Bowl Games 2011-12: Power Ranking All 70 Starting Running Backs from Every Bowl
The college bowl season brings a lot of great football.
Outstanding games, crazy drama and breakout performances by all kinds of players and teams are expected.
It is an exciting time of the year when we can settle in and simply enjoy some football.
In saying that, we also have a bit more time to look at the games and players involved.
With all that free time, we thought it would be good to rank some of the position players, particularly those who take some of the biggest hits and make some of the most exciting highlights.
Who are the ball-carriers playing in the bowl games this year?
How does your team's running back stack up?
In this slideshow we power rank all 70 starting running backs from every bowl game.
Let's take a look.
No. 70: Jason Ford
1 of 70| Player: | Jason Ford |
| Team: | Illinois |
| Bowl Game: | Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 21 |
| Rushing Yds: | 600 |
| Average: | 3.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 7 |
| Receiving Yds: | 130 |
| Average: | 6.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Penn State: | 100 rushing yards |
| Ark State: | 86 rushing yards, 2 TD |
One of Ron Zook's biggest struggles was a running game.
Jason Ford was not the answer.
Now, it seems the Illini will have to play without even Mr. Ford in the bowl game due to academics.
That kind of stuff gets you placed No. 70 out of 70.
No. 69: Derek Lawson
2 of 70| Player: | Derek Lawson |
| Team: | Arkansas State |
| Bowl Game: | GoDaddy.com Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 22 |
| Rushing Yds: | 459 |
| Average: | 4.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 95 |
| Average: | 7.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Cent Ark: | 74 rushing yards |
| Florida Atlantic: | 91 rushing yards |
A role player, but most of Arkansas State's running is done by the quarterback.
Look for Derek Lawson to try to make a difference in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
No. 68: Hunter Lee
3 of 70| Player: | Hunter Lee |
| Team: | La Tech |
| Bowl Game: | Poinsettia Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 36 |
| Rushing Yds: | 650 |
| Average: | 4.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 1 |
| Receiving Yds: | 0 |
| Average: | 0 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Ole Miss: | 127 rushing yards |
| New Mexico State: | 148 rushing yards, 3 TD |
Just a freshman, it will be interesting to see how Hunter Lee progresses.
Look for him to go all out in his first bowl game.
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No. 67: Jamal Woodyard
4 of 70| Player: | Jamal Woodyard |
| Team: | Southern Miss |
| Bowl Game: | Sheraton Hawaii Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 26 |
| Rushing Yds: | 732 |
| Average: | 6.7 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 159 |
| Average: | 9.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| SMU: | 116 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Purdue: | 134 rushing yards, 1 TD |
A good running back, and he is only a freshman.
No. 66: Tron Martinez
5 of 70| Player: | Tron Martinez |
| Team: | Marshall |
| Bowl Game: | Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 2 |
| Rushing Yds: | 649 |
| Average: | 4.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 171 |
| Average: | 8.6 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Memphis: | 94 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Ohio: | 72 rushing yards |
Look for Tron Martinez to improve his skills in the offseason.
The only reason he is ranked ahead of others on this list is because of his ability to catch the ball.
The level of competition hurts him a bit as well.
No. 65: Jacob Schmidt
6 of 70| Player: | Jacob Schmidt |
| Team: | Northwestern |
| Bowl Game: | Meineke Car Care Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 39 |
| Rushing Yds: | 465 |
| Average: | 4.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 6 |
| Receiving Yds: | 198 |
| Average: | 9.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Minn: | 69 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Indiana: | 110 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Jacob Schmidt is a determined back with good toughness.
In the Meineke Car Care Bowl it will be interesting to see if he can get any traction.
He will certainly have motivation as a senior who wants to go out in style.
No. 64: Jawan Jamison
7 of 70| Player: | Jawan Jamison |
| Team: | Rutgers |
| Bowl Game: | New Era Pinstripe Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 23 |
| Rushing Yds: | 766 |
| Average: | 3.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 7 |
| Receiving Yds: | 59 |
| Average: | 8.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Navy: | 101 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Cincinnati: | 200 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Jawan Jamison is a running back with a future.
He missed one game this year, yet his totals were still above average.
It will be interesting to see how he follows it up next year.
No. 63: Devonta Freeman
8 of 70| Player: | Devonta Freeman |
| Team: | Florida State |
| Bowl Game: | Champs Sports Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 8 |
| Rushing Yds: | 531 |
| Average: | 5 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 99 |
| Average: | 7.6 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Duke: | 109 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Maryland: | 100 rushing yards, 1 TD |
A freshman, Devonta Freeman will certainly only improve.
