CFB Freshmen RBs To Watch
Continuing our look at freshmen recruits to watch, we turn the focus to the running backs. There are plenty of options to bolster your fantasy roster and grabbing a back with a late-round pick is a solid gamble to take. Although some running backs may redshirt and some may change positions to get on the field faster, it is important to watch these guys very closely in 2007. Additionally, as the start of the 2007 season gets closer, be sure to monitor running back battles in some of the smaller conferences. A fantasy breakout player could come from the MAC, WAC or Sun Belt, especially where the depth chart is a little thin and a freshman is harder to keep off the field.
-- Good Bets To See Significant Carries --
Joe McKnight, Marc Tyler, Broderick Green - USC
Make no mistake, the Trojans are loaded with future stars in the backfield. Although Chauncey Washington, C.J. Gable and Emmanuel Moody were solid last year ? these guys could be better. McKnight and Tyler were considered to be among the top players in all high school action last year ? a potentially scary thought for Trojan opponents isn?t it? Look for all three players to jump into the running back depth chart immediately.
Noel Devine - West Virginia
Devine was the top running back prospect by some recruiting services and the speedster made everyone wait a little longer to find his college destination. Although he leaned with the Mountaineers all along, he didn?t make his decision until March and his decision likely made Coach Rodriguez breathe a little easier about the depth behind Steve Slaton for 2007. As Steve Slaton battled wrist injuries last season, his absence showed a clear lack of depth behind him and the Mountaineer spread offense wasn?t as effective. There's one question concerning Devine will he qualify The word on Devine hasn't been kind to his grades, which means the Mountaineers will be sweating it out until fall camp.
Robert Hughes, Armando Allen - Notre Dame
Darius Walker is out of the picture and the Irish backfield is looking a little thin. The Irish are facing the possibility of starting the 2007 season with two true freshmen starting at the skill positions in the backfield. If Travis Thomas does not lock down the job in fall practice, Hughes or Allen will get every opportunity to win it. The safe money says Hughes or Allen will start out the season seeing significant carries, especially with the Irish breaking in a new quarterback.
Caleb King - Georgia
The Bulldogs are solid with Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin taking carries, but don?t count out King in the rotation. In addition to battling those two, King will also compete with redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno. Moreno had a great spring, which included 68 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. King and Moreno are the future of the Bulldog offense and although Lumpkin and Brown start ahead of them on the depth chart, Mark Richt can?t keep these guys on the sidelines for long.
Jahvid Best - California
Need to replace Marshawn Lynch? No problem. Best is 5-10, but he?s got great speed ? including a 10.39 second time in the 100 meter dash. Justin Forsett is the Golden Bears? top back, but think back to 2005 and 2006 when Lynch started, but Forsett saw plenty of action. Simply, Best will be too good to keep off the field and is another toy for offensive guru Jeff Tedford.
Bo Williams, Chris Rainey - Florida
Considering the Gators struggled to run the ball last year, these two freshmen will be expected to start right away. Additionally, the need for a running back became even more apparent during the spring, when Mon Williams suffered a knee injury and is out for the year. Rainey is only 5-9, but he?s incredibly explosive and has a knack for the end zone, as evidenced by his 90 touchdowns in high school. Williams brings more power to the backfield and enrolled in the spring, which means he?s already been through drills and has a leg up on Rainey going into the fall.
-- The Next Tier --
Enrique Davis - Auburn
Auburn and running backs are two things that usually go hand-in-hand and that isn?t going to slow down anytime soon. With Davis entering the depth chart, the Tigers have become even more loaded at this position. Brad Lester and Ben Tate are expected to shoulder the load for the Tiger offense in 2007, but let?s not look past Davis. In the SEC you can never have too many good backs and he?s a player to watch as the depth charts sort out close to the season opener.
Lennon Creer - Tennessee
Current Vol LaMarcus Coker found his stride during the 2006 season, but offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe isn?t afraid to let his freshmen play. If the rushing game stalls and sputters like it did in 2006, Creer could see significant action and develop into a solid player this year. Coker, Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty all return, but Foster and Hardesty were inconsistent and the lack of a consistent running game showed in the Volunteer losses last year.
Robert Elliott - Mississippi State
Say what you want about Sylvester Croom, but he?s recruited well and the Bulldogs finally have some players in place. Expect Anthony Dixon to be the unquestioned starter in the Bulldog backfield, but Elliott is too good to keep on the sidelines. Expect a backup role, but if Dixon goes down, Elliott?s a nice option to have.
Others to watch: Brian Maddox, South Carolina; Dale Martin, Louisville; Raymond Carter, UCLA; Marcus Mendoza, Nebraska; Jamar Taylor, Alabama; Joseph Reese, Arizona; Terence Kerns, West Virginia; Antwain Easterling, Southern Mississippi; Daniel Herron, Ohio State; Curtis Shaw, Washington
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