Owners in NFL Dynasty leagues need to constantly keep tabs on what’s happening in the college game. After all, that’s where the stars of tomorrow will be coming from.
With that in mind, we’re happy to unveil our 2010 College Fantasy Football Running Back rankings, along with our brand new College Fantasy Football Forum here on dynastyleaguefootball.com.
These rankings are created for College Fantasy Football and are not a ranking of NFL Draft prospects. However, you’ll see many of these players listed with an asterisk. Those marked in that fashion are currently on the Dynasty League Football Hot List as a college skill player who could be drafted in the top 3 rounds in the next NFL Draft.
1. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State*
Beaver Head Coach Mike Riley is on record saying Rodgers looks stronger and faster heading into the season.
Considering he’s totaled 639 touches, 3,462 yards, and 34 touchdowns rushing and receiving in just two seasons, that’s rather scary.
2. Jordan Todman, UCONN*
He posted a solid 1,188 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry for the Huskies last season, including three 100 yard efforts in his last five games.
Another season of growth and improvement will solidify Todman as a solid running back prospect from UCONN with similar stock to Donald Brown, an ex-Husky and current member of the Colts.
3. John Clay, Wisconsin
This bruiser measures in at a ridiculous 6’2″ and 247 pounds. After averaging over 5.7 yards per carry in 2008, Clay recorded a season of 1,517 yards, and 18 touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry in 2009.
If his ankles hold up, he should easily finish the season as a top five collegiate fantasy back.
4. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma*
This season is Murray’s last big chance to make a splash.
His yards per carry have declined the past three seasons as he’s battled various injuries. A healthy season of solid production is exactly what Murray needs. He’s put even more pressure on himself by going on record saying 2,000 rushing yards are in reach.
Forget the talk about numerical benchmarks. Fantasy owners and NFL scouts would be just fine with him making it through the season unscathed.
5. LaMichael James, Oregon
James may just be the most talented running back on this list. Unfortunately, he may also have the most risk associated with owning him.
James burst onto the scene when LeGarrette Blount was suspended last year with 1,546 yards, and 14 touchdowns for the Ducks. He returns as the centerpiece to an extremely dynamic and creative offense under Chip Kelly.
Academics and off the field behavior are the biggest concerns with James. Owners have to hope he keeps his grades up and stays out of trouble. If he does, he’ll have another monster season.
6. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State*
The best back in Manhattan since Darren Sproles?
Thomas posted 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns last year for the Wildcats. At 6’2″ and weighing 227 pounds, he looks the part of a future NFL featured back.
7. Noel Devine, West Virginia*
Unlike Thomas, Devine looks nothing like a future NFL featured back. He measures in at just 5’8″ and 176 pounds.
So, what’s the big allure?
Devine is absolutely electric with the football. In the post Steve-Slaton era the past two seasons, he’s posted 2,754 yards, and 17 touchdowns. He should put up some monster numbers again in 2010.
Let the McCluster-like debate for the 2011 NFL Draft begin!
8. Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech
He isn’t nearly as talented as some other backs underneath him on this list (see Ingram, Mark), but that doesn’t matter in College Fantasy Football.
Allen is charged with replacing Jonathan Dwyer in one of the country’s most fruitful offenses for a running back.
Considering he averaged almost 10 yards per carry last year in limited action, the sky’s the limit.
9. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
Dave Wannstedt hoped the talented Lewis could fill the shoes of LeSean McCoy as a Freshman last season.
His amazing year of 1,799 yards, 17 touchdowns, and eight straight 100 yard games to finish the season left a legacy of its own.
He’s an easy choice as a top-10 collegiate fantasy back.
10. Shane Vereen, California*
Three PAC-10 running backs in the top-10? Absolutely.
He had nearly 1,200 yards from scrimmage last year while only starting four games as the backup to Jahvid Best. His 566 rushing yards in the final four games of the season were just a taste of things to come.
Vereen is poised to join Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and Jahvid Best as the next great running back from Cal.
11. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
12. Baron Batch, Texas Tech
13. Mark Ingram, Alabama*
14. Donald Buckram, UTEP
15. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech*
16. Derrick Washington, Missouri
17. Lance Dunbar, North Texas
18. Michael Smith, Utah State
19. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky
20. Alexander Robinson, Iowa State
21. Evan Royster, Penn State
22. Bryce Beall, Houston
23. Bernard Pierce, Temple
24. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
25. Montel Harris, Boston College*
26. Roy Helu, Jr., Nebraska
27. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford
28. Brandon Bolden, Mississippi*
29. Derrick Locke, Kentucky
30. Toben Opurum, Kansas
31. Mario Fannin, Auburn
32. Victor Anderson, Louisville
33. Frank Goodin, UL-Monroe
34. Larry Caper, Michigan State
35. Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic
36. Rodney Stewart, Colorado
37. Vai Taua, Nevada
38. Allen Bradford, USC
39. Daniel Herron, Ohio State
40. Damien Berry, Miami
41. Shaun Draughn, UNC
42. Caleb King, Georgia
43. Mikel LeShoure, Illinois
44. Andre Ellington, Clemson
45. Chris Polk, Washington
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I love the list. I was wondering though, has anyone put a preliminary list together of college RBs as they relate to future Dynasty Leagues in the NFL? I’d love to see how people rate Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Ryan Williams, Daniel Thomas, etc. Of course everything will change depending on what NFL team they go to but it’d be an interesting list.