He has shown he can play the position, but can he take it to the next level?
Only time will tell.
No. 62: Alvester Alexander
9 of 70| Player: | Alvester Alexander |
| Team: | Wyoming |
| Bowl Game: | Gildan New Mexico Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 32 |
| Rushing Yds: | 695 |
| Average: | 4.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 6 |
| Receiving Yds: | 200 |
| Average: | 16.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Colorado State: | 87 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| New Mexico: | 93 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Alvester Alexander isn't even the team's leading rusher, but he still makes the list.
If you were wondering who the Cowboys' leader is, it is quarterback Brett Smith.
No. 61: Kendial Lawrence
10 of 70| Player: | Kendial Lawrence |
| Team: | Missouri |
| Bowl Game: | Independence Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 4 |
| Rushing Yds: | 458 |
| Average: | 6.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 4 |
| Receiving Yds: | 13 |
| Average: | 4.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Texas Tech: | 94 rushing yards |
| Texas: | 106 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Kendial Lawrence had to step in for Henry Josey, and he did it.
Lawrence proved he can play, rushing for 108 yards and one touchdown in the Independence Bowl.
No. 60: Alonzo Harris
11 of 70| Player: | Alonzo Harris |
| Team: | Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Bowl Game: | R+L Carriers New Orleans |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 46 |
| Rushing Yds: | 700 |
| Average: | 4.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 146 |
| Average: | 10.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 157 yards rushing, 3 TD |
| Best Games | |
| Nicholls State: | 76 rushing yards |
| Middle Tenn: | 189 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Alonzo Harris is a strong back with room to improve.
Only a freshman, he has time to do it.
No. 59: Brandon Wilds
12 of 70| Player: | Brandon Wilds |
| Team: | South Carolina |
| Bowl Game: | Capital One Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 22 |
| Rushing Yds: | 486 |
| Average: | 4.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 136 |
| Average: | 9.1 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Tennessee: | 137 rushing yards |
| Citadel: | 109 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Considering that he had to take over for Marcus Lattimore, Brandon Wilds didn't do too badly.
If Lattimore was still around, however, he (Lattimore) would be much higher on this list. It has to be hard to live in that shadow, but Wilds is handling it so far.
Let's see what happens come bowl time.
No. 58: JJ Di Luigi
13 of 70| Player: | JJ Di Luigi |
| Team: | BYU |
| Bowl Game: | Armed Forces Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 10 |
| Rushing Yds: | 546 |
| Average: | 5.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 259 |
| Average: | 10.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| New Mexico State: | 75 rushing yards |
| Oregon State: | 74 rushing yards, 1 TD |
There are a couple of nice things you can say about JJ Di Luigi.
He is consistent and can catch the ball.
No. 57: James White
14 of 70| Player: | James White |
| Team: | Iowa State |
| Bowl Game: | New Era Pinstripe Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 8 |
| Rushing Yds: | 701 |
| Average: | 4.7 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 165 |
| Average: | 7.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Baylor: | 148 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Texas Tech: | 138 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Watch for James White to have a big game in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The Cyclones match up well against the Scarlet Knights.
No. 56: Tevin Drake
15 of 70| Player: | Tevin Drake |
| Team: | Western Michigan |
| Bowl Game: | Little Caesars Pizza Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 29 |
| Rushing Yds: | 570 |
| Average: | 5.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 4 |
| Receiving Yds: | 17 |
| Average: | 4.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Ball State: | 85 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Bowling Green: | 112 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Look for Tevin Drake to bake Purdue in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
Seriously, he should have a big night against that Purdue defense.
No. 55: Dustin Garrison
16 of 70| Player: | Dustin Garrison |
| Team: | West Virginia |
| Bowl Game: | Discover Orange Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 29 |
| Rushing Yds: | 742 |
| Average: | 5.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 6 |
| Receiving Yds: | 201 |
| Average: | 8.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| South Florida: | 87 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Bowling Green: | 291 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Just a freshman, Dustin Garrison will be exciting to watch in coming years.
No. 54: Lampford Mark
17 of 70| Player: | Lampford Mark |
| Team: | Nevada |
| Bowl Game: | Sheraton Hawaii Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 29 |
| Rushing Yds: | 911 |
| Average: | 5.7 |
| Rushing TD: | 10 |
| Receiving Yds: | 32 |
| Average: | 4.6 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| New Mexico State: | 185 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Southern Miss: | 183 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Lampford Mark came on late in the year, but it's too bad it took so long.
