College Football's 10 Toughest Home Run Hitters To Defend

There are nearly a hundred legit playmakers in college football who make defensive coordinators stay up all night. However, there are only a select few who can give the opposition absolute nightmares!

When one refers to home run hitters in college football, one is usually talking about the skill position players. So I am excluding quarterbacks—even if they can run the rock, like Denard Robinson, Collin Klein or Robert Griffin III.

There are a few elite running backs and wide receivers who are electric every single time they touch the ball. In fact, we hold our breaths since these players can take it the distance seemingly every attempt.

Without further ado, the 10 toughest home run hitters to defend in the country.

Sammy Watkins, WR: Clemson

There are several explosive wide receivers that are game-breakers, but none may be better and more productive than a healthy Sammy Watkins.

The freshman has been sensational this year, accounting for 10 touchdowns and 1,034 yards on 68 receptions. Of his 11 total touchdowns, six of them have been 33 yards or longer.

The South Fort Myers High School product has the makings of becoming a legendary player at Clemson, with quarterback Tajh Boyd likely to have two more seasons left. 

David Wilson, RB: Virginia Tech

David Wilson was leading the country in rushing just a few weeks ago, but has since come down to earth and now ranks only third (sarcasm).

His Hokies have only lost one game and have a legitimate chance of winning the ACC Championship if they were to get the chance to play Clemson.

Wilson has had over a dozen runs of over 20 yards, and despite only accounting for eight total touchdowns, he has had a remarkable season thus far.

Along with the developing Logan Thomas at quarterback, Wilson has carried this offense (210 carries) on his back. Blacksburg has enjoyed watching this junior since he has proven to be one of the best home run hitters in the nation.

Michael Floyd, WR: Notre Dame

Michael Floyd ranks ninth in receptions per game (7.7), 23rd in receiving yards per game (92.2) and 20th in total receiving yards (922).

The senior has eight total touchdowns this season, but he breaks tackles in space with ease. He has been a yards-after-the-catch freak with tremendous size at 6'3", 224 pounds.

I could have chosen Stedman Bailey of West Virginia or Jordan White (leader in receptions and yards) of Western Michigan. Instead, give me one of the more talented players in the country—who is quite the physical specimen. 

While he is not given this accolade based off his career achievements (35 TDs), Floyd is deserving since he faces constant double-teams every week. 

Montee Ball, RB: Wisconsin

I love me some Joseph Randle of Oklahoma State and Rex Burkhead of Nebraska, but Montee Ball has hit the long ball early and often this season.

Ball has been a touchdown machine, accounting for 23 touchdowns, which ranks first among running backs in the nation (second total behind Collin Klein).

Averaging 6.71 yards per carry while running behind the huge Badgers offensive line is nice, but Ball has underrated speed, with runs of at least 20 yards in all but two of his games this season.

Russell Wilson is a vital part of the Badgers offense, since he can escape the pocket when pressure comes, but without Ball they would arguably score a lot less (Ball leads nation for scoring at16.2 points per game).

Trent Richardson, RB: Alabama

Mr. Richardson has been known as "the freak" mainly because he is just that. Once you think have him gang tackled in the open field, he puts on the brakes and scoots by you for six.

He has had his fair share of stiff arms and broken tackles as well. He turns broken, busted plays into huge-gainers. In fact, Richardson has had over a dozen runs of 20 yards or longer and nearly half a dozen have reached pay dirt. 

This Heisman contender is among not only the top home run hitters at his position, but he is among the best of the best regardless of position. 

Just missing the list: Chris Polk, Washington; Ronnie Hillman, SDST; Henry Josey, Missouri; Robert Turbin, UST; Bernard Pierce, Temple; Lamar Miller, Miami(FL); Curtis McNeal, USC

Justin Blackmon, WR: Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is coming off a Biletnikoff Award last season and has not disappointed us this season. His Cowboys are in the thick of the things for an at-large bid in the BCS after a devastating loss to Iowa State that has all but taken their BCS National Championship appearance away.

Still, Brandon Weeden and Blackmon have been the best duo in the entire country. They can light up the scoreboard together as well as any team in the entire nation. 

Blackmon has owned Big 12 country—and the entire country—the past two season in terms of receptions, yards, touchdowns and yards per catch. He has simply been dominant; it's never a matter of if he will score, but rather when and for how long.

Robert Woods, WR: USC

Mr. Woods is just a sophomore, but he has played a good old game of pitch-and-catch with Matt Barkley the past two seasons. 

Though he has been a bit unproductive the past few weeks due to injury, he has not disappointed us this season in the big games.

Against Notre Dame in a night game, he hauled in 12 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns (including one filthy diving TD catch).

Also, against Stanford in a tough triple-overtime loss, Woods brought in nine passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Though he is just 19 years old and only a sophomore, some USC—and possible NCAA—records could be broken sooner rather than later.

Jarius Wright, WR: Arkansas

The Razorbacks offense has been one of the best in the country this season, ranking 26th in total offense and 11th in passing offense.

Jarius Wright has been the superstar for Arkansas, consistently stretching the defense and allowing Tyler Wilson to find other wide open receivers.

The Pig Sooey wideout ranks in the Top 20 in yards per catch and in receiving yards. His 13 catch, 281 yard, three touchdown performance against the Texas A&M Aggies back in September has rallied this team into the Top Six of the current BCS Standings.

If Wright can continue to hit the home run ball with Tyler Wilson, Arkansas may have a chance to pull off the upset over LSU next weekend.

Patrick Edwards, WR: Houston

There are a ton of different choices, but it is about time we give some love to the non-automatic qualifiers. 

Edwards has been going bonkers with Case Keenum, ranking second in the nation in yards per game (127) and 30th in receptions per game (6.1). 

Also, he is averaging nearly 21 yards per catch. If the Cougars find a way to go undefeated and play in the BCS, Keenum will have to thank Edwards for his big-play ability.

LaMichael James, RB: Oregon

Saving the best for last; who in their right minds can go against LaMichael James as the best home run hitter in college football?

James exploded onto the national scene two seasons ago and has since accounted for 47 rushing touchdowns and 4,484 yards!

No. 21 has also taken some hardware home, winning the Doak Walker Award last season. He may have a ton of highlight-reel runs in the coming weeks (he's third in total offense per game at 190 YPG and first in rushing at 150 YPG). 

The junior out of Texas is not only the most electrifying player at running back, but arguably is the most electric in the entire nation. His 7.9 yards per carry ranks among the best, and he is in the perfect offensive system to shine bright.

DeAnthony Thomas, Kenjon Barner and Darron Thomas have allowed James to be himself, but Chip Kelly's offense has exploded the past few seasons because it has the top home run hitter in America.