NCAA Returning Statistical Leaders 2009: Rushing

Part three of the top returning statistical leaders. On to rushing.

1. MiQuale Lewis, Ball State

Lewis ran for 1,736 yards on 322 carries. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and he ran for 22 touchdowns. He finished 2008 third in the nation but starts 2009 as the leading returning rusher.

2. Jahvid Best, California

Best ran for 1,580 yards on 194 carries. He averaged 8.1 yards per carry and he ran for 15 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at fifth in the nation but starts 2009 as the second-leading returning rusher.

3. Kendal Hunter, Oklahoma State

Hunter ran for 1,555 yards on 241 carries. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry and he ran for 16 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at sixth in the nation but starts 2009 as the third-leading returning rusher.

4. Vai Taua, Nevada

Tuau ran for 1,521 yards on 236 carries. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and he ran for 15 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at eighth in the nation but starts 2009 as the fourth-leading returning rusher.

5. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

Dwyer ran for 1,395 yards on 200 carries. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry and he ran for 12 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at 12th in the nation but starts 2009 as the fifth-leading returning rusher.

6. James Starks, Buffalo

Starks ran for 1,333 yards on 272 carries. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry and he ran for 16 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at 17th in the nation but starts 2009 as the sixth-leading returning rusher.

7. Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss

Fletcher ran for 1,313 yards on 219 carries. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry and he ran for 10 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at 19th in the nation but starts 2009 as the seventh-leading returning rusher.

8. Noel Devine, West Virginia

Devine ran for 1,289 yards on 206 carries. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and he ran for four touchdowns. He finished 2008 at 21st in the nation but starts 2009 as the eighth-leading returning rusher.

9. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

Evans ran for 1,265 yards on 287 carries. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and he ran for 11 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at 22nd in the nation but starts 2009 as the ninth-leading returning rusher.

10. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

Rodgers ran for 1,253 yards on 259 carries. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and he ran for 11 touchdowns. He finished 2008 at 23rd in the nation but starts 2009 as the 10th-leading returning rusher.

Next Five

Bryce Beall, Houston 1,247 yards

Evan Royster, Penn State 1,236 yards

Curtis Steele, Memphis 1,223 yards

Chris Brown, Oklahoma 1,220 yards

Charles Scott, LSU 1,174 yards