James ranks the top runningback units in the country, based on effectiveness, importance to the team, and ability to win games.
Minnesota leads my list with the superb play of Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney.1. Minnesota – Marion Barber III is a darkhorse to win the heisman, but he may not even be the most talented back on this team! Laurence Maroney, a true freshman last season, rushed for 1,121 yards. Both backs ran for 1000 yards last season, which is a rare duo accomplishment in the NCAA.
2. LSU – Justin Vincent and Joseph Addai are really going to surprise people. After this season, Vincent will be one of the premier backs in the country. He is, after all, on my top 5 heisman list.
3. Auburn – This group is still one the most dangerous backfields in the country with Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown running the show. When healthy, Williams has the best combination of power and speed in the league. The transfer of Brandon Jacobs to Southern Illinois slighty hurts as an overall unit, but Williams and Brown are more than capable of carrying the load.
4. Kansas State – Sproles is the best runningback in the country, and backing him up is talented Florida State transfer Thomas Clayton. Should be a very dynamic unit, and with a lack of a passing game, will probably get a lot of carries (maybe too many).
5. USC – Reggie Bush, LenDale White, and Hershel Dennis are all superb backs. All 3 of them could start for just about any team in America. Only problem is, USC also has a potent passing attack, so that may take away some yardage.
6. Florida State – Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington make up the most skilled backfield in the country. Washington, a converted receiver, is very dangerous in the flats at catching the ball. Booker is a back that can do it all, and add in that in with returning every offensive lineman, and this will be one of the best offenses in the country.
7. Florida – Florida has runningbacks? You bet, and I’ll take them on my team any day of the week! Ciatrick Fason and Deshawn Wynn are extremely gifted backs, and they are at their best when they’re together. It’s about time for Florida to consider running more often.
8. Memphis – I’m completely sold on DeAngelo Williams, who is in my opinion one of the top 10 runningbacks in the entire country. He is a key instrument in a Memphis offense that returns EVERYONE from last years stellar unit. This is Williams’ junior season, and if stays next season, he will definitely be preseason top 10 for heisman.
9. Texas – Ok, let me try to explain my idea on Cedric Benson. He is a consistently good runningback, but not great. Benson usually struggles against the high caliber teams. He has, however, put together 3 straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Sophomore Selvin Young very well may be the best back on the team.
10. Louisville – When healthy, Eric Shelton can be a very productive back. He averaged around 79 yards per game in 10 games, on a primarily pass-first team. Lionel Gates got in 4 starts last season, and did superbly with 817 yards. Look out for do-everything athlete Michael Bush, who could be a terrific back if he sticks to just this one position for a season.