With the 2009 Quarterback Rankings behind me, time to shift focus to the backfield. The Top 3 should be no surprise, but I mixed up the next few slots. There are few teams in the league that simply are not getting the respect they deserve (and fans of those teams, you can send me thank you e-mails. Although I prefer a 6-pack).

- Harlon Jordan

1 – Georgia Tech
Jonathan Dwyer
2008 : 200-1395|12|7.0|107.3
vs ACC: 134- 904| 7|6.8|113.0

The 2008 season was a special one for Dwyer. He garnered ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-ACC honors. Shined in the first season of Paul Johnson’s option offense, running for almost 1400 Yards while scoring 12 TD’s. Set a school record for longest run with an 88 yarder against Miss State. Led the ACC in Rushing Yards per game (107.3), Yards per carry (7.0), 2nd in rushing TD’s (12), and 2nd in Scoring (TD’s) per game (6.2 Points). If Johnson decides to actually pass a little more in ‘09, you could see Dwyers numbers get even better.

Roddy Jones
2008 :  81- 690| 4|8.5| 53.0
Torched rival Georgia for 214 Yards on just 13 carries (school record 16.5 Yards per Carry). Otherwise stayed quiet but consistent in ‘08, playing a 3rd string type of role behind Dwyer and running QB Josh Nesbitt.

2 – Virginia Tech
Darren Evans
2008 : 287-1265|11|4.4| 90.4
vs ACC: 163- 738| 3|5.3| 92.3

Evans broke out as a true freshman in ‘08. Had a season high 253 Yards in a 23-13 win versus Maryland, and was the first VT player to score a TD in first 6 games of career. Was also the first VT freshman to rush for 1,000 Yards, and set a school record for TD’s by a freshman. Finished with 1,265 yards which was the highest ever for ACC Freshman RB. Earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors as well as 2nd Team Freshman All-America mention.

Ryan Williams/Kenny Lewis

Lewis only saw 64 carries due to an injury suffered in week 6, but given a healthy ‘09 season, should provide solid back-up reps when Evans needs a break – that’s assuming he beats out stud RB Ryan Williams, who red-shirted in ‘08.

3 – Clemson
CJ Spiller
2008   : 116- 668| 7|5.4| 52.4
vs ACC:  71- 379| 4|5.3| 54.1

Probably the most electrifying player in the nation, Spiller has the ability to turn the game and pull off Playstation type moves in a flash (lightning – hence the nickname). Didn’t get to fully establish himself in the running game with Davis being the #1 back. To his credit, shined as a receiver out the backfield and magician on kick returns. Missed GT game after suffering injury, but bounced back receiving for over 100 Yards in 2 of the next 3 games. Still has break-away speed but has also worked on rushing between the tackles and breaking away from would be tacklers. Finished #1 in ACC in all-purpose yards PG (147.5), and 2nd in both Punt and Kick Returning.

Jaime Harper
2008  :  34- 133| 1|3.9| 13.3
Saw very little playing time with the combo of Davis and Spiller. With JD gone to the NFL, *should* be premiere #2 back, but don’t be surprised if stud RB Andre Ellington rises up to push him for the #2 role.

4 – Maryland
Da’Rel Scott
2008   : 209-1133| 8|5.4| 94.4
vs ACC: 139- 552| 3|3.9| 69.0

Scott was a nice surprise for Terps fans, earning first team All-ACC honors in ‘08 and finishing 2nd in the ACC in Yards Per Game. Totaled (5) 100-Yard Games, and his 1,133 Yards was the 7th highest total in school history. Scott was an all-around threat, finishing 5th in the ACC in all-purpose yards PG (108.7). Not really sure why this guy isn’t higher on peoples pre-season lists.

Davin Maggett
2008  :  89- 457| 4|5.1| 35.2

Led all ACC freshman RB’s in Yards per Rush (5.1) and emerged as one of the top freshman in the ACC. Should help provide a solid combo with Scott in 2009.

5 – North Carolina
Shaun Draughn
2008   : 198- 866| 3|4.4| 66.6
vs ACC: 130- 527| 1|4.1| 65.9

The saftey turned RB surprised a lot people in 2008, finishing 6th in Rushing at almost 67 Yards per contest. Averaged a modest 4.4 Yards per carry, providing a solid option on 1st down. Named the starter for the 2009 season, and has the potential to eclipse 1,000 Yards this season and contend for all-acc team honors with an improved UNC line.

Ryan Houston
2008  :  77- 299| 8|3.9| 24.9
Used mostly in short-yardage situations, bruising back that led UNC in TD’s with 8. Worked in the off-season to improve speed and agility. Combined with size/strength, should improve on ’08’s numbers and give the Tar Heels a formidable 1-2 punch.

5 – Miami
Graig Cooper
2008   : 171- 841| 4|4.9| 64.7
vs ACC: 101- 507| 0|5.0| 63.4

Cooper finished a rather impressive ‘08 season, finishing 7th in Rushing at 64.7 Yards per Game. Even more impressive was his average of nearly 5 yards a carry. He has upped the bar, setting a personal goal to hit 1,000 Yards in ‘09 and with an improved offense line, and security in the QB position, is likely to do so. Had a season high 131 Yards at Virginia, part of (3) 100-Yard games on the year.

