The Diag's 2007 (almost) Never-Ending Football Preview: Big Ten RBs
The Big Ten is no longer just a "Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust" conference, but that doesn't mean the running back stables are empty. There is a ton of talent lining up in backfields across the conference.
1. Michigan: I know, I know, I'm a homer. And while that may be true, this ranking is deserved. Mike Hart is the best running back in the conference, and possibly the best in the entire nation - he may find himself in New York for the Heisman ceremony if he can stay healthy. There isn't a ton of depth, but Brandon Minor could start for a lot of teams in the country, and Mark Moundros/Vince Helmuth can open some holes at fullback.
2. Wisconsin: P.J. Hill is the heir apparent to take over the Big Ten's top RB spot when Mike Hart graduates - but he's already making a push for it, rushing for more than 1,500 yards last season. Even more than Mike Hart, though, he's been injury prone. His backup, Lance Smith, was suspended indefinitely and the book is out on John Clay and speedster Zach Brown. The fullbacks and line will be strong again - heck, it's Wisconsin, you know they'll pound the ball.
3. Iowa: Ohio State has more raw talent, but Iowa has a very steady 1-2 punch that should benefit from a line that absolutely has to improve from 2006. Albert Young struggled last season, but is a 1,000-yard back and second-stringer Damian Sims is an absolute handful for defenses. Tom Busch is a Cory Schlesinger-esque fullback who just rams people while mixing in an occasional carry or reception. There's not a ton of depth here, but the top of the ladder is sturdy.
4. Ohio State: This is Chris Wells' unit; he was the backup last season and showed glimmers of being a star. Can he handle being the No. 1 guy? Can he avoid turnovers? If both those come true, the Buckeyes' running game will be very tough. Maurice Wells is the No. 2 guy for now, but super recruit Brandon Saine figures to see plenty of action. Fullback Dionte Johnson is a good guy to have leading the way into holes.
5. Michigan State: Assuming Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick can stay healthy, MSU might move up this list - they are a potentially-dominant combination. Ringer is the talent back, who has been banged up, but can run and get out of the backfield to catch passes. Meanwhile, Caulcrick just lowers his shoulders and mashes into the line. With the Spartans' new offensive attack, and Drew Stanton gone, those two will have the ball a lot. Dwayne Holmes is serviceable at fullback, but this unit will be made or broken based on Ringer's health.
6. Minnesota: The Big Ten's other U. of M. has a standout No. 1 running back of its own in Amir Pinnix. Despite losing carries in the early season, Pinnix rushed for 1,200-plus yards and with the Gophers switching to a spread offense, he could find some holes vacated by defensive backs in coverage. The backups are decent - especially speedy Jay Thomas. Justin Valentine is one of the better FBs in the Big Ten, but how often a FB comes into play with the spread remains to be seen.
7. Northwestern: Outside of Michigan State and maybe Iowa, the Big Ten RB theme seems to be one superstar surrounded by some complimentary pieces. Tyrell Sutton is that superstar for the Wildcats, despite suffering through some unexpected time on the bench last year. The backups are average (at best) and the fullbacks won't offer much, but Sutton should eclipse 1,000 yards without a problem.
8. Penn State: This is a leap of faith based on Austin Scott's potential, bowl game performance and (current) health. If Scott can put a whole season together, he could be a stud in the Big Ten, especially with Anthony Morelli rapidly improving and a loaded WR group. The problem is that if Scott gets banged up again, Penn State will really have problems moving the ball on the ground as there is minimal depth.
9. Purdue: Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets are both skilled runners who can get the job done in Purdue's offensive system. But they're nothing flashy and nothing spectacular, you pretty much know what you're going to get from them. But both can also get out as receivers, which is 100% necessary for the Boilers' attack. Nothing too great, but they're fine for what Purdue asks.
10. Illinois: This is low for this Illini group, I'll admit it. I know Rashard Mendenhall is a good back and sort of a rising media darling as people start to pay attention to Illinois again. I just don't know if he's capable of carrying a running game on his own - and with Juice Williams jitterbugging all over the field, Mendenhall's role is slightly undefined. Also, his backup is Walter Mendenhall who used to be a linebacker and the starting fullback Russ Weil is a former linebacker. If Rashard Mendenhall gets nicked up, this unit won't rush for more than 100 yards all season.
11. Indiana: This is a unit that has some speed - Marcus Thigpen will start and has been a great return man and Demetrius McCray can fly. But can either run the ball effectively behind a mediocre line? It says here that they can't. Teams will pay extra attention to Kellen Lewis and the Indiana receivers, so there should be very few times that there are seven-plus defenders in the box. But will it matter?
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