Ten NCAA Running Backs That Can't Be Lost to Injury

The key to a great offense is an effective running back in the backfield.

The position can be used to stand in and protect his quarterback if the offensive line misses a block of a blitzing linebacker.

On another style of team, they can control the clock and keep the ball out of the hands of the opposing offense by running the ball.

For a more passing team, the back can run out in the flat and make an important catch for a first down or more on offense.

The following 10 players will be important pieces needed to stay healthy for individual teams' runs at conference and possible national championships in 2010.

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

Oregon State’s half of the Rodgers tandem that resides in the backfield is an important key to the offense contending for a Pac-10 Title for the third straight campaign.

Jacquizz was an offensive force in 2009 as he ran for more than 1400 yards on the ground in addition to collecting another 500 yards through the air.

The depth of the Beavers’ running backs would certainly dash OSU’s chances of winning as sophomore Jovan Stevenson would take over if Rodgers fell during the season.

DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

The senior running back for the Sooners is a force, as Murray makes great plays at receiver and return man for an Oklahoma team looking to rebound from a down year in 2009.

Murray finished the 2009 season with a little over 700 yards along with eight touchdowns as the Sooners will hope for that and much more after several injury-plagued seasons in Norman.

The depth at running back for Oklahoma if Murray would be set back with yet another injury would be Sophomore Jermie Calhoun who has seen limited action in his career for the Sooners.

Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh

If the sophomore work horse were to go down during this season, Pittsburgh would have to rely on another sophomore at the quarterback position with minimum starting experience.

Lewis amazed the nation in 2009 as he finished with 17 touchdowns along with being one yard shy of 1800 yards—good enough for third in the nation.

The Panthers running back stable is young, as Lewis’ backup is also a sophomore in Ray Graham, who has limited playing time with the impact of the star freshman in the Steel City.

Evan Royster, Penn State

If the senior Nittany Lion were hit by the injury bug, Penn State would lose their two-time 1,000 yard rusher as they try to battle for another Big Ten title in 2010.

Royster had a very productive season as he ran the ball for more than 1,100 yards for six touchdowns on 205 carries in 2009.

Penn State would have junior Stepfon Green to lean on if Royster would be hit with injury, especially after early season away matchups with Alabama and Iowa.

John Clay, Wisconsin

The Badgers will need the 2009 Big Ten offensive MVP to help Wisconsin to improve their 10-3 record from 2009 and make a run at the 2010 Big Ten championship.

Clay, who ran for more than 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2009, will look to bounce back from missing spring practice this year while hoping his ankle injury doesn’t creep back up during the season.

Montee Ball could be a decent stand in for Clay, as he ran for close to 400 yards and four touchdowns as the backup in 2009 for Wisconsin.

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

The new Virginia Tech single season rushing champion will need to stay healthy for the Hokies as they try to win the ACC and make a run at a national championship.

The sophomore Williams had a spectacular 2009 as he ran for more than 1,600 yards to go with 21 touchdowns and a receiving touchdown for Virginia Tech.

The Hokies will have junior Darren Evans who has a good career for Virginia Tech, as he has collected more than 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in his time in Blacksburg.

Jordan Todman, Connecticut

As Connecticut tries to take the step in 2010 as top tier FBS program, the UConn offense will depend on the running of junior Jordan Todman this year after the loss of Andre Dixon.

The junior Huskies running back will enter this season after a great 2009 with more than 1,100 yards on the ground to go with 14 touchdown including gaining 100 yards in five games.

The Connecticut running game may need to depend on the talents of junior Kelmetrus Wylie if Todman goes down during the year.

JJ Di Luigi, BYU

The Cougars junior running back will need to stay healthy, as the quarterback position will be inexperienced as junior Riley Nelson will be taking over the offense in 2010.

Even though Luigi collected a slight 250 yards along with three touchdowns on the ground in 2009, he will be needed to help bridge the gap until the passing game develops this year.

BYU will also have Bryan Kariya in the backfield with experience, while Joshua Quezada and Malosi Te’o are freshman players and could very well not see much action in 2010.

Washaun Ealey, Georgia

The experienced Bulldog running back Ealey will need to stay healthy to take the pressure off yet another young quarterback for Georgia.

During his freshman year, he ran for more than 700 yards along with three touchdowns for the Bulldogs on their way to an Independence Bowl win over Texas A&M.

The running back corps will have another junior in Caleb King to carry the ball for Georgia as they try to bounce back from an 8-5 record to battle for the SEC East.

Noel Devine, West Virginia

The Mountaineer senior has been one of the biggest home run hitters within the Big East, and his talent will be needed as WVU tries to jump back to the top of the conference this season.

Devine has been a great back in Morgantown for his career, along with his 2009 season as he ran for more than 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

Sophomore Shawne Alston will be used in the Mountaineer offense this year, but as a backup as Devine will be the featured running back for West Virginia.