2023 CFF Running Back Rankings, Profiles and Projections

After nine College Fantasy Football drafts, the running back position appears very deep in 2023. My preferred RB strategy is to acquire a top six ball carrier to anchor my roster, and pound the position in the middle rounds for depth, hoping that one becomes a CFF star this season.

I participated in a CFF Best Ball draft the other evening, opening with Quinshon Judkins with the sixth-pick overall and grabbing Audric Estime in the fifth round as a second ball carrier. Later, I obtained some sneaky PPR runners—Michael Wiley (8), Blake Watson (14), Trevor Etienne (15) and Victor Rosa (23).

In the Summa Cum Laude Mock, I also kicked off the draft with Judkins with the fourth-pick this time. Patiently, I waited until the eighth round to acquire my second runner Etienne. For depth, I chose Kaleb Johnson (10), Adrian Robbins (12) and Rosa (16). I need just one to pop on the field, becoming a difference-maker in my lineup each week.

When drafting a CFF backfield, be open-minded and follow the value that is presented by opponents’ selections and ADP. When other drafters take players in my que, I do not panic and immediately pivot to another runner. Clever fantasy managers understand the intersection of ADP and player in drafts.

CFF RB Tiers

I have placed the running backs in tiers—Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude—to provide flexibility for CFF managers based on their league’s scoring format, roster construction and starting lineup requirements. I have also provided fantasy projections for all the players. Current CFF ADP provided my Campus2Canton.com, one of my favorite sites in the industry.

If you want to come back to the analysis later, you can always skip ahead to my CFF running back rankings and projections.

Summa Cum Laude

Quinshon Judkins, Mississippi

Team Offense (Rank): 496.4 ypg. (8)

Rushing: 256.6 ypg. (3)

Scoring: 33.5 ppg. (28)

2022 FPPG (Judkins): 22.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 4.4

Coach Lane Kiffin is praised for his offensive acumen as a play caller. He assisted with coordinating the run game at Alabama from 2014-16, and Derrick Henry won the Heisman (2015) and Damien Harris surpassed 1,000 yards (2016). As coach at Florida Atlantic in 2019, Kiffin guided Devin Singletary to a 1,900-yard rushing campaign and third-round NFL Draft pick.

Last year, Kiffin uncovered another backfield star in freshman Quinshon Judkins. A three-star prospect, Judkins took the job away from Zach Evans in Oxford, MS and prevailed over opponents all season. The Alabama native established school-records with 1,567 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He was also named First Team All-SEC.

The Rebels have ranked among the Top 12 running teams in the nation over the past two seasons, and with four returning starters on the offensive line, there is no reason to believe that Kiffin’s unit won’t dominate up front again. Judkins is an easy smash among the top three picks in CFF drafts.

Notebook: “Coach Kiffin and coach Kevin Smith recruited me throughout my whole high school career. It meant a lot. For them just to show up, it really shows that they gave up their time for me. I love Oxford and the people, most definitely my teammates and coaches. I just love this community and wouldn’t (want to) be anywhere else,” Judkins reflected on his recruiting journey (therebelwalk.com).

Raheim Sanders, Arkansas

Team Offense (Rank): 471.4 ypg. (15)

Rushing: 236.7 ypg. (7)

Scoring: 32.5 ppg. (34)

2022 FPPG (Sanders): 21.0

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 8.8

Two SEC ball carriers stand atop the CFF running back rankings in 2023. At 6’2” and 237 pounds, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders and QB KJ Jefferson, 6’3” and 246-pounds, form the biggest and baddest QB-RB duo in the nation. Coach Sam Pittman’s ground game and RPO scheme is going to be a problem for defensive coordinators and opponents, which means fantasy points in abundance.

A four-star recruit in high school, Sanders played running back, wide receiver and linebacker and caught 24 passes for 391 yards and four scores as a senior along with 317 rushing yards and four touchdowns. In 2021, he earned SEC All-Freshman honors after rushing for 578 yards and five touchdowns along with 11 catches for 109 yards and a score.

As a sophomore last year, Sanders gained national attention when he rambled for 1,443 rushing yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry (ypc.), logged 28 receptions for 271 yards and scored 12 times—rushing yards were the fourth-best all-time at Arkansas, ranking second in the SEC and thirteenth in the nation. He was named First Team All-SEC by the AP and USA Today. I expect another stupendous season for Sanders this year in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Notebook: “Rocket is a competitor. He’s a guy that’s mature for his age. I think he can handle the load that he’s getting right now…As long as he’s not tired, we’re going to give him the ball,” coach Sam Pittman stated last year (swtimes.com).

Rasheed Ali, Marshall

Team Offense (Rank): 397.9 ypg. (57)

Rushing: 205.9 ypg. (17)

Scoring: 24.5 ppg. (89)

2021 FPPG (Ali): 28.3 

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 8.0

As a redshirt freshman in 2021, Rasheed Ali led the nation in rushing touchdowns with 23 and rambled for 1,401 yards. He also recorded 46 catches for 342 yards and a touchdown. Ali was recognized for his efforts with First Team All-C-USA and Freshman All-America honors.

Last year, the Marshall ball carrier was ranked as a Top 10 selection overall by the CFF community. Unfortunately, Ali suffered a knee injury in training camp and took an undisclosed leave of absence, missing the first ten games of the campaign. It was the first time in his life that Ali had suffered a challenging injury, and he needed time to work through the recovery process.

