2015 College Football Preview: Running Back Unit Rankings

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1. Oklahoma

The Sooner season might have been a massive disappointment, but the running game did its part averaging over six yards per crack. There might be a little bit of a change this year with the Air Raid style featuring the quarterbacks, but Samaje Perine is too good to not get the ball over and over again. As strong as he is, 2014 superstar recruit Joe Mixon – who was suspended for last year – might be even better. Alex Ross somewhat quietly averaged 6.8 yards per carry with 595 yards and four scores.

Unit Rating: 9.5

2. Georgia

There’s absolutely no argument if you want to call this the most talented backfield in the country. After Todd Gurley became the franchise draft pick for the St. Louis Rams, Nick Chubb now steps up into the no-question No. 1 role – he’ll be a top NFL pick in a few years. There are more than a few whispers that Sony Michel might be an even better pro prospect.

Unit Rating: 9.5

3. Alabama

Welcome back, Kenyan Drake. T.J. Yeldon might gone, but the speed of Drake will be exactly what the backfield needs to go along with the next-level combination of skills from Derrick Henry. The running game will have to carry things until the quarterback situation is settled, especially since there isn’t the running of Blake Sims around anymore. As always, there are more than enough top talents waiting in the wings.

Unit Rating: 9

4. Pittsburgh

James Conner is the ACC’s premier back, and among the most feared runners in the country. He’s ultra-consistent, with a tendency to demoralize defenses with his relentless running style. Conner ranked No. 6 nationally in rushing a year ago, and has his sights set on the 2,000-yard mark. It didn’t get much notice, but Chris James came off the bench to rush for 437 yards as a rookie last season.

Unit Ranking: 9

5. Florida State

As the Seminoles break in a new quarterback in 2015, their backs will be young and brimming with potential. Dalvin Cook was a revelation as a true freshman last fall, outplaying all of his offensive teammates over the final two months of the year. He’s back after all of his issues, but to help the cause, FSU believes that newcomer Jacques Patrick could be this season’s Cook, contributing immediately as a rookie.

Unit Ranking: 9

6. Arkansas

There might be SEC backfields with more NFL talent, but in terms of productivity and what they need to do for their respective teams, the tandem of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins would’ve been deadly, but now Williams is out for the year. There are more backs where he came from, and Collins should be great working behind fullback Kody Walker.
Unit Rating: 9

7. Ohio State

It’s not just about Ezekiel Elliott – although that’s a nice place to start. The Buckeyes are loaded with depth and, as always, will get plenty of production by any of the quarterback options. Curtis Samuel is a good, tough option who’ll help keep Zeke in one piece.

Unit Rating: 9

8. Oregon

The Ducks once again boast the best collection of backs in the Pac-12 … and it’s not even that close. Royce Freeman enjoyed an auspicious first year in Eugene, accounting for 20 touchdowns, and he’ll need to shine brighter with Thomas out for the year with a shoulder problem. Even so, in this offense Oregon is fully capable of producing a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 2015.

Unit Ranking: 9

9. Wisconsin

It’s all up to Corey Clement. If he really is the next big thing in Madison, which he appears ready to be, the loss of Melvin Gordon won’t be that big a deal. Taiwan Deal is yet another strong back who can keep things moving forward, and if the recent track record keeps up for Badger No. 2 backs, he’ll play a big role. Derek Watt – J.J.’s brother – is as good as any fullback in the Big Ten.

Unit Rating: 9

10. Baylor

New starting quarterback Seth Russell will come up with plenty of rushing yards, but the biggest plays will come from the speedsters Shock Linwood and Johnny Jefferson. Throw in Devin Chafin, who ran for eight scores, and the Bears have plenty of dangerous backs in the rotation. However, it’s Linwood who’ll get the bulk of the work after running for over 1,200 yards with 16 scores.

Unit Rating: 8.5