Javarris James
2008  :  68- 286| 4|4.2| 31.8
Managed 4.2 Yards Per Carry, and tied for the team lead with 4 Rushing TD’s despite only seeing action in 9 games and getting only 68 carries (averaged over 4 Yards a carry). Seems to be more of a shorter yardage back, but did show flashes of speed.

5 – Boston College
Montel Harris
2008   : 179- 900| 5|5.0| 69.2
vs ACC: 101- 423| 2|4.2| 52.3

Harris blew onto the scene as a Freshman in 2008. Set a BC freshman record in rushing yards (900), and a new BC Freshman record with (5) 100-Yard games. Was also 3rd in the country among freshman in Yards per Game (69.2) and was 5th in the ACC. Harris led BC in all-purpose yards and finished 3rd in the league at 113.8 per game.

Josh Haden
2008  : 120- 479| 1|4.0| 36.8
Haden formed part-B of the nations 2nd best RB duo last year. A perfect compliment to Harris, Haden has the ability to take it the distance when he manages to get his touches. Enough of a talent to be the starter at a few ACC schools.

8 – Wake Forest
Brandon Pendergrass
2008   : 150- 528| 5|3.5| 44.0
vs ACC: 111- 381| 2|3.4| 47.6

Pendergrass stepped up and provided enough of a run presence to allow QB Riley Skinner to do his thing. More of a physical runner, he is better suited in short yardage roles. Deacon fans can only hope Adams steps up as the ’speedster’; if so, they’ll have quite the combo in the backfield.

Josh Adams
2008  : 122- 402| 4|3.3| 36.5
Injury plagued ‘08 season. Got off to a slow start after knee surgery in June of ‘08, and also missed 2 games after suffering sprained ankle. Packed with talent, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Adams establish himself as the premiere back for Wake this year.

9 – NC State
Jamelle Eugene
2008   :  95- 442| 2|4.7| 44.2
vs ACC:  70- 380| 0|5.4| 54.3

Eugene will carry the weight of the Wolfpack running game on his shoulders in ‘09. Coach O’Brien will probably tell QB Russell Wilson to lay off the running, so a decent ground game needs to be established to free up the passing. Eugene should get the job done. posted decent numbers after missing the first 3 games of the ‘08 season. Standout stat: Rushed for 380 yards against ACC teams and averaged 5.4 yards a carry in those contests.

Brandon Barnes
2008  :  N/A
No experience in colligiate play. Ranked No.8 high-school athlete in the nation in 2008.

10 – Florida State
Jermaine Thomas
2008   :  69- 482| 3|7.0| 40.2
vs ACC:  31- 279| 0|9.0| 39.6

Thomas posted the 6th most yardage ever by freshman RB at FSU, and also tied the best freshman debut by rushing for 91 Yards in season opener against Western Carolina. Averaged an amazing 7.0 Yards per Carry, and even more impressive 9.0 YDSPC in ACC play. With Antone Smith gone, Thomas should get his chance to shine. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him almost double his ‘08 stats, the talent is definiely there and with a revamped FSU line, he should get his opportunities.

Carlton “Ty” Jones
2008  :  11-    99| 1|9.0| 24.8
Jones only saw action in 4 games due to an ankle injury. If all is well health wise, should be an interesting season. From what brief flashes I saw in the bowl game versus Wisconsin, I’ll admit I was impressed.

11 – Duke
Re’quan Boyette
2008  : N/A

After missing the entire ‘08 season, Boyette will should rise to the top and regain his status as starter at RB. Super-talented with great running ability in and out of the tackles. Adds an extra dimension to a Duke offense that’s on the rise.

Jay Hollingsworth
2008   : 108- 399| 1|3.7|33.2
vs ACC:  69- 265| 1|3.8|33.1

After losing Boyette last year, several different RB’s gave it their best, with Hollingsworth leading the way for the 2nd worst running game in the league. While he did show flashes of steadiness, getting a better jump on the ball is crucial to pick up that extra yard or so per carry. The health and depth of the line will be a factor as well.

12 – Virginia
Mikell Simpson
2008  :  87- 262| 3|3.0|29.1

Cedric Peerman will be sorely missed this year. The running game at UVA is in worse shape than the passing. Mikell Simpson steps in as the lead man now. He finished 2nd on team in rushing with 262 Yards and 3 TD’s despite being sidelined with a shoulder injury but there isn’t a ton of depth in the RB position, so staying healthy is key.

Keith Payne
2008  :   5-  36| 0|7.2|6.0
Only had 5 carries in all of ‘08, but did make the best of them, averaging over 7 yards a carry. While Simpson is the technical ‘leader’ for the running backs corps, if Payne steps up his game he could see significant playing time.

Tags: 2009 ACC Football Unit Rankings, 2009 ACC Running Backs, Boston College Football, Brandon Pendergrass, Carlton Jones, Carlton Ty Jones, CJ Spiller, Clemson Football, Da'Rel Scott, Darren Evans, Davin Maggett, Duke Football, Florida State Football, Georgia Tech Football, Graig Cooper, Jaime Harper, Jamelle Eugene, Javarris James, Jay Hollingsworth, Jermaine Thomas, Jonathan Dwyer, Josh Adams, Josh Haden, Keith Payne, Kenny Lewis, Maryland Football, Miami Football, Mikell Simpson, Montel Harris, NC State Football, North Carolina Football, Re'quan Boyette, Roddy Jones, Ryan Houston, Shaun Draughn, Virginia Football, Wake Forest Football