When he returned to the field, Ali suited up for the final three games and earned 47 carries for 273 yards and a score. He only secured two passes for 10 yards. Ali participated in Spring practices and looks primed to regain the mojo he had two years ago. In 2023, he might lead the nation in rushing yards, which will help CFF managers win a ring.

Notebook: “My knee feels great. I feel stronger and faster than I ever have, honestly…coming back, you work so hard, you do so much. I put in three years of work on one leg in four months, so I feel a lot stronger,” Ali proclaimed in April (wchstv.com).

Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Team Offense (Rank): 363.6 ypg. (90)

Rushing: 179.8 ypg. (45)

Scoring: 26.3 ppg. (76)

2022 FPPG (Allen): 18.4

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 19.0

During my long CFF tenure, it has been very easy to target Wisconsin running backs and plug them into your weekly lineups—James White, Corey Clement, Montee Ball, Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor. Even before dabbling in CFF, I loved watching Heisman winner Ron Dayne piledrive opponents and Michael Bennet speed past would-be tacklers for the Badgers.

Two years ago, Braelon Allen burst onto the college football scene with a 131-yard performance against Illinois in early October. In the next six outings, the 17-year old freshman surpassed 100 yards in each game, including a whopping 228 versus Nebraska. When the crusade concluded, he had rambled for 1,268 yards and scored 12 times. Afterwards, the accolades came rolling in: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award finalist, Walter Camp Freshman All-American, consensus Second Team All-Big Ten and Las Vegas Bowl MVP.

In 2022, Allen proved that his true freshman season was not a fluke. He strolled for 1,126 yards and ten scores. He earned consensus Second Team All-Big Ten and Guaranteed Rate Bowl Offensive MVP with 116 yards on the ground.

Wisconsin needed to reboot the program after a downward slide over the past three years and hired former Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell to upgrade the club. Fickell hired offensive coordinator Phil Longo, a 33-year coaching veteran, from North Carolina.

After decades of a ground-and-pound run game, Longo is expected to tweak the offense to a more modern scheme. He knows how to improve the efficiency and production of a team, and Allen is by far the top playmaker in Madison, WI. Look for the junior runner to earn career-best touches, including catches, in a new and improved scheme.

Notebook: “We talked about his (Allen) potential, his development of what he could do…He is a really young kid. But most of our conversations have been getting to know each other. I asked him to have that blind faith, to trust us and believe (in) us, in what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it,” coach Fickell said after coming to Wisconsin (Jsonline.com)

Kevorian Barnes, UTSA

Team Offense (Rank): 476.0 ypg. (12)

Rushing: 176.3 ypg. (49)

Scoring: 36.8 ppg. (13)

2022 FPPG (Barnes): 10.9

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 31.0

Since the 2020 season, I have watched countless UTSA games since the 2OT victory against Texas State three years ago. Both QB Frank Harris and WR Zakhari Franklin have been productive CFF players and decorated many of my rosters over the past two campaigns.

In the backfield, Sincere McCormick produced back-to-back 1,400-yard campaigns in 2020 and 2021. Last year, Brenden Brady started for the Roadrunners at running back to open the season and led the club in carries with 156. Nevertheless, Kevorian Barnes paced the team in yards with 851 despite not earning significant carries until the FIU contest in October.

The game aired on a Friday night and Barnes caught my attention with 128 yards on 20 carries. He finished the season with six rushing touchdowns and averaged 6.3 ypc. He also grabbed 10 passes for 113 yards. At 5’9” and 215-pounds, the sophomore runs with power and packs a punch. With Brady no longer at UTSA, Barnes is in line to lead the backfield for one of the more explosive offenses in the country.

Notebook: “Sophomore back Kevorian Barnes, who got his first start (C-USA Championship Game) because of an injury to regular Brady, capitalized on the featured back role with 28 carries for 175 yards—both career highs—and a TD,” the Associated Press (AP)  issued after the victory over North Texas.

Will Shipley, Clemson

Team Offense (Rank): 410.3 ypg. (47)

Rushing: 177.9 ypg. (46)

Scoring: 33.2 ppg. (29)

2022 FPPG (Shipley): (19.4)

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 27.6

Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh believed that teams should pass for the lead and run to win the game. Few teams embraced the philosophy better than the 49ers in the Eighties with Joe Montana and Roger Craig. In the first decade of the 21st Century, the Patriots had the near-perfect combo with Tom Brady and clock-killin’ Corey Dillon.

Clemson did not perform well on offense last year, and coach Dabo Swinney hired offensive coordinator Garret Riley from TCU to jump-start the offense. The Tigers are in an interesting position with Will Shipley and Phil Mafah bringing different skills to the backfield. I assume rational coaching, and Riley will employ the short-passing game with QB Cade Klubnik and Shipley to take the lead. Afterward, bruising teammate Mafah will be the fourth-quarter closer in Death Valley.

With the ambiguity of clear roles in the Clemson backfield, I am clearly one of the few CFF experts who believe in Shipley as a high-end fantasy producer. The junior ball carrier is rostered on many of my Dynasty, DEVY and redraft teams already…I am all in on Shipley. The best part: Astute CFF players do not have to use a high draft pick to acquire the Tigers’ runner.

One of the nation’s most vigorous and versatile playmakers, Shipley kicks off the upcoming season with 1,920 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. He also totalled 358 receiving yards on 54 career receptions. He has tallied 27 career kickoffs for 704 yards (26.1 avg.). Last year, he finished as CFF RB No. 18, scoring 270.5 fantasy points, and the season before as a freshman, he produced 171.6 points. He will certainly establish new career highs in 2023.

