Reading through the list of running backs ranked 61-90 is like walking along the woods at a municipal course, looking for a few golf balls to toss in your bag. Sure, you're going to find a bunch of x-outs, and balls with a lot of wear and tear. But there's also the chance that you'll find a Pro V1 that could provide you with some excellent play. Though if you spend too much time in the woods (or grabbing from this list) you're going to end up with a bunch of bug bites. But if you get in and out you should be fine, and have something good to show for your willingness to give it a shot.
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 77 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 9
Draughn is a very nice back who does a lot of the heavy lifting before watching Ryan Houston celebrate touchdowns. See last year's Florida State game as Exhibit A: 23 carries for 126 tough yards...and no scores. Look elsewhere unless you operate in a deep ACC league.
2009 Stats: 124-567 RuYd 1 RuTD 21-125 ReYd 0 ReTD 1/1 Pass 0 PaYd Pts: 76.56
2010 Projs: 186-890 RuYd 6 RuTD 27-164 ReYd 1 ReTD 1/1 Pass 1 PaYd Pts: 148.64
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 107 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
All signs point to Damien Berry serving as the Canes starting tailback this fall, but this in no way guarantees fantasy success. Like the wide receiver spot, Miami has plenty of talent in the backfield. And this will limit Berry's production.
2009 Stats: 93-616 RuYd 8 RuTD 5-68 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 116.40
2010 Projs: 153-790 RuYd 8 RuTD 15-155 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 148.50
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 67 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Edwin Baker showed his great potential in the bowl loss to Texas Tech, taking a draw to the house in very short time. In fact we like Baker to emerge as the #1 back in the Spartan backfield, though he'll have to share carries with Larry Caper and maybe a freshie as well. He's a better keeper option, but there's a good chance he explodes for around 900-9 this season.
2009 Stats: 85-427 RuYd 1 RuTD 7-43 ReYd 0 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 53.00
2010 Projs: 160-798 RuYd 8 RuTD 11-142 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 148.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 112 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
Here's a lad that seems to be really putting all together. Following a nice sophomore campaign that saw him surpass 900 yards from scrimmage and score seven times, we look for LeShoure to anchor the Illinois ground attack. Yes, he'll have to share some carries with Jason Ford, but LeShoure brings an intriguing blend of size and speed. 1000-10 appear well within reach.
2009 Stats: 108-734 RuYd 5 RuTD 14-177 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 133.10
2010 Projs: 155-840 RuYd 7 RuTD 16-156 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 147.60
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 53 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Since a great freshman campaign in 2007, Josh Adams has struggled to return to form. Injuries have played a role, locking Adams into the 120-500-4 range. He's a solid back who could, with first-team carries, return to his dynamic first season when he posted 12 scores on over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. But it's more likely that he'll split duties and put up numbers comparable to the last two years.
2009 Stats: 113-541 RuYd 4 RuTD 28-307 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 108.80
2010 Projs: 146-700 RuYd 8 RuTD 21-232 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 147.20
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 40 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 6
While not much at all went right for the 2009 Kansas Jayhawks, in Toben Opurum the program did find a very solid back with a nose for the end zone. Opurum saw his opportunity when Jake Sharp struggled with injury, until he too struggled with a leg injury. It looks like he'll be good to go come summer camp, and new coach Turner Gill has a nice piece of the puzzle in place for the next few years.
2009 Stats: 133-554 RuYd 9 RuTD 13-105 ReYd 1 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 125.90
2010 Projs: 171-756 RuYd 9 RuTD 12-112 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 146.80
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 26 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
It'll be interesting to see what role this Tennessee transfer plays in the new Dykes/Franklin offense. Certainly this will be a pass-early and pass-often offense, but Creer should find plenty of running room. We like him to emerge as a decent fantasy producer.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 0-0 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 145-804 RuYd 8 RuTD 14-124 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 146.80
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 76 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Joe Martinek is like the trusted old pair of running shoes: not always pretty, but tough, reliable and capable of getting you where you need to go. Based on off-season reports, it sounds like coach Greg Schiano would like someone who can get him there faster, but odds are good that Martinek will end 2010 with about 900 yards and nine scores again.
2009 Stats: 206-967 RuYd 9 RuTD 12-140 ReYd 0 ReTD 0/1 Pass 1 Fumb Pts: 164.70
2010 Projs: 180-826 RuYd 7 RuTD 14-156 ReYd 1 ReTD 0/1 Pass Pts: 146.20
Home Games: 5 EOS Off: 95 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 2
We could see Antwon Bailey's numbers get a nice bump should fellow runner Delone Carter remain suspended for the season. Carter is awaiting word on an assault case. Either way Bailey has legit potential in Big East leagues; the junior back is improving and the team is getting better at the same time.
