Let’s take a look at the ACC’s top returning Running Backs. There’s some good ones. The conference is loaded with solid backs.
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1) Dalvin Cook, Florida State
With Deshaun Watson at Clemson, and now Dalvin Cook at Florida State, the ACC enters 2016 with two 2 pre-season Heisman favorites. Cook is an elite back and future NFL 1st round pick. As a sophomore he rushed for for 1,691 yards and a whopping 7.4 yards per carry. This was in year he fought through various injuries.
A 100% healthy Cook, might be the best back in the country. Let me duck now from irate LSU fans.
2) Elijah Hood, North Carolina
I have one piece of advice for UNC Head Coach Larry Fedora. Feed Elijah Hood the ball. Hood averaged 6.7 yards per rush last season, and totaled over 1400 yards on the ground. He’s powerful back that’s difficult to bring down. The ACC knows Hood well, in 2016 the rest of the country will find out.
How about in game 1, North Carolina faces UGA and their great running back Nick Chubb?
3) Wayne Gallman, Clemson
Wayne Gallman gives Clemson that consistent, hard-nosed RB that they lacked for so many years. Gallman had over 1500 yards on the ground last season, and scored 13 TDs. He’s the perfect balance to Deshaun Watson, and all the strong Clemson receivers. Gallman doesn’t have track star speed, but he’s faster than you think.
4) Qadree Ollison, Pittsburgh
When James Conner missed last season while battling cancer, freshman Freshman Qadree Ollison stepped up and ran for 1,121 yards with 11 TDs. In wonderful news, Conner is cancer and ready to return. Conner was a potential All-American entering last season, and if he can approach his previous level of play Pitt would arguably have the best backfield in the country.
Yes I said country.
5) Travon McMillian, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech hasn’t had the running game we expect from them in several years. Travon McMillian has the potential to be Hokies best running back since David Wilson. Starting only 7 games, McMillian still ran for over 1000 yards. In a full season, he could easily top 1500 yards or more.
McMillian can take it to the house anytime he touches the ball with 3 runs of over 50 yards, and 7 runs over 20 yards last year.
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4 pings
Max says:
June 6, 2016 at 8:05 am (UTC -5)
Is this assuming James Conner does not come back?
Jfann says:
June 6, 2016 at 8:47 am (UTC -5)
I just couldn’t put him in the top 5, after being out for a year. I do mention him, and if he returns to his 2014 self, he is probably #2 or at worst #3 on this list.
Max says:
June 7, 2016 at 7:04 pm (UTC -5)
Gotcha. Very good list. And I enjoy reading your work.
Jfann says:
June 8, 2016 at 9:47 pm (UTC -5)
Thanks for reading!