Notebook: “Shipley possesses the speed and vision to wreak havoc on defenses, consistently delivering big plays. He converted an impressive 18.09% of his carries into gains of 10 or more yards, placing him among the nation’s leaders. Moreover, Shipley’s physicality, athleticism, and ability to effortlessly execute hurdles make him a versatile threat. He excels as a pass-catcher and is also involved in kick returns, accumulating an average of 124.9 all-purpose yards in 2022,” Oliver Hodgkinson noted (clemsonwire.com).

Twitterverse on Fire!

Among the non-Power 5 programs, who is the under-the-radar running back you have the most confidence in producing over 15 points per game in PPR formats?

• Jermaine Brown, UAB: 24%
• Jalen White, Georgia Southern: 20%
• Samson Evans, Eastern Michigan: 34%
• Harrison Waylee, Wyoming: 22%

“I lean Samson Evans over Jermaine Brown and Jalen White. Not as keen on Harrison Waylee.” @aceholesrule

“I voted for Samson Evans.” @CffDfs

“I need to talk about Samson Evans! They gave him the keys last year, and he went off for close to 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns…Evans is a CFF gemstone.” @NinoBrown_T2T

“I believe Samson Evans has the highest ceiling of the four. In 2022, he had a few weeks where he completely disappeared. But more than made up for it in the last five games of the season, including 250-plus yards against Arizona State.” @BigWormPerm

“We’d go with Samson Evans. The others have the potential and should be ‘the guy’ for their teams, but Evans had over 22 points in seven games last year, including four of his last five games. He’s the most proven of the bunch. He also had over 16 fantasy points in six of his last seven outings.” @CFFLists

“Jermaine Brown in my opinion: I’m surprised that he was not first in this poll.” @TheCaptainFF

Magna Cum Laude

Trey Benson, Florida State

Team Offense (Rank): 484.2 ypg. (10)

Rushing: 214.1 ypg. (13)

Scoring: 36.1 ppg. (15)

2022 FPPG (Benson): 14.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 30.6

Coach Mike Norvell has upgraded the talent in Tallahassee after three seasons. The Seminoles are loaded on offense with five returning linemen, three of whom were starters. The returning O-line members combined for 44 starts last season and the line acquired two key contributors in the transfer portal: OT Jeremiah Byers (UTEP) and OG Casey Roddick (Colorado). The line anchors a unit that led the ACC in rushing and scoring.

Of course, the biggest beneficiary of outstanding blocking will be Trey Benson, who forsake starting his professional career to return to campus. Benson originally attended Oregon for two seasons, but moved South to play at Florida State.

Last year, the 6’1” and 221-pounder nearly reached 1,000 yards rushing with 990. He crossed the finish line nine times and caught 13 passes for 144 yards. Moving up 2024 NFL Draft rankings, Benson is poised for a huge season in Norvell’s high-octane running game. The Seminoles’ ball carrier is a worthy selection in the second round of drafts.

Notebook: “We have big expectations, but there’s no pressure because of the teammates we have. The chemistry, the bonding, and we keep building team chemistry. Oregon had a lot of guys, you know, coming back and returning and it was a great offensive line. But our offensive line, this year is going to be special,” Benson stated (tomahawknation.com).

La’Damian Webb, South Alabama

Team Offense (Rank): 423.7 ypg. (37)

Rushing: 156.8 ypg. (62)

Scoring: 31.2 ppg. (46)

2022 FPPG (Webb): 19.9

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 35.2

For 11 seasons, South Alabama has competed at the FBS level in the Sun Belt Conference. In the first decade, the Panthers never won double-digit games and twice posted double-digit losses. In 2022, 36-year-old coach Kane Wommack led the program to its first 10-win season and third bowl appearance, losing to Western Kentucky 44-23.

Seven members of the team earned All-Sun Belt (SBC) honors, including La’Damian Webb, who was named to the SBC First Team at running back. A junior, Webb scampered for 1,067 yards, secured 21 catches for 213 yards, and scored 15 times.

A three-star prospect in high school, Webb garnered first team all-state as a senior after posting 1,740 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. In 2019, he embarked on the JUCO route, playing at Jones College. In 2020, he enrolled at Florida State and earned 69 carries, rushing for 366 yards and three touchdowns.

Afterward, Webb returned to Jones College in 2021. He was named First Team all-Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) after leading the NJCAA with 1,399 yards on 221 attempts and scoring 14 times—which ranked fifth in the country.

At 5’7” and 208 pounds, Webb has found a program in which he can shine in Mobile, AL. It is possible that Webb earns an invite to the annual Senior Bowl (in Mobile) if he improves on last year’s production, which is clearly in the realm of outcomes.

Notebook: “…one of the biggest recruiting wins that we will have this offseason, to keep Webb on our team for another year. I think everybody is aware now of how dynamic he is and how much impact he has on our team, especially when he’s healthy. He did some great things this (past) season, and to put that back-to-back is going to maximize his opportunities in his NFL career,” coach Wommack proclaimed (AL.com).

Blake Corum, Michigan

Team Offense (Rank): 458.8 ypg. (24)

Rushing: 238.9 ypg. (5)

Scoring: 40.4 ppg. (6)

2022 FPPG (Corum): 23.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 13.8

For years, I frustratingly watched Michigan lose matchup after matchup against Ohio State. The Wolverines’ Neanderthal-like offensive scheme frustrated me beyond belief. Finally, after two consecutive victories over the Buckeyes (and two CFP appearances ), I no longer complain about coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense.