He finished the year with six straight 100-yard rushing games.
No. 53: Brandon Pendergrass
18 of 70| Player: | Brandon Pendergrass |
| Team: | Wake Forest |
| Bowl Game: | Music City Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 22 |
| Rushing Yds: | 750 |
| Average: | 4.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 97 |
| Average: | 5.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Clemson: | 134 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Maryland: | 125 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Brandon Pendergrass has a very cool football name, and his play is pretty cool as well.
No. 52: Waymon James
19 of 70| Player: | Waymon James |
| Team: | TCU |
| Bowl Game: | Poinsettia Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 32 |
| Rushing Yds: | 875 |
| Average: | 7.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 6 |
| Receiving Yds: | 113 |
| Average: | 11.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Portland State: | 136 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Wyoming: | 181 rushing yards |
Look for Waymon James to continue his success next season.
He will be an important part of that Horned Frogs offense in 2012.
No. 51: Dan Herron
20 of 70| Player: | Dan Herron |
| Team: | Ohio State |
| Bowl Game: | Gator Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 1 |
| Rushing Yds: | 596 |
| Average: | 4.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 23 |
| Average: | 5.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Wisconsin: | 160 rushing yards |
| Indiana: | 141 rushing yards, 1 TD |
His stats may not impress you, but consider he missed half the season and you might change your mind.
Dan Herron is an explosive back at times, and he will try to do just that in the Gator Bowl.
No. 50: Malcolm Brown
21 of 70| Player: | Malcolm Brown |
| Team: | Texas |
| Bowl Game: | Holiday Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 28 |
| Rushing Yds: | 707 |
| Average: | 4.4 |
| Rushing TD: | 5 |
| Receiving Yds: | 17 |
| Average: | 5.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Kansas: | 119 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Oklahoma State: | 135 rushing yards, 2 TD |
This freshman doesn't play like one. Look for him to have a huge game against Cal.
No. 49: Ralph Bolden
22 of 70| Player: | Ralph Bolden |
| Team: | Purdue |
| Bowl Game: | Little Caesars Pizza Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 23 |
| Rushing Yds: | 674 |
| Average: | 4.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 6 |
| Receiving Yds: | 129 |
| Average: | 9.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Middle Tenn: | 120 rushing yards |
| Ohio State: | 80 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Ralph Bolden will go for glory in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
Purdue hopes he can have the kind of game he did against Middle Tennessee.
No. 48: Dominique Brown
23 of 70| Player: | Dominique Brown |
| Team: | Louisville |
| Bowl Game: | Belk Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 10 |
| Rushing Yds: | 482 |
| Average: | 3.7 |
| Rushing TD: | 4 |
| Receiving Yds: | 95 |
| Average: | 6.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Kentucky: | 91 rushing yards |
| South Florida: | 69 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Dominique Brown is the leading rusher on a team without a standout running back.
Still, look for him to get some action come bowl time.
No. 47: Isaiah Crowell
24 of 70| Player: | Isaiah Crowell |
| Team: | Georgia |
| Bowl Game: | Outback Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 1 |
| Rushing Yds: | 847 |
| Average: | 4.7 |
| Rushing TD: | 5 |
| Receiving Yds: | 55 |
| Average: | 7.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Auburn: | 132 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Ole Miss: | 147 rushing yards |
Another excellent freshman on the list.
No. 46: Dennis Johnson
25 of 70| Player: | Dennis Johnson |
| Team: | Arkansas |
| Bowl Game: | AT&T Cotton Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 33 |
| Rushing Yds: | 637 |
| Average: | 6.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 253 |
| Average: | 11.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Tennessee: | 98 rushing yards |
| Ole Miss: | 160 rushing yards, 1 TD |
A solid running back with decent talent, Johnson has had glimpses of amazing performances this season.
Will he show some of that in the Cotton Bowl?
He is only a junior, so he will be back next year, but he certainly wants to finish this season strong.
No. 45: Ja'Terian Douglas
26 of 70| Player: | Ja'Terian Douglas |
| Team: | Tulsa |
| Bowl Game: | Armed Forces Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 25 |
| Rushing Yds: | 884 |
| Average: | 8.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 54 |
| Average: | 6 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Marshall: | 194 rushing yards |
| Oklahoma State: | 173 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Ja'Terian Douglas is an excellent running back.
