage list. He hails from Marietta, Georgia and Kell High, where he was one of the nation top recruited running backs in 2007.

Roddy Jones No. 20 RS Sophomore 5-9, 192 Lbs

Roddy Jones may not yet be a household name Dwyer was, but I'm sure the Georgia Bulldog secondary is familiar with Mr. Jones. Jones ran for 214 yards and had 312 all purpose yards in the season ending victory for Georgia Tech over the Bulldogs. He plays the A-Back position for the Jackets, and last year ran for 690 yards on just 81 carries. That's an incredible 8.5 yards per rushing attempt. Jones is from Stone Mountain, Georgia and attended Chamblee High School.

Anthony Allen No. 43 RS Junior 6-0, 228 Lbs

Allen is likely to play the A-Back position. He is a very talented transfer from Louisville, who is eligible to play this season for the Yellow Jackets. While at Louisville, Allen ran for 1,167 yards and 23 touchdowns. He holds the Louisville all time record for rushing yards in a game with a 275 yard game in 2007. Allen's hometown is Tampa, Florida, and he graduated from Jesuit High School.

Lucas Cox No. 36 RS Junior 6-0, 245 Lbs

If there is such a thing as a Fullback in Paul Johnson's triple option offense, Cox would be it, but that wouldn't be fair to say. Cox played the position of A-Back, but also backed up at the B-Back position. Last season he 26 carries for 200 yards, good for an impressive 7.7 yards per rush average. Lucas is from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and attended Red Land High School. He is the brother of former Georgia Tech Fullback Mike Cox.

Marcus Wright No. 3 Sophomore 5-8, 178 Lbs

Marcus Wright was one of Paul Johnson's very first recruits to Georgia Tech. Wright is the likely backup at the A-Back position. One of the fastest players on the Yellow Jackets squad, Wright averaged 9.2 yards per carry. It was on only four carries, but he also averaged 22.2 yards per kick return. He holds the San Antonio, Texas, city record of 3,374 yards on 359 carries with an astonishing 45 touchdowns scored his senior season, while at Reagan High School in San Antonio.

Embry Peeples No. 24 Sophomore 5-10, 176 Lbs

Embry Peeples was the top backup at the A-Back position last season. If Marcus Wright is fast Peeples may be as fast if not faster. He was clocked in the mid 4.3's in the 40 in High School. He missed five games last season, but looks to be a big contributor this season. His hometown is Orlando, Florida, and he went to Dr. Phillips High School. He was one of Rivals top 100 players in Florida his senior season.