Since 1978, I have witnessed all of the great backs (Butch Woolfolk, Tyrone Wheatley, Tim Biakabutuka, Jamie Morris, Anthony Thomas and Mike Hart) in Ann Arbor: Blake Corum might be the best of all. Before enduring an injury that limited his production last year, Corum received some Heisman buzz for his performance. On 247 carries, he sprinted for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was named unanimous First Team All-American and Amech-Dwayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year.

At 5’8” and 210 pounds, Corum excels in tight spaces and flourishes in Harbaugh’s run scheme. Michigan has captured the past two Joe Moore Awards (for best offensive line) and returns three starters. The program brought in three transfer linemen, who will ensure the ground game continues to pound opponents. If 100% healthy, Corum is a rock-solid CFF producer in 2023.

Notebook: “A lot of things went into my decision to come back for one more year. For me, it was really just unfinished business. I had the opportunity to go to the next level but I came back for a better cause. How do I want to be remembered? Am I fine with being Corum, a good Michigan running back, or do I want to be a legend?” Corum rhetorically asked in a recent interview (SI.com).

Damien Martinez, Oregon State

Team Offense (Rank): 396.0 ypg. (60)

Rushing: 196.5 ypg. (28)

Scoring: 32.2 ppg. (37)

2022 FPPG (Martinez): 11.5

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 35.2

Former NFL star Steven Jackson is the finest running back who has suited up for the Beavers (the school’s all-time fourth leading rusher) in my 40 years watching college football. In 2022, Damien Martinez is knocking at the All-American door and CFF stardom in Corvallis, OR.

As a true freshman last year, Martinez erupted halfway through the season as he totaled 982 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He caught four passes for 61 yards and logged six-consecutive 100-plus yard outings, becoming the first ball carrier to do so at Oregon State since Jackson in 2003.

Martinez earned a plethora of awards in 2022: First Team Freshman All-America (The Athletic), Third Team Freshman All-America (College Football News), First Team Pac-12 honors and Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. At 6’0” and 215-pounds, the sophomore is poised for another sensational season behind an O-line returning all five starters, and CFF owners will reap the rewards of the Beavers’ devastating ground game.

Notebook: “I am very blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to work with Oregon State legend Steven Jackson, and I am honored to be named brand ambassador for OBS (Lifestyle Brand). I have an affinity for the brand’s mission and believe student-athletes understand that overcoming tough times is part of the journey to becoming great,” Martinez stated last January after inking a NIL deal (nildealnow).

Sieh Bangura, Ohio

Team Offense (Rank): 421.2 ypg. (39)

Rushing: 143.1 ypg. (72)

Scoring: 31.8 ppg. (40)

2022 FPPG (Bangura): 20.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 26.2

Ohio stands among the gentry of G5 programs in the nation for College Fantasy Footballers. Last year, the Bobcats posted a 10-3 mark, making it to the MAC Championship Game, losing to Toledo, and the Arizona Bowl, beating Wyoming.

One of the keys to the team’s success was Sieh Bangura, who started 12 games for Ohio. The redshirt sophomore sauntered for 1,078 yards on 222 attempts and scored 13 touchdowns. A three-down back, Bangura secured 27 passes for 226 yards and two scores.

When the season concluded, Bangura was named Third Team All-MAC and Freshman of the Year in the Conference. The Bobcats return both tackles, a guard and the center along the O-line with only one new starter. Bangura will see plenty of holes in the run game and produce a plethora of fantasy points in 2023.

Notebook: “My offensive line and all my teammates have been behind me. And my mom is my number one supporter, I love her to death,” Bangura remarked last October after the victory over Akron (thepostathens.com).

Frank Gore, Jr., Southern Mississippi

Team Offense (Rank): 349.3 (99)

Rushing: 141.8 ypg. (78)

Scoring: 25.3 ppg. (82)

2022 FPPG (Gore): 19.8

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 34.0

Southern Mississippi has not been a fertile ground for CFF luminaries. Over the past 15 years, there are few memorable players who made an impact on CFF rosters—QB Nick Mullins (2013-16), QB Austin Davis (2008-11), WR Quez Watkins (2017-19), and WR Michael Thomas (2014-15). In the backfield, only RB Ito Smith (2014-17) immediately comes to mind until Frank Gore, Jr.

A three-star recruit, Gore, Jr., son of former NFL star Frank, played at Killian High in Miami, FL but was not even ranked among the top 100 players in the state. He was only RB No. 63 by 247Sports and garnered limited attention from schools.

Gore originally committed to Florida Atlantic but backed away when former Owls’ coach Lane Kiffin moved to Mississippi: The Owls’ loss became the Golden Eagles’ gain. Since arriving on campus, Gore has led the team in rushing each season, including a career-best 1,382 yards with nine touchdowns last year.

During his tenure in Hattiesburg, Gore has rambled for 2,891 yards—sixth all-time at the school—with 16 touchdowns and caught 48 passes for 471 yards and a score. If he logs another record-setting campaign (over 1,647 yards), Gore would conclude his career among the top two rushers for the Golden Eagles. While it might be a long shot, CFF owners will be rooting for the fourth-year ball carrier to smash the aforementioned goal.

Notebook: “Frank’s a special guy. He’s really learned how to be a leader and handle the responsibility of being Frank Gore, Jr. He has embraced that, and he’s embraced the whole deal of to whom much is given, much is required. Once Frank gets in the secondary, the first person never tackles him. He has a chip on his shoulder,” coach Will Hall asserted after Gore’s 329-yard record-setting bowl game (mississippiscoreboard.com).

