10. Alex Collins, Arkansas
Coming out of high school, Collins was the top running back recruit in the nation. Since enrolling at Arkansas, the attention around him has cooled off, but that is more related to the team’s success than his. Collins is an explosive running back that runs with power in his legs. He can be a deadly downhill runner, but also has the agility and top speed to beat teams in space. Unfortunately, Arkansas’s passing offense is horrendous, which allows defenses to defend the run more freely. Collins does not get the attention he deserves, but make no mistake that he is one of the most talented runners in the country.
9. Derrick Henry, Alabama
Based on talent alone, Henry would be higher on this list. That said, Henry will not even be the starting running back in Tuscaloosa, hence why he is a bit lower than he should be. His end-of-year stats will simply be too low. Regardless, Henry is an athletic monster. At 6’3” and 238 pounds, Henry is a human train. His display of raw power is a thing of beauty. On top of his sheer power, Henry’s quickness, long speed, and lateral agility is surprising for his size. Henry will not see the bulk of the carries, but when he gets his chance, the defense will be begging for mercy.
8. Jay Ajayi, Boise State
Every football fan loves to see a classic example of manpower and violence from certain positions, such as running back, linebacker, and safety. Ajayi provides that. Ajayi is a loose, violent runner that has only one goal: plow through the defender in front of him. He is the type of running back to trudge on for a few extra yards while two defenders are hanging on his back. To compliment his power, Ajayi’s has the North/South speed to break off huge runs. He may not be the quickest running back in the nation, but his power and speed alone make him a menacing runner.
7. Kelvin Taylor, Florida
Following in the footsteps of his father, Taylor is the next best star running back in Gainesville. Taylor is a do-it-all type that can make you look silly in a number of ways. Taylor runs low, making him a compact runner that can more easily bounce off tacklers. Running low also makes Taylor’s change of direction smoother, which compliments his quickness well. Aside from athletic traits, Taylor has wonderful vision. Even behind Florida’s mediocre offensive line last season, it was evident that Taylor was finding perfect running lanes.
6. TJ Yeldon, Alabama
Yeldon is one of the most established running back in the nation. For the past two seasons, he has been a key piece to Alabama’s success. He is a strong, commanding runner that uses his leg drive to win at the line of scrimmage. Although, what makes Yeldon special is his balance. He has an uncanny ability to stay on his feet while he bounces off defenders. In many ways, Yeldon runs like Adrian Peterson. Both run upright and violent, yet balanced and graceful. Of course Yeldon is not as talented as Peterson, but he is certainly talented enough to once again be one of the most productive runners in the nation.
5. Leonard Fournette, LSU
A freshman in the top five seems absurd, but Fournette is a freak of an athlete that will likely assume the bulk of the carries immediately. His mixture of speed, power, and size is rare. Fournette truly is a man among boys. Even as a freshman, Fournette will tear up the SEC and give Todd Gurley a run for his money as the best back in the conference.
4. Byron Marshall, Oregon
Marshall is a typical Oregon running back, but arguably the best one they have had since Jonathan Stewart. Marshall has incredible speed that can easily allow him to stride past defenders. His speed makes rushing lanes wider than they appear, in a sense, because he gets to and through them faster than most running backs. If Marshall finds space, he will make you pay. With De’Anthony Thomas no longer in the picture, Marshall will be able to produce even more.
3. Mike Davis, South Carolina
It's tough to say one of the more publicized running backs in the nation is underrated, but here we are. Davis may be seen as one of the best running backs in the conference, but his talent is underplayed. He is a versatile runner that commands positive yardage. Now, Davis will not necessarily plow anyone over, but he bounces off tacklers left and right. What makes Davis special as that he is also rather agile, which helps him be the receiving threat that he is. With South Carolina likely to depend on their rushing attack a bit more in 2014, Davis will rack up plenty of yards.
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Player-to-player comparisons are seldom spot on, but Gordon is a carbon copy of Jamaal Charles. Both his style and physical traits are nearly identical to Charles. He is a quick, fast running back that tears teams apart in space, but is willing to lower his shoulder if need be. In regards to running and running only, Gordon may be the most talented running back in the nation, but his lack of display of any receiving ability puts him just under Gurley.
1. Todd Gurley, Georgia
For the past two seasons, Gurley has absolutely dominated the college football circuit. He runs through and over those who dare stand in his way. The fearlessness and ability to break tackles that Gurley displays is what makes him as terrifying as he is. That said, Gurley has impressive top speed for his size and is a deceivingly good receiver. Last season, Gurley struggled with some injuries, but still tore up defenses when he was on the field. After an off-season of rest, Gurley will go out with a bang as he makes a case for himself to be the first running back drafted in the first round in three years.