2009 Stats: 67-312 RuYd 1 RuTD 27-200 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 57.20
2010 Projs: 154-684 RuYd 7 RuTD 31-236 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 146.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 55 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
Ealey made a great deal out of his 125 carries last season, gaining 718 yards and scoring three times. And while he's forced to share touches with Caleb King, he could certainly emerge as the #1 option. Each is worth a SEC look, but should one suffer injury woes then the other becomes a national factor.
2009 Stats: 125-718 RuYd 3 RuTD 3-23 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 92.10
2010 Projs: 143-844 RuYd 8 RuTD 8-66 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 145.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 32 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
Finally provided an opportunity when Matt Asiata was lost in Week Four, Eddie Wide took full advantage. Now the senior will look to build upon his 12 scores from a season ago, but Asiata is back to provide the Utes with a very nice backfield. Though Asiata will drive ya nuts, there's no reason to think that Wide won't again score 10-12 times.
2009 Stats: 202-1070 RuYd 12 RuTD 17-154 ReYd 1 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 200.40
2010 Projs: 151-786 RuYd 8 RuTD 13-116 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 144.20
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 102 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
I loved Pead out of Eastmoor Academy; it's not everyone that can break Archie Griffin's records. Then after a solid freshman season (30-194) that didn't meet my all-important expectations there was muffled laughter coming my way from all around the office. Then last year Pead saved what was left of my reputation, posting over 1000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 11 times. Now I am predicting that Isaiah Pead will win the next two Heisman Trophies. No, he won't. But new coach Butch Jones knows what he has in this rising junior: an explosive back that should again push past 1,000 yards while signing another lease in the ten-touchdown neighborhood.
2009 Stats: 120-794 RuYd 9 RuTD 21-213 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 166.70
2010 Projs: 126-653 RuYd 8 RuTD 22-187 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 144.00
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 44 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 10
If not for that darned Rex Burkhead we'd have much higher expectations for Roy Helu Jr. Problems holding onto the ball and consistency also have us questioning a repeat of his 220-1147-10 junior campaign. This situation has split carries written all over it, with burly Dontrayevous Robinson also poised to steal a whole bunch of short yardage carries.
2009 Stats: 220-1147 RuYd 10 RuTD 19-149 ReYd 0 ReTD 3 Fumb Pts: 189.60
2010 Projs: 150-786 RuYd 8 RuTD 15-113 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 143.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 28 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
We're again expecting nearly identical carries and production out of Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley. 1000-10 for each.
2009 Stats: 105-676 RuYd 8 RuTD 3-19 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 117.50
2010 Projs: 135-809 RuYd 8 RuTD 10-90 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 143.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 1 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
Tanner returns following a 2009 lost to a knee injury, and his return will alleviate some of the pressure on quarterback Dwight Dasher. A veteran and experienced offensive line returns, thus there is hope that Tanner can return to a level comparable to his 16 touchdowns in 2008. This veteran back may be forgotten on draft day by many, but he looks worthy of a middle to late round selection.
2009 Stats: 18-83 RuYd 1 RuTD 2-33 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 17.60
2010 Projs: 142-788 RuYd 8 RuTD 10-104 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 143.20
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 25 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
We have Bryan Kariya as 1B to J.J. Di Luigi's 1A as the Cougars scramble to replace Harvey Unga. Both backs will bring weekly potential, but these split snaps will make it difficult on owners.
2009 Stats: 55-199 RuYd 2 RuTD 16-186 ReYd 2 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 62.50
2010 Projs: 143-701 RuYd 7 RuTD 14-181 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 142.20
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 54 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
McBurse was a well-regarded recruit out of Florida, but he didn't show too much in very limited action last season. Thus it'd be a mistake to assume he'll step right in for the injured Ralph Bolden and post comparable numbers. Yes we expect McBurse to see the majority of carries, but we'd advise letting someone else nab this sophomore.
2009 Stats: 4-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 0-0 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 165-772 RuYd 8 RuTD 12-107 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 141.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 86 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
Yes the Gators use a lot of guys to run the ball, but Demps is the best of the bunch. There aren't any faster than Demps...seriously. His lack of consistent production makes him a better option in total points leagues, but 15 touchdowns in his first two seasons show a guy worthy of a draft selection in any league.
2009 Stats: 99-745 RuYd 7 RuTD 8-52 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 121.70
2010 Projs: 104-672 RuYd 7 RuTD 17-189 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 140.10
Home Games: 5 EOS Off: 83 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 3
We're looking for Carter to step onto the practice field, look at the other tailbacks, exclaim, "I'm from UCLA and this is my job beyotches!" and take the job from poor John Mosure and Leonard Mason. Rumor has the Rams moving more towards a run-oriented attack, and Carter brings an interesting skill set to the 2010 offense.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 0-0 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 164-881 RuYd 7 RuTD 11-99 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 140.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 71 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 4
Marshall is an early favorite to carry the load for the Sun Devil ground attack, though the Sun Devils offense didn't do much in 2009. He could make a nice move with improved offensive production.