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Team Offense (Rank): 490.7 ypg. (9)

Rushing: 192.4 ypg. (32)

Scoring: 44.2 ppg. (2)

2022 FPPG (Henderson): 13.2

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 44.8

I wonder how recency bias is affecting the current ADP of TreVeyon Henderson. Last summer, he was a consensus top-five selection in CFF drafts. A year later, Henderson falls into the third round of most drafts and sometimes into the fourth.

A five-star prospect and the No. 1 ranked RB coming out of high school, Henderson easily transitioned to a higher level of competition. As a true freshman, he was named Second Team All-Big Ten and Freshman All-American after sailing for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding 27 catches for 312 yards and four scores.

In Ohio State history, the rushing yards were the second-most by a freshman, including a school freshman-best 270 against Tulsa. He also established a program freshman record with 19 touchdowns scored.

Unfortunately, the Buckeyes’ dynamic game-breaker broke a bone in his left foot in the third game of the 2022 season and never fully recovered. He played in only eight contests and gained a paltry 571 yards, registered four catches for 28 yards, and scored seven times. Positive reports are abundant in regard to Henderson’s health heading into training camp, and if he returns to his 2021 level of production, CFF diehards who drafted the Ohio State runner might win their leagues.

Notebook: “I’m finally getting that confidence back and getting going again. I started doing some individual work, but they want to keep me out of team work just to be safe. When I come back, they want me to come back for good,” Henderson said back in April (The Athletic).

Twitterverse on Fire!

Among running backs, who is most likely to lead the nation in receptions out of the backfield?

• Blake Watson, Memphis: 20%
• Edward Saydee, Temple: 10%
• Michael Wiley, Arizona: 34%
• Donovan Edwards, Michigan: 36%

“Michael Wiley for me. Back-to-back 30-plus grab seasons on an improving offense that lost a key weapon. I think he grabs 43 passes and leads the nation in catches by running backs.” @aceholesrule

“I voted for Michael Wiley on this list. But have the feeling Will Shipley may get a lot of catches out of the backfield this year!” @rahuggins3

“Donovan Edwards is the obvious choice here but Blake Watson’s speed, hands and elusiveness could replicate an Antonio Gibson-like season for Memphis, and Watson becomes a fantasy darling.” @NinoBrown_T2T

Cum Laude

Ja’Quinden Jackson, Utah

Team Offense (Rank): 466.9 ypg. (17)

Rushing: 217.6 ypg. (11)

Scoring: 38.6 ppg. (11)

2022 FPPG: 9.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 28.2

Coach Kyle Whittingham’s ground game provides terrific options in the backfield nearly every season for CFF players. During Whittingham’s 18-year tenure on campus, Tavion Thomas, Zack Moss, Joe Williams, and Devontae Booker all rushed for over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns in a season for the Utes.

A four-star recruit, Ja’Quinden Jackson was a high school All-American and all-state selection in Texas. ESPN rated Jackson as the No. 2 overall prospect in the state and No. 28 on the ESPN300 list. As a senior, he passed for over 1,700 yards, added over 1,000 yards on the ground, and totaled 37 touchdowns passing and rushing. In 2020, Jackson enrolled at Texas and transferred the following season to Utah.

In 2022, three ball carriers gained over 500 yards for the Utes, and Jackson finished third on the team with 531 on 78 carries. To close out the campaign, the 226-pounder strolled for over 100 yards in back-to-back games against Colorado and versus USC in the Pac-12 Championship game. Jackson stands atop the depth chart heading into training camp and a stupendous second ball carrier on a fantasy roster.

Notebook: “Spring ball served as the time for Jackson to work on the finer details of the position. He has incredible athletic ability for a man of his size, as well as the natural instincts to be effective as a running back. He took spring ball to expand his game, where he improved as a pass catcher and as a blocker in pass protection schemes,” Steve Bartle reported in mid-May (247Sports.com) 

Marquez Cooper, Ball State

Team Offense (Rank): 384.2 ypg. (70)

Rushing: 155.7 ypg. (65)

Scoring: 23.2 ppg. (98)

2022 FPPG (Cooper): 19.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 35.6

Marquez Cooper played three seasons at Kent State before moving over to MAC opponent Ball State over the winter. After finishing second in the league with 1,326 rushing yards and 13 scores last year, Cooper earned First-Team All-MAC honors. He produced the fifth-best single-season total in Golden Flashes’ history, averaged 132.7 YPG, and recorded the sixth 240-plus yard performance in school history against Ohio.

In 2021, Cooper was named Second Team All-MAC after scampering for 1,205 yards and 11 touchdowns. Not used in the passing game, the former Kent State runner only snagged 18 passes for 189 yards during the past two seasons. In 2020, he led the team in rushes (56), yards (282) and touchdowns (5).

Last year, Carson Steele paced the Cardinals in rushing with 1,556 yards but he now plays on the west coast for UCLA. Cooper steps into the lead role at Ball State. At 5’6” and 184-pounds, he is a dynamic, quick, elusive, and game-breaking runner. The Cardinals will certainly lean on Cooper, and I project a third-consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2023.

Notebook: “I’m very versatile in this offense, bringing speed, making people miss, and making explosive plays. You’re gonna see me lined up in a lot of different places this season and it’s gonna be good for us,” Cooper vocalized during Spring practices (thestarpress.com) 

Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Team Offense (Rank): 433.6 ypg. (33) 

Rushing: 181.1 ypg. (44)

Scoring: 35.8 ppg. (19)

2022 FPPG (Singleton): 16.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 45.2

When playing fantasy sports, I tend to target so-called ‘my guys’ who I draft time and time again. It has happened in fantasy baseball, football, basketball, DFS and CFF over 35 years playing alternative-reality sports. Last year, Nicholas Singleton was ‘my guy’ in CFF, and I selected the Penn State runner on seven of my nine teams.

