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ACC Running Back Rankings

Written by Zach Bartlett

It's time for part two of the ACC position power rankings: Running Backs. Remember, the rankings are based on the strength of the starter primarily, but also on the total talent at the position to a lesser degree.

1. Georgia Tech- Jonathan Dwyer was the ACC Player of the Year last season as a sophomore. He ran for nearly 1400 yards, scored 12 TD's and did so while averaging 7 yards per carry. Dwyer's ability allows coach Paul Johnson's option offense an opportunity to make teams look foolish. The Jackets also return Roddy Jones, who ran for about 700 yards as a frosh. It's almost unfair when you toss QB Josh Nesbitt in the mix. The Ramblin' Wreck was over 1,200 yards more productive on the ground than the second best rushing team last year in the ACC (FSU). The stats are a product of the system, but the system obviously works.

2. Clemson- C.J. Spiller is the newest recipient of the Mike Hart award for seemingly being in college longer than Van Wilder. Though his rushing totals have decreased the past two seasons from his breakthrough debut campaign in 2006, he led the ACC in all-purpose yards last year and was fourth in touchdowns with 11. With the coaching situation resolved in Death Valley and Spiller's former "Thunder and Lightening" cohort, James Davis, playing for Eric Mangini in Cleveland, Tiger fans should expect large numbers from C.J..

3. Virginia Tech- The Hokies are deep with young talent at the running back position, but they really don't need to be, considering their starter is somewhat of a beast. As a red-shirt freshman Darren Evans exploded for over 1,200 yards and 11 TD's, and was named Orange Bowl MVP. If healthy, there's no reason to think he shouldn't improve or at least maintain those numbers.

4. Florida State- Antone Smith led the ACC last season in total TD's with 16, and I couldn't be happier he's gone. He averaged only 4.5 yards per carry, totaled just 61 yards per game, and if someone with decent seats sneezed hard enough, he'd fall over. This season however, Seminole fans should be excited about the running game. Sophomore Jermaine Thomas averaged 7.0 yards per carry last season, lost only 10 yards on the year, and has the ability to take over a game. Fellow second year player Ty Jones was hampered by injuries and health issues relating to his diabetes last season, but when he saw the field was electric. In addition, former JUCO standout Tavares Pressley was injured all last year, but the 220 lb back with 4.4 speed is healthy now and ready to contribute. With three talented backs running behind an experienced offensive line, the Noles ground game could be lethal.

5. Maryland- The Turtle finished 8-5 this past season and concluded the year with a bowl victory over Nevada. A huge reason why was the success of running back Da'Rel Scott. Scott was second only to GT's Jonathan Dwyer in rushing yards per game with 94.4, and managed to accomplish the feat while nursing a banged up shoulder.

6. Miami- The Hurricanes ranked sixth in rushing offense last season and should be improved this year if oft-broken senior Javarris James can actually make it through a whole 13 games. With Marve gone and the QB situation under control, the running duo of James and Graig Cooper could have a solid season. Cooper had 841 yards last year at a rate of 5 yards-per-carry and is widely believed to be more dangerous when he isn't an every down back.

7. Boston College- Though essentially quarterback-less the Eagles return a more than serviceable duo in the backfield. BC had over 2,000 yards on the ground last year and ranked fifth in the conference. Returnees Montell Harris and Josh Haden combined for 1,379 yards and 6 TD's last season as freshmen, and should be able to handle the extra workload. They'll need to since the mascot could be playing QB by week four.

8. North Carolina- The Tar Heels averaged 122.6 yards per game toting the rock last season, and have a couple young and skilled options at running back. Sophomores Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston are a nice 1-2 combo. Draughn gets the yards (866) and the 250 lb wrecking ball that is Ryan Houston gets the TD's (. Basketball walk-on, Greg Little should also see more carries this year.

9. Wake Forest- The Deacs ranked in the bottom third of the conference in rushing offense last season and don't know who's starting yet this year, yet coach Jim Grobe is quoted on Deaconsillustrated.com saying he's more than pleased with the running back position. Brandon Pendergrass, Josh Adams or Kevin Harris could be the starter in week one. Pendergrass and Adams shared the load for the majority of the year, combining for 930 yards, but Harris played well over the last two games averaging 5.3 yards per carry. All three are functional options, but like most WF football, nothing too exciting.

10. North Carolina State- The Pack rushed for 1,600 yards last season, but 767 of those yards are gone this year with the departure of Andre Brown. Seniors Jamelle Eugene and Tony Baker will be responsible for picking up the slack. Eugene was second on the team last year with 442 yards and 2 TD's, and Baker has missed most of the last two seasons with injuries, but was the #4 running back in 2005 according to scout.com. If Baker returns to any form NCST could be decent.

11. Duke- The Duke running back picture is various shades of grey; it's not god-awful, and it's not good. In the best-case scenario for Duke fans, the Blue Devil's ground game could border on mediocre. Jay Hollingsworth led the team in yards last season with 399 and should start, but Re'Quan Boyette, the leading rusher from 2007, is returning from knee injury and could also be in the mix. I'm sure this position battle is the talk of tobacco country.

12. Virginia- UVA had the worst rushing offense in the ACC last year and lost its only bright spot at running back with the exodus of Cedric Peerman, who averaged 5 yards-per-carry. Mikell Simpson, who tallied 262 yards in nine games, will probably get the starting nod. I know Cavs fans are stoked.