Top 6 Running Backs in the Pac-12
By Mark Allen
The Pac-12 has some very talented Running Backs that go under the radar because nobody is really talked about besides DeAnthony Thomas.
1. Stephan Taylor.
Stephan is overall the best back in this conference. He ran for over 1,300 yards this past season and averaged 102.3 yards a game last season. Some people are going to overlook Stanford because they no longer have Andrew Luck, that’s not a good decision. Stanford didn’t rely on Luck 24/7. Stanford’s game plan is to run the ball and that’s what they will continue to do with Taylor. He’s proved he is very tough to stop but the only issue is people won’t have to worry about Luck anymore.
2. Kenjon Barner
Barner will definitely see most of the carries for the Ducks this season. Barner played very well last season and almost got 1,000 yards last season. Definitely can do that this season, now that he is the number one guy in Eugene. The fifth year senior and DeAnthony Thomas are the best RB duo in the country. Both will be very hard to stop.
3. John White IV
White is definitely my favorite RB in this conference. He’s 5’8” and 190 pounds, but his style is very different. For being as small as he is, he is a bruiser and has the speed to take it to the house every time. White ran for 1,519 yards and 15 touchdowns.
4. Isi Sofele
Sofele ran the ball for 1,322 yards last season along with 10 TD’s. He’s another back that goes a little under the radar but will have to be relied on a lot, If Cal want’s to contend for a Pac-12 title. Sofele is a very productive back.
5. Curtis Mcneal
Mcneal is a small back but runs very powerful for a guy his size. Mcneal rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Mcneal will be a key guy for USC with the addition of Silas Redd, this will be a very dangerous duo.
6. DeAnthony Thomas
DeAnthony isn’t very big and isn’t going to pound you but that’s not necessary. The Black Mamba is one of the fastest players I’ve ever seen. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a good chance that he’ll score. He can play both RB and WR for the Ducks and has very good hands.