In redraft leagues, the freshman ball carrier was very good: He scampered for 1,061 yards, corralled 11 passes for 85 yards and scored 13 times. In CFF Best Ball formats, he was even better, surpassing 20 fantasy points six times, including a season-best 30.9 versus Ohio in his first game at Happy Valley.

For his efforts, Singleton earned the Big Ten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year award, AP Big Ten Newcomer of the Year and FWAA Freshman All-America honors. His 12 rushing touchdowns were a freshman program record, and Kaytron Allen and Singleton became the first freshmen tandem in Conference history to rush for over 700 yards each. Singleton became the third Nittany Lions’ freshman to reach 1,000 rushing yards in a season, joining Saquon Barkley in 2015 (1,076) and D.J. Dozier in 1983 (1,002).

Last year, Singleton weighed 219 pounds as a true freshman. After a year in the Penn State strength program, the super sophomore is now listed at 224 pounds and looks stronger and bigger heading into training camp. If Singleton was assured over 250 touches, he would be ranked among my top 10 runners. Regrettably, Allen will clearly amass significant touches, curbing Singleton’s fantasy upside.

Notebook: “You talk about a freaks list? If I had a candidate, Singleton would be the one right there. Nick approaches training the same way Saquon (Barkley) approached training, the same way Miles (Sanders) approached training. He’s the same dude every day,” Penn State strengthening and conditioning coach Chuck Losey uttered in June (readingeagle.com).

Audric Estime, Notre Dame

Team Offense (Rank): 396.2 ypg. (59)

Rushing: 189.1 ypg. (35)

Scoring: 31.8 ppg. (41)

2022 FPPG (Estime): 14.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 40.6

Marcus Freeman’s coaching career did not start well last year, losing his first two games of the crusade against Ohio State and Marshall. In the two losses, Audric Estime only trudged for 54 yards on 19 attempts and scored once.

The Fighting Irish lost only two more games the rest of the season. In both outings, the defense stymied Estime: He carried the ball 14 times for 100 yards in the two contests. The formula for success was pretty simple last year. Give the pigskin to the 5’11” and 227-pound bowling ball and let him pummel opponents.

When the curtain closed on the campaign, Estime headed the Notre Dame ground game with 920 rushing yards and 11 scores, which rank tenth-most all-time in a single season for the Irish. He carried the ball 156 times, averaging 5.9 YPC and snagged nine passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. The junior pile driver will easily establish career highs in carries and surpass 1,200 yards in 2023.

Notebook: “Audric Estime knows it’s his time. He knows what it takes to be great and has been determined to get better week-to-week, game-to-game and year-to-year. He is laser-focused on being in the best shape possible entering 2023 and has his eyes on a great season for Notre Dame and possibly entry in the NFL Draft,” John Kennedy asserted (fightingirish.usatoday.com).

Rodney Hammond, Jr., Pittsburgh

Team Offense (Rank): 405.8 ypg. (49)

Rushing: 183.0 ypg. (41)

Scoring: 31.3 ppg. (41)

2022 FPPG (Hammond) : 11.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 47.6

One of my favorite comics as a kid in the Seventies was Marvel’s What If? I devoured every issue and the stories always made me think. Well, what if Rodney Hammond did not get injured last year? Would Israel Abanikanda be in a New York Jets uniform for the upcoming season?

Hammond was atop the depth chart leaving training camp and started the season opener versus West Virginia but left the game with an injury, missing the next five outings. By the time he returned, Abanikanda had elevated and secured the lead back for the Panthers, and Hammond played second fiddle in Pittsburgh.

The third-year runner finished the season as the second-leading rusher with 460 yards and five touchdowns. In the Panthers’ victory over UCLA in the Sun Bowl, Hammond was named Most Valuable Player after rushing for 94 yards and two scores.

As a high school prospect, ESPN graded the Norfolk, VA native as one of the nation’s top 20 running back recruits. He played defensive back, intercepting six passes, and as a running back, he scampered for over 1,500 yards and 18 scores. In 2020, his high school team did not play due to COVID-19.

In 2021 as a freshman, Hammond illustrated his skills with 504 yards on the ground and five touchdowns while adding eight catches for 57 yards. CFF managers no longer have to ponder the what if question in regard to Hammond’s potential. He is in line to stockpile the majority of carries and touches out of the backfield for the Panthers.

Notebook: “The day before Abanikanda came out and said he wasn’t coming back, we talked (for) a long time…I got kind of hyped knowing it was my (turn). I have a different kind of mindset this year. A lot to take on with me being the starter, trying to carry the team,” Hammond stated in March (insidethepanthers.com)

Re’Mahn Davis, Kentucky

Team Offense (Rank): 324.7 ypg. (115) 

Rushing: 116.2 ypg. (107)

Scoring: 20.4 ppg. (111)

2022 FPPG (Davis): 16.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 70.0

I first noticed Re’Mahn Davis when his Tweets crossed my feed. Immediately, I treasured his handle, @MrHeisman7, which is still his account. There is no doubt that Davis has mastered Twitter as well as maximized the transfer portal to improve his draft prospects and further his football career.

In 2019, Davis kicked off his college career at Temple with 936 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, earning First Team Freshman All-America (PFF). In 2020, he endured a season-ending injury and received a medical waiver.

