College Fantasy Football: Running Back Sleepers

We continue our look at college fantasy football sleepers with a look at the running back position. 

The definition of a sleeper varies depending on who you talk to.  In our view, sleepers are defined as players who are projected to make contributions to their teams, but could far exceed expectations.  The caveat - there are unanswered questions surrounding each of these players.

Here are 23 RB’s who could be worth consideration on draft day.

Running Backs

1. Phillip Tanner, MTSU

Pros: New OC Tony Franklin arrives, and his spread attack should open up more space for Tanner.  Remember, Tanner scored 16 TD’s last fall.  We expect him to catch more balls out of the backfield.
Cons: Desmond Gee could see a good amount of reps at RB if Tony Franklin takes a liking to his versatility.

2. Jeff Brinson, Iowa

Pros: Shonn Greene is gone and someone has the chance to get a bunch of carries.  Brinson is one of those hard-working, grind-it-out types that the coaches love.  He really impressed this spring.
Cons: Jewel Hampton is the natural replacement for Greene.  Hampton did well in a backup role last fall but has had problems staying healthy.  Another threat is highly regarded incoming freshman Brandon Wegher.

3. Undrea Sails, UL-Lafayette

Pros: Tyrell Fenroy and his whopping 19 touchdowns and 1,600 yards are gone. Sails appears to be next in line.
Cons: Dual threat QB Michael Desormeaux is gone, and the offense will look very different this fall with Brad McGuire under center.  ULL could opt for a committee approach here with Sails, Walker and Booker. 

4. Alex Allen, Akron

Pros: The Akron offense is loaded with experience, including 9 returning starters.  One of the only non-returnees is stud RB Dennis Kennedy, which opens the door for Allen.
Cons: Allen is returning from injury and will have to fend off Ohio State transfer DeVoe Torrence and Louisville transfer Dale Martin for the job.

5. Jaycen Taylor, Purdue

Pros: Experience.  With all of the moving parts this offseason in West Lafayette, Taylor could be the lone proven commodity on the offense.  In 2006, he displayed great receiving instincts to go along with his rushing game.  He has over 1,200 career rushing yards.  With Kory Sheets off to graduation, the opportunity is there for Taylor to be the workhorse.
Cons: Taylor missed the ‘08 season with a torn ACL.  Is he healthy?  Al-Terek McBurse and Ralph Bolden are getting some hype and could steal lots of carries.  Also, the Boilers don’t figure to be strong this year.  Can they get a running game going?

6. Jordan Todman, Connecticut

Pros: The system.  Although UConn is said to be mixing in more of a passing game in 2009, we’ll believe that when we see it.  Donald Brown rushed for 2,000 yards last year, and whoever fills his shoes will get plenty of carries.  Unless… 
Cons: ...it’s a split back situation, which is a strong possibility.  Andre Dixon will be battling Todman for carries.  Dixon led the team in rushing in 2007 - ahead of Donald Brown.

7. Robert Turbin, Utah State

Pros: Turbin scored 10 TDs last year.  The Aggies return 9 guys on offense, including up-and-coming QB Diondre Borel. 
Cons: There’s some buzz surrounding JUCO speedster Michael Smith, who just arrived on campus.  If this buzz is justified, he may be hard to keep off the field.

8. James Wright, New Mexico

Pros: New Mexico is the only team in the country with a 1,000 yard RB since 2002.  Wright is the likely candidate to take over for the departing Rodney Ferguson (1,105 yards and 13 TDs).  Wright is a big 235-pound back who appears ready to handle a big workload.
Cons: That long streak of 1,000 yard rushers all came under the Rocky Long regime, but he’s gone now.  The new sherriff in town is former Illinois OC Mike Locksley.  He brings with him a spread offense.  Does a big back like Wright fit into their plans?  Or will they opt for the quicker A.J. Jones?

9. Brynn Harvey, Central Florida

Pros: We’re only a few years removed from The Kevin Smith Explosion (2,567 yards, 29 TDs).  Harvey showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman last year, including a 33-150-1 outburst versus Marshall. Nine starters return on offense for UCF.  Could the sophomore be on the brink of a 1,000 yard season?
Cons: The Knights aren’t very good.  They need to stay in ballgames so they can stick with their running game. 

10. Jamad Williams, Tulsa

Pros: With all the hype of Charles Clay this offseason, Williams remains an afterthought.  This “afterthought” has rushed for nearly 1,000 yards (combined) over his first two years for the Golden Hurricane.  With star Tarrion Adams off to graduation, there are plenty of carries to be had.
Cons: Charles Clay was named the starting RB this spring by coach Todd Graham.  Gus Malzahn left TU for the SEC.  Will the offense pack the same punch?

11. Me’co Brown, Northern Illinois

Pros: NIU has a track record of producing fantasy RBs.  Justin Anderson and Garrett Wolfe immediately come to mind. Me’co Brown is small (5’7, 180lb), quick back who had a nice spring. 
Cons: Brown finished the 2008 year on a down note, while Chadd Spann emerged as a viable RB threat.  Also, 2007 star Justin Anderson is working his way back from injury and could steal some carries.

