The Return of the Running Backs

When I approach drafting a fantasy team nowadays I look to draft wide receivers more than I do running backs, and honestly it's weird. When I first started doing fantasy football, running backs were all the rage as there seemed to be an abundance of game-changers like LaDainian Tomlinson, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, the Tennessee Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, a young Adrian Peterson, and I mean the list goes on and on. If you had two of these running backs, your team was stacked and had a good shot of winning the title. Now, there are very few elite running backs and this can be attributed to the college game becoming more spread offense oriented which has ultimately led the NFL to become a pass-happy league. Another issue is the lack of legit running backs coming from the college ranks, but all I have to say is that it will change very soon as the running backs in college football are the most talented group of running backs in a long time. Here are some of the backs that will hopefully bring the running back position's importance back to the NFL.

Paul Perkins, UCLA Jr., 5'11 210 lbs
2015: 58 carries, 429 yards, 7.4 YPC, 3 TD

Perkins smiles after the reporter asks if he misses Brett Hundley.

Who is this guy? Just the 2014 Pac-12 leading rusher but nobody seems to have heard of him. I just heard about him last week on ESPN College Gameday so as the Alabama - Ole Miss game seemed to be getting out of hand, I switched to the BYU - UCLA game to watch Josh Rosen and keep an eye out for this Perkins guy. Well, Rosen had 3 picks and Mr. Perkins ran for 219 yards and a touchdown as he carried the team to victory. Perkins has good speed and excellent explosiveness, but what I really took away after watching his highlights was how much of a weapon he was in the receiving game. Look for Perkins to be leave early and make an immediate impact in the NFL as a backup before taking claim on the starting role. Make sure to watch Perkins play this Saturday night as UCLA takes on Arizona.

Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State Jr., 6'1 225 lbs
2015 Stats: 61 carries, 331 yards, 5.4 YPC, 4 TDs

Elliot prepares to show the white population how to whip correctly after scoring a touchdown.

This guy is a stud. I think he is the best all around running back in college football. He is a beast running the ball, a weapon out of the backfield, and a running back who loves to block (which is very rare, much like a holographic Charizard). I think Elliot will be the first running back taken in the 2016 NFL Draft and will make an immediate impact in the NFL because he has the special ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. I know the Buckeyes have a bit of a quarterback battle, but Elliot needs to be touching the ball more, opening everything up for whatever quarterback is playing. People make such a big deal about Cardale Jones leading the Buckeyes to the championship, but it was actually Ezekiel who carried them to the first College Football Playoff title with 696 yards over the last three games of 2014.

James Conner, Pittsburgh Jr., 6'2 240 lbs
2015 Stats: Attempts: 8, Yards: 77, YPC: 9.6, TDs: 2

James Connor destroys the defender's face after he asked "What are thooooossseee"

Sadly, Connor suffered an MCL injury and is out for the season, which means college football fans will be missing the entire season. This is extremely sad as now there is even less of a reason to watch Pittsburgh football. Conner is a bruiser of a running back with great patience and vision, that allows him to bust big runs when there is seemingly nothing available. He is a monster of a human being and will be a workhorse of a running next year at Pitt and many years after that in the NFL.

Leonard Fournette, LSU Sophomore, 6'1 230 lbs
2015 Stats: Attempts: 47, Yards: 387, YPC: 8.2, TDs: 6

Fournette excitedly informs reporters he has accepted a sponsorship with Rogaine.

The best running back prospect in college football since Adrian Peterson. This guy is a certified stud and is by far the best 30 year old sophomore in the history of college football. Okay, he's (probably) not really 30, but you have to admit he is an old looking dude. Fournette has power, vision and speed, and very few defenders can take him down by themselves. If you missed his performance against Auburn this weekend, you missed an amazing performance as Auburn players tried to create new ways to tackle the ball carrier. Fournette has a great shot at becoming the first running back to win the Heisman since Mark Ingram in 2009, as Fournette will be asked to carry the ball 20+ times a game behind a very talented offensive line. He will be an immediate impact player in the NFL when he declares next year. Just sit back and enjoy this guy as he tears it up on the field and keep an eye out to see if he rocks the scary bald with a fierce beard look all year long.

Dalvin Cook, FSU Sophomore, 6'0 203 lbs
2015 Stats: Attempts: 64, Yards: 476, YPC: 7.4 TDs: 5

Cook tells the defense to stop cursing and be quiet please.

I believe he has the best vision of any running back in college football. He seemingly hits every hole, big or small, that the offensive line opens up. What is special about Cook is that he seems like he is not running hard but easily creates separation from the defense. If Florida State runs the table this year, Dalvin Cook better be in New York as he is the only consistent offensive weapon the 'Noles have right now. A truly special talent, who may go down as the greatest running back in Florida State history. Cook will go on to have an amazing career in the NFL as his exceptional vision, strength, and speed will make him a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

Nick Chubb, Georgia Sophomore, 5-10 220 lbs
2015 Stats: Attempts: 56, Yards: 468, YPC: 8.4, TDs: 4

Chubb is caught off guard as the reporter asked if he was bullied in middle school due to his last name.

Once you stop laughing at his last name and watch this guy play, you will be amazed. Chubb has breakaway speed and power which makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. The most impressive thing about Chubb is that he splits carries with two other running backs and still puts up big time numbers. While he does get the boatload of the carries, the opportunity to reduce wear and tear on your body is huge for Chubb and his future in the NFL. Similar to Cook, if Georgia runs the table, Nick Chubb better be in New York for the Heisman.

Honorable Mentions: Jalen Hurd, Tennessee; Derrick Henry, Alabama; Joseph Yearby, Miami; Royce Freeman, Oregon; Samaje Perine, Oklahoma; Nick Wilson, Arizona; C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame; Alex Collins, Arkansas

This is the year of the running back in college football and there is a high chance that at least two running backs will be in the running for the Heisman trophy. Enjoy this season and next, as Fournette, Cook, and Chubb all have to come back to school, and possibly use a draft pick in your fantasy league next year (aggressive but it will pay off) on any of these running backs. The running back is back y'all.

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