Gordon II, Jeanty Lead the Way
There is a good core group of running backs this season that will be become household names for college football fans. One running back who won’t get a chance to shine is Texas’ CJ Baxter, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice.
Here’s a look at the top five running backs this season.
Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Gordon is coming off a monster sophomore campaign in which he rushed for 1,732 yards on 285 carries and 21 touchdowns. He was also a key cog in the Cowboys’ passing game, hauling in 39 receptions for 330 yards and one score. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Gordon is a beast to take down.
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
At just 5-foot-9, 215 pounds, Jeanty is a defense’s nightmare when he has the ball in his hands. He’s coming off a sophomore season in which he ran for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns. Jeanty added 552 yards rushing and five scores.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
A Doak Walker Award finalist last season, Hampton racked up 1,504 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns. That’s the second most rushing yards in a season in North Carolina program history.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Judkins comes into the season as arguably the most impactful transfer at a skill position. In his two seasons at Mississippi, Judkins ran for 2,528 yards, 31 touchdowns. He decided to transfer to traditional running back-rich Ohio State. He’ll make a nice tandem with TreVeyon Henderson.
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
After a phenomenal junior season, Brooks has a good shot at leaving Texas Tech as its all-time leading rusher. With 3,052 carry yards, Brooks is just 1,167 yards behind Byron Hanspard for the top spot.