Look for him to have a big night against BYU.
No. 44: Orwin Smith
27 of 70| Player: | Orwin Smith |
| Team: | Georgia Tech |
| Bowl Game: | Hyundai Sun Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 17 |
| Rushing Yds: | 616 |
| Average: | 10.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 11 |
| Receiving Yds: | 306 |
| Average: | 23.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Kansas: | 157 rushing yards, 108 rec yards, 2 TD |
| N.C. State: | 74 rushing yards, 3 TD |
Orwin Smith is the third-leading rusher on the team, but the first two are quarterbacks.
Of course, with his yards per carry and per reception so high, you would think they would utilize him more.
If Georgia Tech does that, look for Smith to have a great game in the Sun Bowl.
No. 43: Johnathan Franklin
28 of 70| Player: | Johnathan Franklin |
| Team: | UCLA |
| Bowl Game: | Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 23 |
| Rushing Yds: | 947 |
| Average: | 6 |
| Rushing TD: | 5 |
| Receiving Yds: | 74 |
| Average: | 8.2 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Colorado: | 162 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Houston: | 128 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Johnathan Franklin is one of the few bright spots on this UCLA team that has disappointed.
No. 42: Cameron Marshall
29 of 70| Player: | Cameron Marshall |
| Team: | Arizona State |
| Bowl Game: | MAACO Bowl Las Vegas |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 6 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,050 |
| Average: | 4.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 18 |
| Receiving Yds: | 188 |
| Average: | 7.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| UCLA: | 168 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| California: | 157 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Cameron Marshall had some amazing games this year, but he was completely shut down in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas.
One more year will give Marshall a chance for redemption.
No. 41: Jasmin Hopkins
30 of 70| Player: | Jasmin Hopkins |
| Team: | NIU |
| Bowl Game: | GoDaddy.com Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 25 |
| Rushing Yds: | 932 |
| Average: | 5.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 15 |
| Receiving Yds: | 48 |
| Average: | 4.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Army: | 138 rushing yards |
| Ball State: | 122 rushing yards, 2 TD |
A better than average back, Jasmin Hopkins helped his team tremendously this year.
No. 40: Donte Harden
31 of 70| Player: | Donte Harden |
| Team: | Ohio |
| Bowl Game: | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 8 |
| Rushing Yds: | 986 |
| Average: | 5.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 2 |
| Receiving Yds: | 267 |
| Average: | 9.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Akron: | 123 rushing yards |
| Temple: | 184 rushing yards, 1 TD |
A good running back with some versatility.
Donte Harden is able to catch the ball well out of the backfield, and that gives him the edge over some others.
No. 39: John Hubert
32 of 70| Player: | John Hubert |
| Team: | Kansas State |
| Bowl Game: | AT&T Cotton Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 33 |
| Rushing Yds: | 933 |
| Average: | 5 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 193 |
| Average: | 8.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Missouri: | 126 rushing yards |
| Iowa State: | 120 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Hubert is an essential part of that potent Kansas State offense.
Look for his ability to be utilized in the Cotton Bowl.
No. 38: Silas Redd
33 of 70| Player: | Silas Redd |
| Team: | Penn State |
| Bowl Game: | TicketCity Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 25 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,188 |
| Average: | 5.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 7 |
| Receiving Yds: | 40 |
| Average: | 4.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Northwestern: | 164 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Iowa: | 142 rushing yards |
Silas Redd had some monster games this year.
It will be interesting how he does against that Houston defense that isn't known for stopping the run.
No. 37: Kedrick Rhodes
34 of 70| Player: | Kedrick Rhodes |
| Team: | FIU |
| Bowl Game: | Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 9 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,149 |
| Average: | 4.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 252 |
| Average: | 9.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| La-Lafayette: | 157 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Troy: | 172 rushing yards |
A very strong runner, Kedrick Rhodes should have even better things ahead of him.
He is able to catch the ball out of the backfield, and that should help him as he goes forward.
No. 36: Asher Clark
35 of 70| Player: | Asher Clark |
| Team: | Air Force |
| Bowl Game: | Military Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 17 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,096 |
| Average: | 7.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 6 |
| Receiving Yds: | 31 |
| Average: | 5.2 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Tenn State: | 148 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| UNLV: | 169 rushing yards, 1 TD |
A system that promotes running can always use a good back.
Air Force has one in Asher Clark.