The four-year runner has played the past two seasons at Vanderbilt. Yet, only suited up for three games in 2021 before suffering another injury. Finally healthy last year, he strolled for over 1,000 yards and posted five 100-yard outings, including a career-high 167 versus South Carolina.

For his career, Davis has gained 2,512 yards (4.6 ypc.) on 547 carries while reaching the end zone 15 times. A three-down back, the newest Wildcat has netted 61 receptions for 439 yards and five scores. CFF owners can pencil in another 1,000-yard campaign with double-digit scores for Davis as a member of the Wildcats.

Notebook: Davis announced his transfer on Twitter: “What’s up @DevinLeary1? You got room for ya dawg. On my way @UKFootball (Kentucky). Committed. Let’s ride #BBN.”

Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Team Offense (Rank): 458.8 ypg. (24)

Rushing: 238.9 ypg. (5)

Scoring: 40.4 ppg. (6)

2022 FPPG (Edwards): 17.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 79.6

Joe Goodwin, my Fantrax teammate, featured the Michigan backfield in his recent College Fantasy Football’s Dynamic Duos article and both playmakers are in my top 24 ball carriers. Looking at the final statistics of the Wolverines, the offense nearly produced two 1,000-yard rushers: Corum with 1,463 and Edwards with 991.

In 2022, Edwards shined when given the opportunity in the backfield. He scored over 25 fantasy points four times, and after Corum got hurt down the stretch, the third-year tailback earned over 20 carries in the final three games without his All-American teammate. Edwards eclipsed 100 yards in each, including a career-best 216 versus Ohio State. The next week, he was named the Big Ten Championship Game MVP with 185 rushing yards and a touchdown.

At 6’1” and 204 pounds, the electric ball carrier shined immediately in Ann Arbor, MI with 55 touches for 439 yards from scrimmage as a freshman. As a recruit the year before, 247Sports evaluated Edwards as a four-star prospect and the No. 4 RB in the nation. CFF managers cannot rely on Edwards as a lead back each week. Nevertheless, he provides massive upside as a second runner on a roster.

Notebook: “The way I look at it, Blake Corum and I are friends first. For me, I looked at things that I could take from him (as a runner). People always mention the little Corum shuffle, right? How he presses on people’s toes, makes the safety miss, and scores every single time. That’s something I looked at from a competitive point where I could try to emulate,” Edwards responded to a question at a recent youth football camp (247Sports.com).

Samson Evans, Eastern Michigan

Team Offense (Rank): 364.7 ypg. (87)

Rushing: 140.8 ypg. (82)

Scoring: 29.8 ppg. (54)

2022 FPPG: 19.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 62.0

Last year, Samson Evans surfaced in the Weekly Waiver Wire Gemstones article after he torched Arizona State for 258 yards on 36 attempts. At the time, Evans was rostered on only 13% of CFF teams.

In nine games after the 33-fantasy point outburst, the Eagles’ runner produced over 20 fantasy points five times and finished the campaign as CFF RB No. 29 in PPR formats, scoring 235 points. The 6’0” and 208-pounder ran for 1,166 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-MAC honors.

A three-star prospect in high school, Evans lettered for four years in football and was a one-time captain while playing quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker. He holds career school records for rushing yards (6,386), rushing touchdowns (111), passing touchdowns (31), and touchdowns (155). As a senior in 2018, he was named Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year. In 2018, he enrolled at Iowa and played two seasons for the Hawkeyes before transferring to Eastern Michigan.

During his first two years on campus in Ypsilanti, MI, Evans only wore the Green and White uniform in 16 games and earned 124 carries for 518 yards. A graduate student in 2023, the robust runner will shatter MAC defenders again and help CFF managers.

Notebook: “Samson’s the real deal, he runs really hard. We really believe in him. We didn’t run the ball particularly well in the first couple weeks and I think our guys wanted to prove that we can,” coach Chris Creighton said after the upset victory over Arizona State (Associated Press).

Jase McClellan, Alabama

Team Offense (Rank): 477.1 ypg. (11)

Rushing: 195.5 ypg. (30)

Scoring: 41.1 ppg. (4)

2022 FPPG: 12.1

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 44.6

I have to give credit to my friend and CFF prognosticator Jared Palmgren for opening my eyes to Jase McClellan. When I  started drafting in March, I did not target any Alabama runner, ranking McClellan low. Nevertheless, Jared continued to select McClellan in our drafts, and I decided to do more homework on the Tide’s backfield.

Coming out of high school in 2019, McClellan was a consensus four-star prospect and one of the top running backs in the nation. The Aledo, TX native was graded as the No. 6 player in his home state, participated in the Under Armour All-American Game, and competed in “The Opening” as a senior.

As a freshman in 2020, he worked mostly on special teams and recorded the longest run (80 yards) from scrimmage for Alabama. An injury derailed his sophomore campaign. On special teams, he did block a punt and return it for a score. Against Southern Mississippi, he started in the backfield and carried a team-best 12 times for 97 yards and scored on a pass reception of nine yards.

In 2022, McClellan finished second in rushing with 655 yards on 112 carries to go with a team-high tying seven touchdowns. As a pass catcher, he logged 14 receptions for 174 yards and three scores. In 22 career games, the senior has snatched 25 passes for 272 yards and six touchdowns.

During his coaching career, coach Nick Saban has been very loyal to upperclassmen, who have remained in the program and worked hard for the team. Reading reports, it is clear that Saban wants to return to a more ground game approach on offense, and McClellan is the starter in the backfield when camp opens. He is in line to smash the 1,000-yard barrier and score double-digits TDs for CFF coaches.

