Watch out for these CFB RBs
The running back position is in a weird state at the moment. While the position does not get nearly as much love as it used to from the Heisman voters and the NFL draft, there are still plenty of quality runners all throughout the college ranks. The 2021 college football season has seen some surprise names, some underclass gems and the usual suspects shine. This week, they all have the ability to continue their stellar seasons. Who are some of the top backs to watch this week. With the sport chock full of talented backs, these are just five of the many players to take note of.
Kenneth Walker – Michigan State: vs Western Kentucky
Kenneth Walker has been a revelation for the Spartans. Averaging 7.3 yards per carry, Walker has helped lift Michigan State to a 4-0 record and an opportunity to keep on rolling this week. His vision, contact balance, and elusiveness in the open field have made him a Heisman candidate through the first third of the season. A draft eligible junior, Walker is going to be a name to watch if he chooses to declare. If he can find a way to add some receiving upside, he will be the first running back off the board.
Jashaun Corbin – Florida State: vs Syracuse
If there’s been one bright spot for the Seminoles, its sophomore running back Jashaun Corbin. Behind a porous offensive line, Corbin has managed 439 yards at a whopping 9.1 yards per carry. He has been a big play machine all season long and one of the main sources of offense in Tallahassee. Against a Syracuse defense that only allows 2.3 yards per rush, Corbin has a great test in front of him. Corbin, along with walk-on Treshaun Ward, provide the only real source of offense for Florida State.
Blake Corum – Michigan: Vs Wisconsin
From a running back perspective, this is absolutely the matchup of the week. Blake Corum has had a breakout season so far for Michigan as a true sophomore. However, he faces the vaunted Wisconsin defense this week, that is surrendering just over one yard per carry. The Badgers are giving up just 23 rushing yards per game. If Michigan is going to dominate a 1-2 opponent like many expect them to, then it will be on Corum to figure out a rushing defense that no one has been able to yet. Last week, Corum totaled 125 yards and three touchdowns with almost ten yards per carry.
Zonovan Knight – North Carolina State: vs Louisiana Tech
The 2023 running back draft class is going to be one of the best in the last decade. Another non-eligible player, Zonovan Knight has been the best player for the Wolfpack this season, and has helped them surge, including an upset win over the Clemson Tigers. Even with some down games, Knight is averaging 6.5 yards per carry and shows his patience on each and every run. The man that they call “Bam” is looking like another talented running back coming out of the ACC.
Isaiah Spiller – Texas A&M: vs Mississippi State
Going into the season, Isaiah Spiller was in the conversation for being the first running back selected in the 2022 NFL draft. With touchdowns in two straight games, it appears that he is starting to turn it on. With great speed in the open field, Spiller is a threat to score from any spot on the field. Running behind a very good offensive line, do not be surprised if Spiller starts to put up astounding rushing numbers in the very near future.