No. 35: Ray Graham
36 of 70| Player: | Ray Graham |
| Team: | Pitt |
| Bowl Game: | BBVA Compass Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 1 |
| Rushing Yds: | 958 |
| Average: | 5.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 9 |
| Receiving Yds: | 200 |
| Average: | 6.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| South Florida: | 226 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Rutgers: | 159 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Who knows what the season would have been like if Ray Graham hadn't suffered a horrible knee injury?
However, keeping him off this list is simply not an option.
Let's hope he comes back stronger than ever.
No. 34: Michael Ford
37 of 70| Player: | Michael Ford |
| Team: | LSU |
| Bowl Game: | BCS title game |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 42 |
| Rushing Yds: | 755 |
| Average: | 6.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 7 |
| Receiving Yds: | 10 |
| Average: | 2.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Oregon: | 96 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Arkansas: | 96 rushing yards |
His stats may not be as high as some on this list, but the competition Michael Ford played against is second to none.
That and the fact that he averaged 6.1 yards per carry give Ford the No. 34 spot on this list.
No. 33: Zac Stacy
38 of 70| Player: | Zac Stacy |
| Team: | Vanderbilt |
| Bowl Game: | AutoZone Liberty Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 2 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,136 |
| Average: | 6.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 13 |
| Receiving Yds: | 95 |
| Average: | 5.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Wake Forest: | 184 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Army: | 198 rushing yards, 3 TD |
Zac Stacy is a very strong and agile back.
Look for him to run wild in the Liberty Bowl.
No. 32: Roy Finch
39 of 70| Player: | Roy Finch |
| Team: | Oklahoma |
| Bowl Game: | Insight Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 22 |
| Rushing Yds: | 601 |
| Average: | 5.7 |
| Rushing TD: | 3 |
| Receiving Yds: | 264 |
| Average: | 8.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Texas A&M: | 99 rushing yards, 21 rec yards, 1 TD |
| Texas Tech: | 93 rushing yards, 43 rec yards |
Because of injuries to other key running backs, Roy Finch had to step up.
He did that and then some.
No. 31: Vick Ballard
40 of 70| Player: | Vick Ballard |
| Team: | Mississippi State |
| Bowl Game: | Music City Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 28 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,009 |
| Average: | 5.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 178 |
| Average: | 9.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Memphis: | 166 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Ole Miss: | 144 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Vick Ballard had some amazing games this year.
Let's see if he can have one more against Wake Forest.
No. 30: James Washington
41 of 70| Player: | James Washington |
| Team: | North Carolina State |
| Bowl Game: | Belk Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 24 |
| Rushing Yds: | 852 |
| Average: | 4 |
| Rushing TD: | 7 |
| Receiving Yds: | 300 |
| Average: | 7.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| North Carolina: | 110 rushing yards |
| Georgia Tech: | 131 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Look for this dual threat to have a great game in the Belk Bowl.
James Washington proved he is a dual threat on the field.
Averaging 7.7 yards per catch out of the backfield gives opponents some problems.
No. 29: Le'Veon Bell
42 of 70| Player: | Le'Veon Bell |
| Team: | Michigan State |
| Bowl Game: | Outback Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 24 |
| Rushing Yds: | 900 |
| Average: | 5.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 11 |
| Receiving Yds: | 228 |
| Average: | 7.6 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Iowa: | 112 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Wisconsin: | 106 rushing yards, 1 TD |
You may not know his name, but the way he hits sure rings a bell.
Strong, powerful, fast, tough—those are just a few of the words that describe Le'Veon Bell.
He can run and catch, and that gives him spot No. 29 on the list.
No. 28: Chris Rainey
43 of 70| Player: | Chris Rainey |
| Team: | Florida |
| Bowl Game: | Gator Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 1 |
| Rushing Yds: | 790 |
| Average: | 5.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 2 |
| Receiving Yds: | 350 |
| Average: | 12.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| UAB: | 119 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| South Carolina: | 132 rushing yards |
What makes Chris Rainey special is his ability to catch the ball.
He gained 350 yards catching the ball this season.
No. 27: Adonis Thomas
44 of 70| Player: | Adonis Thomas |
| Team: | Toledo |
| Bowl Game: | Military Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 24 |
| Rushing Yds: | 963 |
| Average: | 6.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 11 |
| Receiving Yds: | 335 |
| Average: | 12 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| NIU: | 160 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| West Mich: | 216 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Could you imagine this guy's stats if he hadn't missed four games?
Even with those absences, Adonis Thomas rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and caught over 300 yards.
