Fantasy College Football Rankings: RB

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson 5-11 195 4.34 40 time
   Despite the Tigers turmoil last season, Spiller still managed to have an impressive campaign rushing for 1,042 yards with 10 TDs. Don't get fooled by the relative 'low' number of yards. The reason was twofold: he shared carries with James Davis and, more importantly, Clemson's QB situation was a mess all year. Because the team will break in a new QB, expect Spiller to have a monster first half of the season. Numbers that could put him on some Heisman watch lists. A 1,500+ and 20 TD season is very much possible.
2. Jonathan Dwyer*, Georgia Tech, 6-0 227 4.45
   Much everybody expected a Yellow Jacket running back to have a good season. After all, the Jackets shifted offensive philosophies in one short year. A relative backward pro-style system was phased out in favor of new head coach Paul Johnson's vaunted flex bone offense. With the new offense came a ton of ground yards and nobody gained more that Dwyer. His 1,395 yards and 12 TDs (7 yard per carry) will be easy duplicated, if not surpassed in 2009.
3. Joe McKnight*, USC 6-0 200 4.39
   His numbers, 659 yards 2TDs and 21 receptions, are not eye opening stats. But if one's take in consideration he share the Trojan backfield with three other highly touted RBs and a record setting QB, then his numbers become more impressive. Much as in the Tigers' case, McKnight will benefit early on because the team will be introducing a new signal caller. Should be able to topple the 1,000 mark and with this offense, a 20 TD season is not out of the question. A sleeper pick.
4. Chris Brown, Oklahoma 5-11 206 4.47
   How could a RB who rushed for 1,220 yards and scored 20TDs received does not rate higher in this list? The answer is not a simple one. First, Sam Bradford's amazing season eclipsed almost all other stars. Second, he is not as flashy as other backs in the country. In a wide open, passing offense, he managed only 5.7 ypc. Still, making the 1,000 mark should not be a problem. Scoring 20 touchdowns should be.
5. Noel Devin*, West Virginia 5-8 177 4.31
   One of the fastest backs in the nation, Devin is very similar to former WVU standout Steve Slaton. In fact, he is slightly better inside runner. All he did last year as QB Pat White's running partner was to rush for 1,289 (6.3 per carry). If that wasn't enough, he caught 35 balls for 185 more yards. This is a special player with a ton of potential. A home run threat every time he has the ball in his hands. Nothing less than a repeat performance is expected.
6. Caleb King*, Georgia 5-11 209 4.40
   This could be viewed as a reach by some, but if you look down the surface, everything is falling to place for him to have a breakthrough 2009. He rushed for only 247 in a limited role. He did not distinguish himself in 2008. Nevertheless, with RB Moreno and QB Stafford in the NFL, King should have a more robust role in the offense. A 1,000+ season is not out of the question and with his speed and cutback ability, a 15TDs year is neither.
7. Jahvid Best, California 5-10 195 4.37
   The back nobody talks about is primed for a monster season. Despite gaining 1,580 yards with 15TDs and with an amazing 8.1 per carry; Best is not that well know outside the Pacific coast. This will change, if he stays healthy, in 2009. Could move up quickly with a hot start. A similar season, number wise, will be tough to duplicate, but if he somewhat managed to do it, an invitation to the Downtown Athletic Club will be waiting him in December. A dark horse.
8. Evan Royster, Penn State 6-1 212 4.49
   A big back from a Big 10 team, sound familiar? Royster is more than a big back. He is deceptive faster than his clocked time and has great hands. He is also the Nitty Lions big hope to break the school's infamous streak of RB bust in the NFL. With an establish QB and a solid offensive line, equaling last season numbers (1,236-12TDs 6.5 per) should not be a big deal.
9. Charles Scott, LSU 5-11 223 4.61
   Scott is the book definition of a workhorse running back. He seldom makes the corner and struggle in the second level, but near the goal line is another story as his 18 touchdowns speaks. A revelation last year for Coach Les Miles, Scott should be able to match his scoring numbers. But anything above it would be a welcome surprise for the Tigers faithful.
10. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State 6-1 240 4.56
    A Scott clone. A big and bruising back that lacks top end speed to be an outside threat but a demon inside the Red Zone. Ran for 'only' 869 yards in a very thought SEC. In a team with little offensive talent, Dixon will be a marked man. Defense will focus on him inside the 20 which should make his production slip. Still, there is something intriguing about him. Something that can carry over the 1,000 thresh hold.