12. Donte Harden, Ohio

Pros: Harden was just starting to shine when he was lost to injury last year (torn labrum).  He’s back to 100% and sits atop the depth chart.
Cons: There’s a good chance Harden will have to share the spotlight with Chris Garrett, a top notch kick returner who took over the rushing duties wheen Harden went down.  Garrett was relatively quiet last season until a 223 yard rushing explosion in the final game of the year against Miami(OH).

13. Jarvis Giles, South Carolina

Pros: Giles figures to be the starter from day one.  He was one of the most highly sought-after prep RB’s in the country last year.
Cons: It’s tough for a freshman RB to make a hugh splash in the rugged SEC.  Especially when your surrounding cast isn’t loaded with world-beaters.

14. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

Pros: Javon Ringer is gone.  Nobody on the current roster scares anyone.  The opportunity will be there for Baker or fellow incoming freshman Larry Caper to play immediately.  Sparty will also be breaking in a new QB, so look plenty of production out of the running back position.
Cons: Uncertainty.  Baker is getting all the love this offseason, but what if Caper outshines him in August ball?  What if the coaches decide to bring their talented freshmen along slowly and go RBBC for the start of the season?

15. Atiyyah Henderson, San Diego State

Pros: Henderson led the team in rushing last year (542 yards and 4 TDs), but his true fantasy value may be in PPR leagues as he caught 36 balls a year ago.
Cons: Ball State coach Brady Hoke arrives on campus.  How will he utilize Henderson?  Will Brandon Sullivan get another chance to win the starting job?

16. Dwayne Priest, Eastern Michigan

Pros: Priest was a prized recruit for EMU who has a bunch of potential.  He has the most ability of any RB on the squad.
Cons: A new coaching staff arrived on campus this fall.  Will this help or hurt Priest?  Terrance Blevins and Corey Welch could be major factors in the running game.  Can Priest emerge as a true No. 1 or will it be RBBC?

17. Joe Martinek, Rutgers

Pros: The search for Ray Rice’s replacement continues in Piscataway.  Martinek emerged last year with a few strong games down the stretch.  He remained a hot name this spring.  The Scarlet Knights will be breaking in a new QB this fall and figure to lean heavily on the ground game.  And the schedule is cake.
Cons: Kordell Young and Jourdan Brooks are still in the mix.  RBBC is the likely scenario unless one guy breaks out from the pack.

18. Trent Richardson, Alabama

Pros: Saban has proved he’ll play freshmen RB’s (see Ingram last year) and he’s not adverse to go with a true 1-2 RB punch (also see last year).  Richardson could put up some nice stats as the No. 2 back for the Tide.
Cons: Don’t forget about Roy Upchurch.  The veteran Bama RB is still in the mix for carries and could spoil Richardson’s debut season.

19. Bryce Brown, Tennessee

Pros: You have to think that Coach Lane Kiffin will give Brown every opportunity to shine.  He seems like that kind of coach, doesn’t he?  Bryce Brown has looked great in summer workouts.
Cons: Montario Hardesty is none-too-pleased with all of the Brown hype.  Don’t be surprised if he plays with a chip on his shoulder and keeps Brown off the field a bit.

20. Chris Whaley, Texas

Pros: The Longhorns are hellbent on finding a primary ballcarrier, and nobody on the current roster has stepped up and won the job.  When Whaley, a true freshman, arrives on campus, he’ll get his shot.
Cons: Naysayers will tell there are too many cooks in the kitchen.  Fozzy Whitaker, Cody Johnson and Vondrell McGee will be fighting for carries.

21. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

Pros: The dude is lightning in a bottle - a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.  Williams redshirted last year - a decision some Hokie coaches regret.  He had a monster spring while Darren Evans was nursing some minor injuries.
Cons: Returning star Darren Evans and highly touted frosh David Wilson stand in his way from stardom.

22. Lance Smith, Memphis

Pros: Smith is a transfer from Wisconsin who turns some heads this spring.  He rushed for 429 yards and 3 TDs (6.0 YPC) as P.J. Hill’s backup in 2007.  He could vie for the starting job before the season is through.
Cons: Starter Curtis Steele isn’t going to give up his job without a fight.  Steele rushed for 1,200+ yards last fall.

23. LaMichael James, Oregon

Pros: The offense.  The Ducks churn out quality fantasy RB prospects each year.  At 5’9 180-pounds, the lightning fast James is the perfect compliment to the big, burly LaGarrette Blount.  The Ducks will look to get him in space and see what he can do. 
Cons: James did miss spring ball while he recovered from a shoulder injury.  He is expected to be good to go.

Todd DeVries is the founder of CollegeFootballGeek.com, your premier destination for all things college fantasy football.