2012 NFL Draft Preview: Ranking the Top 10 Running Back Prospects

The 2012 running back class took a few major hits when players such as Mark Ingram, Mikel Leshoure and Shane Vereen all decided to forgo their final seasons.

With all the early departures for the 2011 NFL draft, the senior pool of backs looks a little bit shallow right now, but luckily, there are plenty of talented underclassmen who could potentially pick up the slack.

When looking across the college football landscape, it’s easy to see which conferences are loaded with the most running back power.

The SEC and the Pac-12 are both overflowing with talented rushers this season, and it should be interesting to see which players will emerge to capture the conference rushing crowns.

Here’s a look at some of the top eligible running back prospects that you need to keep an eye on this season.

1. Knile Davis, Arkansas

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Running back Knile Davis #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs with the ball during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 65-43. (Photo by

When I say that Knile Davis is the total package, I mean it.

Speed, power, balance, agility, durability–Davis has got it all.

It’s not easy for a running back to stand out in Bobby Petrino’s pass-heavy offensive system, but that didn’t stop Davis from finishing second in the SEC with over 1,300 rushing yards last season.

The 6’0’’ 220 lb. junior has the look of the next Ronnie Brown.

It’s become much more difficult for a running back to crack the top 10 in the draft, but Davis could be the type of rare prospect who is worth such a high pick.

2. Chris Polk, Washington

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Chris Polk #1 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Syracuse Orange on September 11, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Now that Jake Locker is gone, it’s time for Washington to break in new QB Keith Price, which means that the Huskies will lean on RB Chris Polk early and often this season.

Last year, Polk finished second in the conference with 1,415 rushing yards, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him surpass that total this season.

Polk, a former 4-star recruit, is one of the best overall athletes in the country, and he’s got all the traits it takes to be a go-to back in the NFL.

The 5’11’’ 215 lb. red-shirt junior flirted with the idea of entering the 2011 draft, but another season’s worth of solid production should only enhance his value in the eyes of scouts.

3. Trent Richardson, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Trent Richardson has been waiting two long years for this. and now the spotlight is finally his.

Richardson, who many people considered to be a better all-around talent than 2011 first-round pick Mark Ingram, won’t have to split carries with the Heisman winner any more.

Even though he was the second option, the powerfully built 5’11’’ 220 lb. junior was still able to rush for at least 700 yards in each of his first two seasons, so it should definitely be interesting to see what he’s capable of as the No. 1 guy.

The former 5-star recruit has one of the best offensive lines in college football to run behind this season, so he’s got a great opportunity to really impress NFL scouts.

4. LaMichael James, Oregon

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 04: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs te ball against the Oregon State Beavers during the 114th Civil War on December 4, 2010 at the Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

There’s just no getting around the fact that LaMichael James is too small to be a featured back in the NFL, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the 5’9’’ 185 lb. junior won’t be an impact player in the pros.  

James has the type of game-changing speed that’s an equalizer to his lack of size, and when you watch the way he eludes defenders on almost every run, it helps convince you that he’s a special talent.

Sure, there will be those who say he’s aided by playing in Oregon’s spread offense, and that’s true to an extent, but regardless of the system, James is the type of running back who has to be accounted for on every snap.  

Only time will tell if James is ultimately worth a first-round pick, but there’s no doubt that he’s going to be a valuable threat in the NFL. 

5. Tauren Poole, Tennessee

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KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 18: Tauren Poole #28 of the Tennessee Volunteers breaks away from Janoris Jenkins #1 of the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won 31-17. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Imag

The SEC is absolutely loaded with top shelf caliber running backs this season, so you have to be a real special back if you want people to take notice of your skills.

Tennessee’s Tauren Poole won’t receive the same type of preseason recognition as many of his conference counterparts such as Marcus Lattimore, Trent Richardson and Knile Davis, but that won’t matter all that much.

Poole, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 TDs in 2010, is sure to have SEC defenses shaking their heads this year.

The 5’11’’ 210 lb. senior has emerged as a much-needed playmaker for the Vols offense, and he appears to have the type of skill-set that NFL teams are searching for. 

6. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA

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PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Running back Johnathan Franklin #23 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball against the Washington State Cougars during the third quarter at the Rose Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Imag

Folks, Johnathan Franklin is the RB name to remember this season.

Franklin hasn’t received his due appreciation, playing for a forgotten about UCLA team these past two years, but that all could change in 2011.

Even though he didn’t have the benefit of quality offensive line play last season, Franklin still managed to rush for over 1,100 yards and eight TDs.

The 5’10’’ 195 lb. junior is a big-play threat who just makes things happen when the ball is in his hands.

If the offense around him can improve, Franklin could be in store for a dominating 2011 campaign.

7. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Running back Cyrus Gray #32 of Texas A&M holds off University of Texas defensive end Sam Acho #81 during the second half at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Darren Carroll/

During the latter part of last season, Cyrus Gray capitalized on the unfortunate injury to fellow RB Christine Michael and used the opportunity to really set himself apart as one of the best backs in the Big 12.

Gray ended up running for over 1,100 yards and 12 TDs, with most of the production coming in the final seven games.

He'll enter this season as the conference’s leading returning rusher.

The 5’10’’ 195 lb. senior will have to defer some carries to Michael, but the two should really gain some attention as one of the best backfield duos in college football this year.

8. Brandon Bolden, Ole Miss

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Brandon Bolden #34 of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It’s a shame that Brandon Bolden is going to have to play his last season on such a lousy team this year because Bolden is the type of back who’s worthy of national exposure.

Bolden was the undisputed star of Mississippi’s offense last season, and he was one of the few bright spots for a team that finished just 4-8.

The 5’11’’ 215 lb. senior finished the 2010 season just shy of the 1,000 yard rushing mark, and he ended up scoring 17 total TDs.

Bolden fits the prototypical physical mold of what an NFL running back should look like, and if he can keep producing at his current rate, he should solidify himself as a day two pick.

9. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Running back Stepfan Taylor #33 of the Stanford Cardinal rushes against the Washington Huskies on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Stanford defeated Washington 41-0. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Star QB Andrew Luck may get all the credit for Stanford’s success, but don’t think he doesn’t have some help in the Cardinal backfield.

Last season, RB Stepfan Taylor proved to be a perfect complement to Luck, as he powered his way to over 1,100 yards on the ground and 15 rushing TDs.

Taylor is a tough, physical runner who is capable of banging it inside the tackles or bouncing it to the outside.

The 5’11’’ 210 lb. junior won’t break any 40 yard dash records, but if you’re looking for a strong, fearless back who’s capable of carrying a heavy workload, then Taylor is the guy you need to look at.

10. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati

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PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 07: Isaiah Pead #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights enroute to a touchdown at Rutgers Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Piscataway, New Jersey. by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo b

With Jordan Todman off to the NFL, it’s time for a new running back to claim the Big East’s top spot and one of the early favorites has to be Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead.

Pead is the conference’s top returning rusher after breaking the 1,000 yard mark in 2010.

Although the 5’10’’ 200 lb. senior doesn’t see that many touches in the Bearcats’ pass-oriented offense, when he does get the ball in his hands, he sure makes the most of it.

Pead has a prodigious 6.5 yards per carry average for his career.

With track speed as well as a great set of hands, Pead is perfectly built to be a productive third-down back in the NFL.

10 Seniors to Watch

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Montel Harris #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Im

1. Montel Harris, Boston College

2. Doug Martin, Boise State

3. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky

4. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

5. Boom Herron, Ohio State

6. Davin Meggett, Maryland

7. Jeff Demps, Florida

8.  Jason Ford, Illinois

9.  Rodney Stewart, Colorado

10. Jermaine Thomas, Florida State

Sleeper: Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech

10 Underclassmen to Watch

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Tail back David Wilson #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies returns a kickoff against the Boise State Broncos at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

1. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

2. Ed Wesley, TCU

3. Kenjon Barner, Oregon

4. Onterio McCalebb, Auburn

5. Cameron Marshall, Arizona State

6. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

7. Andre Ellington, Clemson

8. Montee Ball, Wisconsin

9. Christine Michael, Texas A&M 

10. Lamar Miller, Miami

Sleeper: Ray Graham, Pittsburgh