2009 Stats: 64-280 RuYd 2 RuTD 6-44 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 44.40
2010 Projs: 181-760 RuYd 7 RuTD 20-160 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 140.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 69 OL Ret: 0 Off Ret: 5
Jared Tew's numbers from a season ago can be a bit misleading. Yes, he gained 970 yards and scored nine times, but three of those scores came in the opener against Nicholls State, and two against Houston in the bowl game. In between he could only find paydirt five times, and much of this stems from the shared carries. This will not change a great deal in 2010, so Tew remains a risky selection.
2009 Stats: 238-970 RuYd 9 RuTD 10-79 ReYd 0 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 158.90
2010 Projs: 210-826 RuYd 8 RuTD 9-73 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 137.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 61 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
It's this former Trojan's nose for the end zone that really has us intrigued. Guys that score 12 touchdowns on only 111 touches are ones to nab. There are a bunch of backs at Arkansas, but Green appears to present great value.
2009 Stats: 103-443 RuYd 11 RuTD 8-104 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 126.70
2010 Projs: 127-603 RuYd 10 RuTD 15-114 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 137.70
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 55 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
King is a very talented back that really can do it all....except stay healthy. He'll have his moments, but he'll also miss action. However before you completely dismiss him remember his 18-166-2 performance against Georgia Tech. He'll have to share with Washaun Ealey, and this will eliminate any national fantasy value. From a SEC perspective King is one to nab.
2009 Stats: 113-594 RuYd 7 RuTD 10-108 ReYd 1 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 118.20
2010 Projs: 134-762 RuYd 7 RuTD 13-111 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 135.30
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 70 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Newton will break out on occasion, but he'll have to play nice and share carries too often to serve as a fantasy factor in anything more than deep Big 12 leagues.
2009 Stats: 116-552 RuYd 6 RuTD 14-108 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 102.00
2010 Projs: 145-695 RuYd 8 RuTD 13-111 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 134.60
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 80 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Provided Williams can mind his P's and Q's, then he should emerge as the starter out of fall camp. Last we heard from Williams he was fighting a teammate over a dessert, so clearly we have a soft spot for Mr. Williams. While the Pirates are installing a pass-first scheme, there is usually a whole bunch of open space for the runners. We think Williams get the job and runs well...he'll have his cake and eat it too.
2009 Stats: 14-38 RuYd 0 RuTD 3-7 ReYd 0 ReTD 2 Fumb Pts: 4.50
2010 Projs: 128-639 RuYd 6 RuTD 27-206 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 132.50
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 32 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
Asiata returns after much of his 2009 season was lost to an ACL injury. He's a talented bruiser who should continue his scoring ways, but now he must share time with Eddie Wide, who took advantage of Asiata's absence a season ago.
2009 Stats: 74-330 RuYd 4 RuTD 9-88 ReYd 0 ReTD 0/1 Pass 2 Fumb Pts: 65.80
2010 Projs: 142-682 RuYd 9 RuTD 11-100 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 132.20
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 59 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 5
Thermilus, who became a draft day sleeper when James Starks was lost for the year last summer, will battle Ike Nduka for the starting job at Buffalo. Thermilus has a nice bowling ball frame, one conducive to touchdowns. He's scored 16 times on 280 career touches, so he'll have value in large all-120 leagues.
2009 Stats: 124-560 RuYd 4 RuTD 9-99 ReYd 2 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 101.90
2010 Projs: 154-693 RuYd 6 RuTD 14-130 ReYd 2 ReTD Pts: 130.30
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 106 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 8
Super soph is a backup that warrants a draft day selection in any league. Richardson had two games with more than 100 yards rushing, with one being an explosive performance in the BCS Title Game. Mark Ingram will see the majority of carries, but Richardson will do a whole lot of damage with his 170 touches.
2009 Stats: 144-749 RuYd 8 RuTD 16-126 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 RuConv 1 Fumb Pts: 137.50
2010 Projs: 144-697 RuYd 7 RuTD 15-125 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 130.20
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 78 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Scatback departed spring ball atop the depth chart at running back. For a team that ranked 112th on the ground last year this doesn't mean much, but should the offensive line block someone once in a while then Jones could be a pleasant surprise.
2009 Stats: 9-9 RuYd 0 RuTD 1-38 ReYd 0 ReTD Pts: 4.70
2010 Projs: 141-634 RuYd 6 RuTD 25-245 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 129.90
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 45 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Elliott enters fall camp as a co-#1 on the running back depth chart along with Vick Ballard. Look for both running backs to see significant snaps, so Elliott's fantasy impact is limited; unless, of course, Elliott wins the clear #1 job.
2009 Stats: 44-221 RuYd 1 RuTD 3-47 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb Pts: 32.80
2010 Projs: 144-720 RuYd 7 RuTD 14-75 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 127.50