Top 5 College Running Backs of the Year
There have been numerous high-level performances at the running back position. The top running backs in college football have stolen the show this year, and one has made history.
Here is the list of the year’s top 5 college running backs. Check out the list presented by
TwinSpires and see the mind-blowing numbers that these top RBs put up.
Cam Skattebo: Arizona State
There’s no better player to start off our top 5 college running backs of the year list than Cam Skattebo. The ASU senior feels that he is being overlooked this year and has been out to prove he’s the best.
Skattebo has put up big numbers this year, which includes averaging 130.7 rushing yards per game and 19 TDs. He saved his best performance for last in the Big 12 Championship game rushing for 170 yards and scoring 3 TDs.
Cam put ASU in their first college playoff appearance and improved his draft stock potential.
RJ Harvey: UCF
The only bright spot in UCF’s terrible year was having one of the top 5 college running backs of the year. Senior RB RJ Harvey did his best to bring some life into this bad UCF team.
Harvey averaged 6.7 yards per carry put up 1577 yards this year and averaged 131.4 per game. He also broke the school’s record for touchdowns by scoring his 48th touchdown in his last college game. Don’t be surprised to hear RJ’s name get called at next year’s NFL draft.
Tahj Brooks: Texas Tech
Texas Tech is historically known for producing top receivers, but Tahj Brooks is the exception. This year, Brooks made his name as one of the top 5 college running backs of the year.
The Red Raiders went 8-4 this year and Tahj played a big part in their winning season. On the ground, Brooks averaged 136.1 rushing yards per game and gained 1505 yards on the year.
He’ll look to help earn Texas Tech a win in the Liberty Bowl against Arkansas to wrap up the season.
Omarion Hampton: North Carolina
North Carolina didn’t have a great year, but Omarion Hampton showed out his junior year. Hampton was the 2nd ranked college running back of the year and was almost unstoppable.
The Tar Heel junior gained 1660 yards, scored 15 TDs, and averaged 138.3 per game this season. Don’t be surprised to see NFL scouts give him a big score before next year’s draft.
Ashton Jeanty: Boise State
Of all the top 5 college running backs of the year, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is on another level. Janty has put up staggering numbers this year and put on a show every time he played.
The Boise State Junior averaged an unfathomable 192 yards a game and currently has 2497 rushing yards. Ashton is close to breaking the legend Barry Sander’s single-season rushing record. If Jeanty breaks the record in the CFP, he’ll likely be a top-5 draft pick.
