2009's Top 40 Running Backs in College Football

Continuing with the positional rankings, I now give you the Running Backs. You will notice there's actually 41 guys on this list but I just used Big Ten logic, because "40" sounds better than "41".

From evaluating this year's Running Backs there is a lot of pairity in this group and some of the conferences are loaded with very good Running Backs this year.

1. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech, Jr.



Last season, in Paul Johnson’s option offense Dwyer had 1,604 total yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him ACC Player of the Year accolades in only his Sophomore season. Expect bigger things from Dwyer in 2009; in a league that is filled with great running backs Dwyer is hands the best and according to me the best in the nation. Dwyer will put up some great numbers in this, his second season in Atlanta’s version of option attack.

2. Jahvid Best, Cal, Jr.



Another sophomore last season who came out of nowhere to have a great 2008 season; Best finished his first full season as the starter in Berkley with 1,580 rushing yards which was 5th best in the nation. Best is ‘best’ known for his staggering 8.1 yards per carry. He’s a sure fire 1st Down almost every time he touches the ball.

3. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon, Sr.



A JUCO transfer last season out of East Mississippi Community College, Blount was the perfect compliment back to Jeremiah Johnson. Towards the end of last season, Blount emerged as the Ducks feature back. Blount had 1,002 yards last season, and now as the feature back the production should go up. Blount is one of the more entertaining backs to watch at his size of 6’2 240, and the speed he has; he is a freak of nature.

4. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State, Soph.



Burst onto the scene after the Thursday night upset over #1 ranked (at the time) USC. Jacquizz single-handily dominated the Trojans terrific defense for the entire first offense. Every carry he had in that game seemed to go for a first down. It was amazing, and especially for his small stature. Rodgers wore down towards the tail of the end of the season and was even sidelined with an injury in the Beavers 3-0 Sun Bowl victory over Pitt; but “The Quizz” looks to be healthy now and poised to finish the Beavers mission to Pasadena.

5. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State, Jr.



Hunter in his two seasons in Stillwater has rushed for 2,334 yards, which is the best two-year total for a Cowboy behind only the great Barry Sanders. Hunter is one of the many pieces in the Cowboy offense that has big-play capabilities. He was a 1st Team All-Big XII selection last year and is this best RB in the Big XII going into 2009.

6. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, Jr.



Oklahoma’s chances of winning in the BCS National Championship game last season against Florida were hampered greatly not having Murray who suffered an injury in the Big XII Championship Game against Missouri.
Murray is still recovering from his injury to this day, but is expected to be ready to go this fall. With a healthy Murray the Sooners have one of the most potent Backfields in all of College Football if not the most potent offensively.

7. Graig Cooper, Miami, Jr.



Going into last season, Javarris James looked to be the main man in the backfield for the Canes. James suffered an injury against Florida, and from there Cooper was the man. Cooper was a highly-touted recruit out of Memphis, Tennessee in the Class of 2007. Had 682 yards his first season, and then last year had 841. An explosive back who has been hampered by the inconsistent play at QB for the Canes and the young offensive line. This is the year Cooper bursts out and becomes a household name to all of College Football.

8. Noel Devine, West Virginia, Jr.



An all-around great athlete who still has yet to live up to the unreal hype he received out of Ft. Meyers, Florida. But still, Devine is explosive and a multi-dimensional threat for Bill Stewart’s offense. Devine also is a great kick returner when called upon. With Pat White now gone, Devine’s workload is going to be more significant when this guy plays to his full potential he could arguably be the best player in the land.

9. MiQuale Lewis, Ball State, Sr.



All the attention to the Cardinals last season during their undefeated regular season was geared towards QB Nate Davis who is now in the NFL. Lewis has been a three-year starter for the Cardinals but last year was the first season the Senior-to-be was not hampered by injuries, in 2007 and 2006 Lewis suffered season-ending injuries.
In 2008, Lewis rushed for 1,736 yards and 22 touchdowns. Lewis is a solid receiver out of the backfield hauling in 325 yards receiving last season.

10. Chris Brown, Oklahoma, Sr.



Along with a healthy DeMarco Murray, Brown and Murray create the best 1-2 Running Back tandem in all of College Football. Brown rushed for 1,220 yards last season.

The Rest: 11-40

11. C.J. Spiller, Clemson, Sr.

12. Reggie Arnold, Arkansas State, Sr.

13. Harvey Unga, BYU, Jr.

14. Toby Gerhart, Stanford, Sr.

15. John Clay, Wisconsin, Jr.

16. Stafon Johnson, USC, Sr.

17. Evan Royster, Penn State, Jr.

18. Vai Tapua, Nevada, Jr.

19. Curtis Steele, Memphis, Sr.

20. Derrick Washington, Missouri, Jr.

21. Brandon West, Western Michigan, Sr.

22. Damion Fletcher, Souther Miss., Sr.

23. Da’Rel Scott, Maryland, Jr.

24. Joe McKnight, USC, Jr.

25. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State, Jr.

26. Matt Asiata, Utah, Sr.

27. Bryce Beal, Houston, Soph.

28. Michael Smith, Arkansas, Sr.

29. James Starks, Buffalo, Sr.

30. Chris Rainey, Florida, Soph.

31. Daniel Porter, La. Tech, Sr.

32. Shaun Draugh, North Carolina, Jr.

33. Luke Lipincott, Nevada, Sr.

34. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech, Soph.

35. Ben Tate, Auburn, Sr.

36. Darius Marshall, Marshall, Jr.

37. Charles Scott, LSU, Sr.

T-38. Rodney Stewart, Colorado, Soph.

T-38. Darrell Scott, Colorado, Soph.

39. Jay Finley, Baylor, Jr.

40. Jeremy Avery, Boise State, Jr.

Who are your top Running Backs in 2009?  Post your thoughts in the comments section, or shoot me an e-mail at mitchburgundy@gmail.com.