He is a remarkable back, and let's hope he gets a chance to play on Sundays.
No. 26: Andre Ellington
45 of 70| Player: | Andre Ellington |
| Team: | Clemson |
| Bowl Game: | Discover Orange Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 23 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,062 |
| Average: | 5 |
| Rushing TD: | 10 |
| Receiving Yds: | 109 |
| Average: | 5 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Maryland: | 212 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Virginia Tech: | 125 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Andre Ellington is an excellent running back and competitor.
He had more than a few breakout games this year.
No. 25: Giovani Bernard
46 of 70| Player: | Giovani Bernard |
| Team: | North Carolina |
| Bowl Game: | Independence Bowl |
| Class: | Freshman |
| Number: | 26 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,222 |
| Average: | 5.4 |
| Rushing TD: | 13 |
| Receiving Yds: | 9 |
| Average: | 9 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Wake Forest: | 154 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Duke: | 165 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Giovani Bernard is a very good running back with all the skills. It is easy to forget he is only a freshman.
It will be exciting to see his sophomore effort.
No. 24: Perry Jones
47 of 70| Player: | Perry Jones |
| Team: | Virginia |
| Bowl Game: | Chick-fil-A Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 33 |
| Rushing Yds: | 883 |
| Average: | 5 |
| Rushing TD: | 5 |
| Receiving Yds: | 416 |
| Average: | 10.1 |
| Receiving TD: | 3 |
| Best Games | |
| Georgia Tech: | 149 rushing yards, 37 rec yards |
| Maryland: | 139 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Another dual-threat receiver and running back combination.
No. 23: Fitzgerald Toussaint
48 of 70| Player: | Fitzgerald Toussaint |
| Team: | Michigan |
| Bowl Game: | Allstate Sugar Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 28 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,011 |
| Average: | 5.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 9 |
| Receiving Yds: | 14 |
| Average: | 2.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Purdue: | 170 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Illinois: | 192 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint is an excellent back with a bright future.
No. 22: Cierre Wood
49 of 70| Player: | Cierre Wood |
| Team: | Notre Dame |
| Bowl Game: | Champs Sports Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 20 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,042 |
| Average: | 5.2 |
| Rushing TD: | 9 |
| Receiving Yds: | 181 |
| Average: | 7 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Michigan: | 134 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Purdue: | 191 rushing yards, 1 TD |
The Irish have one more year to enjoy Cierre Wood.
However, next year doesn't start until after the Champs Sports Bowl.
No. 21: Isi Sofele
50 of 70| Player: | Isi Sofele |
| Team: | California |
| Bowl Game: | Holiday Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 20 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,270 |
| Average: | 5.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 9 |
| Receiving Yds: | 33 |
| Average: | 5.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Arizona State: | 145 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Oregon State: | 190 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Cal running back Isi Sofele has one of the most unique names in football.
However, don't let that distract you from his amazing ability.
No. 20: Stepfan Taylor
51 of 70| Player: | Stepfan Taylor |
| Team: | Stanford |
| Bowl Game: | Tostitos Fiesta Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 33 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,153 |
| Average: | 5.6 |
| Rushing TD: | 8 |
| Receiving Yds: | 161 |
| Average: | 7.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Washington: | 138 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Arizona: | 153 rushing yards |
Stepfan Taylor showed some serious promise this year.
With five games over 100 yards rushing and several others very close, look for him to have a great year in 2012.
No. 19: Cyrus Gray
52 of 70| Player: | Cyrus Gray |
| Team: | Texas A&M |
| Bowl Game: | Car Care Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 32 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,045 |
| Average: | 5.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 12 |
| Receiving Yds: | 239 |
| Average: | 7.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 3 |
| Best Games | |
| SMU: | 132 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Kansas State: | 218 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Cyrus Gray is an excellent running back with the ability to catch a ball coming out of the backfield.
He will be a great addition to any NFL roster.
No. 18: Michael Dyer
53 of 70| Player: | Michael Dyer |
| Team: | Auburn |
| Bowl Game: | Chick-fil-A Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 5 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,242 |
| Average: | 5.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 10 |
| Receiving Yds: | 7 |
| Average: | 3.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Clemson: | 151 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| South Carolina: | 141 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Michael Dyer is a pure runner.
Give him the ball and he knows just what to do with it.
