April 10, 2006

By Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

Special to CSTV.com

Entering 2005, there was cause for debate in choosing the top running back prospect in the country. Reggie Bush eventually ran away with the title, but with he and several other notable backs moving on to the NFL, the debate stands no longer.

Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is the class of the position heading into the 2006 season, although there are numerous other backs who should enjoy monstrous efforts this fall. Perhaps most intriguing about the future is the versatility of today's backs. For every back with the prototypical size for the position, the flexibility of the collegiate game is creating the opportunity for star backs to come in all shapes and sizes.

Big backs are back en vogue with Louisville's Michael Bush and Rutgers' Brian Leonard leading the pack. Smaller backs continue to post incredible numbers. West Virginia's Steve Slaton, Michigan's Mike Hart and Northern Illinois' Garrett Wolfe, for example, appear poised to compete for conference rushing titles.

A detailed analysis of the country's top ten running backs, as well as several others to keep a close watch on:

1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma, 6-2, 218, JR: Adrian Peterson will claim his status as the nation's top collegiate running back with Reggie Bush off to the NFL. Peterson signed with Oklahoma as an elite prep talent, and it didn't take him long to live up to the hype. As a true freshman, Peterson finished with an OU-record 1,925 rushing yards despite starting just eight games. He finished second in the Heisman voting as a true freshman, the highest any freshman has ever ranked.

Unfortunately, Peterson was hampered by an ineffective passing offense and injuries in 2005. With quarterback Jason White graduating, the Sooners were led into battle by Rhett Bomar, and opposing defenses were able to crowd the line of scrimmage. That slowed Peterson considerably, and a nagging ankle sprain was even more bothersome. The injury caused Peterson to miss all or more than half of four games in 2005. He still led all Big 12 backs with 1,024 yards and once again earned consensus All-Big 12 honors. He possesses a spectacular combination of size, speed, strength and is a natural, fluid runner who can change directions easily.

2. Michael Bush, Louisville, 6-2, 248, SR: Bush is an incredible combination of size, speed and pure athleticism. He has the power as an interior runner that one would expect for a back of his size, but shows remarkable agility and breakaway speed for such a big man. He was named First-Team All Big East after setting the school record for rushing touchdowns with 23 and points scored with 144.

3. Kenny Irons, Auburn, 5-11, 202, SR: Irons stepped into the void at Auburn and earned First-Team all-SEC honors. A transfer from South Carolina, Irons averaged 5.05 yards per carry while rushing for 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also paced the conference with 117.6 yards per game in SEC games.

4. Brian Leonard, Rutgers, 6-2, 235, SR: A two-time first-team conference selection, Leonard is still underrated because he is technically a fullback. He has the frame to play fullback at the next level, but has too much athleticism and versatility in the running and receiving departments to be limited to the traditional lead-blocking fullback position.

5. Marshawn Lynch, California, 5-11, 215, JR: Lynch might be the nation's most explosive big-play artist after first exploding onto the scene as a true freshman backup behind J.J. Arrington. He finished 2005 with 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

6. Lorenzo Booker, Florida State, 5-11, 195, SR: Booker finished 2005 as the team's leading rusher and could enjoy a breakout 2006 season if quarterback Drew Weatherford keeps defenses honest.

7. Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois, 5-07, 174, SR: Wolfe remains relatively unknown because of attention on Reggie Bush and Peterson. He won the "Triple Crown" of the MAC Conference as a sophomore in 2004 and finished 2005 with 1,580 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

8. Steve Slaton, West Virginia, 5-10, 185, So: The reigning Big East Rookie of the Year, Slaton finished 2005 with 1,128 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. He is extremely slippery and versatile in Rich Rodriguez's offense.

9. Darius Walker, Notre Dame, 5-11, 200, JR: Walker rushed for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005. He is a talented, versatile back who will get NFL scouts’ attention despite lacking elite breakaway speed.

10. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern, 5-09, 190, So: Sutton rushed for 1,474 yards and 18 touchdowns as a true freshman, setting school freshman records and ranking among the nation's top 10 in rushing.

Others to Watch:

• Jamaal Charles, Texas, 6-1, 190, So: Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year with 7.4 yards per carry.
• Mike Hart, Michigan, 5-09, 195, JR: Struggled with injuries in 2005 but had a 1,455-yard freshman season in 2004.
• Gary Russell, Minnesota, 5-11, 195, JR: Finished 2005 with 1,130 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns backing up Laurence Maroney.
• Darren McFadden, Arkansas, 6-2, 210, So: Rushed for 1,113 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true freshman.
• Lynell Hamilton, San Diego State, 6-1, 220, JR: Returned from injury to post strong numbers in 2005.
• Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, 5-11, 228, So: Scored six touchdowns on limited carries as a freshman.

Rob Rang is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.