Ranking the Top 7 Running Backs Entering the 2017 NCAA Football Season
1) Saquon Barkley, Penn State – Barkley is a special talent that puts up a highlight reel play in every game he plays. NFL types drool about his potential: the vision, the lateral agility, the explosiveness, the ability to make cuts without losing speed. The 223-pound Barkley is the total package at tailback. After rushing for 1,496 yards and 18 TDs and adding 402 receiving yards as a sophomore, his production will only grow. Now that it seems that the Nittany Lions have upgraded their offensive line the sky is the limit for Barkley.
2) Bo Scarbrough, Alabama – This should finally be the breakout season for Scarborough that everybody has been waiting for. Scarborough proved at the end of last season what a game changer he can be. The biggest question mark for Scarborough will be can he stay healthy? If he does, he will be a Heisman candidate.
3) Derrius Guice, LSU – Guice was actually the Tigers leading rusher last year, not Leonard Fournette. Guice is a smooth, dynamic runner with balance and agility, making him so tough to get a clean hit on and bring down. He is totally different as a runner than Fournette, but just as effective.
4) Kamryn Pettway, Auburn – Pettway is a load to bring down, he runs more like a fullback.
5) Nick Chubb, Georgia – Chubb surprised a lot of people by returning for this his senior season. Injuries have hampered him in the past and last year lack of support from his teammates hurt him.
6) Ronald Jones II, USC – All the attention at USC is focused on QB Sam Darnold, but don’t sleep on Ronald Jones! Jones runs with burst and elusiveness that allows him to make defenders miss and squeeze through small holes.
7) Royce Freeman, Oregon – After a spectacular freshman season, Freeman has had to battle injuries. That all should change this season, as Freeman will lead a deep and talented Ducks backfield.
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