No. 17: Bernard Pierce
54 of 70| Player: | Bernard Pierce |
| Team: | Temple |
| Bowl Game: | Gildan New Mexico Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 30 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,481 |
| Average: | 5.4 |
| Rushing TD: | 27 |
| Receiving Yds: | 52 |
| Average: | 17.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Army: | 157 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Maryland: | 149 rushing yards, 5 TD |
Temple has an amazing weapon in this guy.
Bernard Pierce will be one to watch come 2012.
No. 16: Isaiah Pead
55 of 70| Player: | Isaiah Pead |
| Team: | Cincinnati |
| Bowl Game: | AutoZone Liberty Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 23 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,110 |
| Average: | 5.3 |
| Rushing TD: | 11 |
| Receiving Yds: | 304 |
| Average: | 8.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 3 |
| Best Games | |
| Tenn: | 155 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Syracuse: | 80 rushing yards, 112 rec yards, 2 TD |
If you can shut Isaiah Pead down on the ground, he will just hurt you as a receiver.
No. 15: Charles Sims
56 of 70| Player: | Charles Sims |
| Team: | Houston |
| Bowl Game: | TicketCity Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 5 |
| Rushing Yds: | 782 |
| Average: | 7.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 9 |
| Receiving Yds: | 545 |
| Average: | 11.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 4 |
| Best Games | |
| UTEP: | 111 rushing yards, 90 rec yards, 3 TD |
| Tulane: | 207 rushing yards, 45 rec yards, 2 TD |
A dual-threat running back and receiver, this guy can play the game.
No. 14: Zach Line
57 of 70| Player: | Zach Line |
| Team: | SMU |
| Bowl Game: | BBVA Compass Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 48 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,224 |
| Average: | 5.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 17 |
| Receiving Yds: | 139 |
| Average: | 9.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Southern Miss: | 163 rushing yards |
| Tulane: | 143 rushing yards, 3 TD |
A very underrated running back, Zach Line is the complete package.
He can run and catch, but he also knows how to block.
No. 13: Joseph Randle
58 of 70| Player: | Joseph Randle |
| Team: | Oklahoma State |
| Bowl Game: | Tostitos Fiesta Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 1 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,193 |
| Average: | 6 |
| Rushing TD: | 23 |
| Receiving Yds: | 238 |
| Average: | 6.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Baylor: | 152 rushing yards, 4 TD |
| Oklahoma: | 151 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Joseph Randle is quite remarkable.
Look for him to have a huge night against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl.
No. 12: Terrance Ganaway
59 of 70| Player: | Terrance Ganaway |
| Team: | Baylor |
| Bowl Game: | Valero Alamo Bowl |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 24 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,347 |
| Average: | 5.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 16 |
| Receiving Yds: | 52 |
| Average: | 8.7 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Iowa State: | 200 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Texas Tech: | 246 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Living in the RGIII shadow hasn't stopped this running back.
Terrance Ganaway is no man's second fiddle.
He is the complete package, and any NFL team will do well by drafting him.
No. 11: Chris Polk
60 of 70| Player: | Chris Polk |
| Team: | Washington |
| Bowl Game: | Valero Alamo Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 1 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,341 |
| Average: | 5.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 11 |
| Receiving Yds: | 324 |
| Average: | 11.2 |
| Receiving TD: | 4 |
| Best Games | |
| Stanford: | 144 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Arizona: | 144 rushing yards, 4 TD |
An extremely consistent player, Chris Polk ran for over 100 yards in all but three games this year.
Look for another great performance in the Alamo Bowl.
No. 10: Rex Burkhead
61 of 70| Player: | Rex Burkhead |
| Team: | Nebraska |
| Bowl Game: | Capital One Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 22 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,268 |
| Average: | 4.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 15 |
| Receiving Yds: | 142 |
| Average: | 8.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Iowa: | 160 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Wyoming: | 170 rushing yards, 2 TD |
With a name like Rex Burkhead, you would have to be a good running back.
Well, he is.
No. 9: John White IV
62 of 70| Player: | John White IV |
| Team: | Utah |
| Bowl Game: | Hyundai Sun Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 15 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,404 |
| Average: | 4.8 |
| Rushing TD: | 14 |
| Receiving Yds: | 47 |
| Average: | 3.9 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Oregon State: | 205 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Wash State: | 185 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Here is a running back that seldom gets the credit he deserves.
Well, on this countdown he gets it.