Notebook: “McClellan brings more physicality than (Jahmyr) Gibbs between the tackles as a runner. The 5-foot-11, 212-pounder is an all-around playmaker that gives the Tide toughness, speed, vision, quickness, and versatility. Alabama’s offensive line enjoyed blocking for McClellan last season because they loved how the native Texan finished runs,“ Stephen M. Smith forecasted (tdalabamamag.com).

Devin Neal, Kansas

Team Offense (Rank): 438.6 ypg. (31)

Rushing: 184.2 ypg. (38)

Scoring: 35.6 ppg. (20)

2022 FPPG: 16.2

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 80.2

Coach Lance Leipold impressed me at Buffalo: He posted a 37-33 mark, captured two MAC East Division crowns, earned three bowl invites and logged two bowl victories. In a surprising move, Leipold took the job at Kansas in April 2021 and guided the Jayhawks to an 8-17 record in two seasons.

A three-star recruit, Neal remained in his hometown to play for Kansas and has been very good. As a freshman, he gained 707 rushing yards, seized seven passes for 57 yards and scored nine times. Neal collected co-Big 12 Newcomer of the Week (10/25) and honorable mention All-Big 12.

Last year, the sophomore tailback exploded for his first 1,000-yard crusade with 1,090 yards and nine scores. He added 21 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown. Neal was named honorable mention All-Big 12, and after his 224-yard performance versus Oklahoma State (11/5), he earned the Doak Walker Award of the Week and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.

Leipold’s offense brings back 90% of the unit’s production and employs one of the best offensive lines in the Big-12. Despite playing in a terrific scheme with talented teammates, Neal is still overlooked in CFF drafts with an ADP in the seventh round. The Jayhawks’ playmaker is on four of my nine redraft/Best Ball rosters (44%) so far and two Dynasty teams.

Notebook: “A Lawrence native, it’s hard to argue anyone on the roster has more of a personal stake in coach Leipold’s rebuild than the 5’11” and 210-pound Neal, who has the potential to make it in the NFL at a position that prioritizes youth,” beat reporter Jordan Guskey asserted in April (cjonline.com).

Michael Wiley, Arizona

Team Offense (Rank): 461.9 ypg. (20)

Rushing: 143.5 ypg. (70)

Scoring: 30.8 ppg. (47)

2022 FPPG: 19.4

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 94.8

I added Michael Wiley to the Twitterverse poll because I wanted to open CFF diehards’ eyes in regard to the Arizona playmaker: He finished second in the voting. In my projections, Wiley logs 48 receptions for 390 yards, making him a PPR stud in 2023.

In the annual Territorial Cup game last season, Wiley smashed Arizona State with 214 rushing yards and three touchdowns, adding three catches for 51 yards, netting 46 fantasy points. He concluded the campaign with 771 rushing yards (third in the Pac-12), 36 receptions for 349 yards and 11 scores, earning honorable mention All-Pac 12.

During his last two years in high school, Wiley totaled 2,632 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns and caught 35 career passes for 416 yards and four touchdowns. He was a three-star recruit in 2018 and received offers from Yale and Princeton before signing a letter of intent with Arizona.

Wiley could have left the program over the winter but decided to return for another crusade. It is great news for the Wildcards and CFF managers. In 2023, I have selected Wiley on many of my rosters as the third or fourth running back. Are you also interested in rostering the Arizona pass-catcher?

Notebook: “I wanted the most amount of information to make the decision the right way. I think Coach (Jeff) Fisch and Coach (Scottie) Graham did a good job of giving me the most information I needed to make the decision. I decided to come back. I’m happy to do that and happy to finish my legacy here,” Wiley said in an interview during the spring (wildcatauthority.com).

Twitterverse on Fire!

Outside of the top 36 running backs, who are you seeking to acquire in your CFF drafts?

• John Lee Eldridge, Air Force: 19%
• Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: 39%
• Cody Schrader, Missouri: 20%
• Jabari Small, Tennessee: 22%

“So many good options here (except Jabari Small). I’ve probably acquired the most Cody Schrader shares, but I definitely have a boatload of John Lee Eldridge and have certainly targeted Ashton Jeanty (I think I’ve been sniped three drafts in a row on Jeanty).” @CFF_Jared

“Gimme Johnny Eldridge. We saw what Brad Roberts did last year: 1,500 yds for Air Force while Eldridge had 700-plus yards. He is now in the lead role…gimme the 1,300 yds guaranteed.” @NinoBrown_T2T

“Ashton Jeanty is a star. Cody Schrader is intriguing. Jabari Small might be slept on just a tad. John Lee Eldridge might be over-valued, and doesn’t play the ‘superback’ position.” @CffNation

“I’m rolling with Cody Schrader just based on what his coach has said. If you think John Lee Ethridge is a replacement for his predecessor, then you have to be intrigued there too.” @VolumePigs

“It’s Ashton Jeanty Seazon!” @CffDfs

“Going with Jabari Small. We think Vols’ runner at least matches last year’s 15 FPPG and has proven to be a touchdown machine.” @CFFLists

“Ashton Jeanty is still, at best, in a 50/50 timeshare. More interested in him in a CFF dynasty or C2C league than in a 2023 seasonal league.” @ekballer

“I like John Lee Eldridge the most but Cody Schrader is tempting. Nathaniel Peat burned me last year so I’m a little hesitant there.” @BigWormPerm

“I have my doubts about John Lee Eldridge in that offense, but if he gets the work, the volume will be sick.” @RunTheWaggle

2023 CFF Running Back Rankings and Projections