No. 8: Doug Martin
63 of 70| Player: | Doug Martin |
| Team: | Boise State |
| Bowl Game: | MAACO Bowl Las Vegas |
| Class: | Senior |
| Number: | 22 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,299 |
| Average: | 4.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 16 |
| Receiving Yds: | 255 |
| Average: | 9.1 |
| Receiving TD: | 2 |
| Best Games | |
| Colorado State: | 200 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Wyoming: | 153 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Doug Martin was a critical part of the Boise State offense.
If you want proof, look no further than this statistic: Martin missed only one game this season.
It was the Broncos' only loss on the year to TCU.
No. 7: Marcus Coker
64 of 70| Player: | Marcus Coker |
| Team: | Iowa |
| Bowl Game: | Insight Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 34 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,384 |
| Average: | 4.9 |
| Rushing TD: | 15 |
| Receiving Yds: | 157 |
| Average: | 7.5 |
| Receiving TD: | 0 |
| Best Games | |
| Iowa State: | 140 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Minn: | 252 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Marcus Coker is the real deal.
He is a relentless runner and powerful force on the field.
No. 6: Robert Turbin
65 of 70| Player: | Robert Turbin |
| Team: | Utah State |
| Bowl Game: | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 6 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,517 |
| Average: | 6.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 19 |
| Receiving Yds: | 171 |
| Average: | 10.1 |
| Receiving TD: | 4 |
| Best Games | |
| Weber State: | 180 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Idaho: | 208 rushing yards, 3 TD |
If you saw this guy play, you know he is impressive.
Not to mention he is built like the Hulk.
Sorry Aggie fans, but he won't be back for his senior season.
Your loss is the NFL's gain.
No. 5: David Wilson
66 of 70| Player: | David Wilson |
| Team: | Virginia Tech |
| Bowl Game: | Allstate Sugar Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 4 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,627 |
| Average: | 6.1 |
| Rushing TD: | 9 |
| Receiving Yds: | 126 |
| Average: | 6 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Georgia Tech: | 175 rushing yards |
| Virginia: | 153 rushing yards, 2 TD |
David Wilson is electric.
One has to wonder, however, why this amazing running back doesn't see the end zone more often.
Still, he is incredible.
No. 4: Ronnie Hillman
67 of 70| Player: | Ronnie Hillman |
| Team: | SDSU |
| Bowl Game: | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl |
| Class: | Sophomore |
| Number: | 13 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,711 |
| Average: | 5.5 |
| Rushing TD: | 19 |
| Receiving Yds: | 270 |
| Average: | 11.3 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Wyoming: | 224 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Fresno State: | 178 rushing yards, 4 TD |
This guy will make your head spin.
Only a sophomore, look for his name to start being mentioned as a Heisman candidate next season.
No. 3: Trent Richardson
68 of 70| Player: | Trent Richardson |
| Team: | Alabama |
| Bowl Game: | BCS title game |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 3 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,583 |
| Average: | 6 |
| Rushing TD: | 20 |
| Receiving Yds: | 327 |
| Average: | 12.1 |
| Receiving TD: | 3 |
| Best Games | |
| Florida: | 181 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Auburn: | 203 rushing yards |
| Ole Miss: | 183 rushing yards, 4 TD |
Trent Richardson is strong, fast, agile and tough.
He is a complete back with all the things you look for.
No. 2: LaMichael James
69 of 70| Player: | LaMichael James |
| Team: | Oregon |
| Bowl Game: | Rose Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 21 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,646 |
| Average: | 7.4 |
| Rushing TD: | 17 |
| Receiving Yds: | 210 |
| Average: | 12.4 |
| Receiving TD: | 1 |
| Best Games | |
| Cal: | 239 rushing yards, 1 TD |
| Arizona: | 288 rushing yards, 2 TD |
Could you imagine his stats if he hadn't missed two games with injury?
LaMichael James is more than worthy of this No. 2 ranking.
No. 1: Montee Ball
70 of 70| Player: | Montee Ball |
Team: | Wisconsin |
| Bowl Game: | Rose Bowl |
| Class: | Junior |
| Number: | 28 |
| Rushing Yds: | 1,759 |
| Average: | 6.4 |
| Rushing TD: | 32 |
| Receiving Yds: | 255 |
| Average: | 12.8 |
| Receiving TD: | 6 |
| Best Games | |
| Nebraska: | 151 rushing yards, 4 TD |
| Purdue: | 223 rushing yards, 3 TD |
| Illinois: | 224 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Penn State: | 156 rushing yards, 4 TD |
Montee Ball has been very impressive all year, but he often doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Well, he does on this countdown.
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