Ranking The Top 15 Running Backs in the Big 12 For 2019
RedCup Mitch
Posted On August 3
The NFL took some of the nation’s best backs in Montgomery and Hill, leaving the Big 12 with a young group this season. Our top 6 features 4 Sophomores who showed a ton of potential in 2018. Expect to see some breakout seasons in 2019 with teams looking for a featured back.
15: Breece Hall- FR. Iowa State
With David Montgomery gone (257 Carries, 4.7 YPA, 13 TDs) and little proven talent in the backfield (84 Carries, 3.8 YPA, 2 TDs), the 4 Star Recruit could play a major role this season. Despite his a solid frame at 6’0″ 215 LBS, he has above average quickness and has shown great footwork on tape.
14: Deondrick Glass- FR. Oklahoma State
Glass comes in as the No. 13 RB Prospect in the nation and could be a scary RB2 for Oklahoma State. He’s a very patient runner with above average balance and body control. Hubbard will likely get the majority of the carries next season, but Glass should find a consistent role in the offense.
13: Kene Nwangwu- JR. Iowa State
As mentioned earlier, ISU doesn’t have much established talent at RB due to Montgomery’s monopoly on the position. Nwangu ranks 2nd among returning rushers (Brock Purdy) and is already one of the best kick returners in the nation. He will likely receive the majority of touches early on.
12: Khalil Herbert- SR. Kansas
Herbert saw his production go down due to the emergence of Pooka Williams, but he is one of the best RB2s in the Big 12. The Senior has 277 career carries and 12 career TDs. If Kansas hopes to win any Big 12 games this season, their running backs will need to make a significant impact.
11: Martell Pettaway- SR. WVU
Pettaway broke out last season rushing for 6.6 YPA and 6 TDs despite a crowded backfield. No RBs graduated, but without Grier and WVU’s top 4 recievers from last season, Pettaway could have a much larger role in the offense.
10: Darius Anderson- SR. TCU
After a breakout 2017 season (768 Yards, 8 TDS), Anderson regressed a bit in 2018 (598 Yards, 3 TDS). Without an established QB TCU will likely be a run-heavy team that relies heavily on their defense. Look for Anderson to have a similar season as 2017 behind an improved O-Line.
9: Sewo Olonilua- SR. TCU
Olonilau has a pending weed charge so its not 100% that he will play next season, but I would be amazed if he doesn’t. Olonilua is a load at 6’3″ 230 LBs, making him a threat in short-yardage situations. Him and Anderson will form a scary duo.
8: Ta’Zhawn Henry SO. TTU
Texas Tech rarely ran the ball last season. Henry actually led the team in carries at only 86. Former starting RB Da’Leon Ward announced he was transferring from TTU this offseason which hints Henry will now be the unquestioned RB1. With a smaller frame at 5’7″ 170 LBs, Henry has a knack for getting in the endzone. He ranked 9th in the Big 12 with 8 Rushing TDs despite having the 23rd most carries.
7: John Lovett- JR. Baylor
Lovett has been Baylor’s leading rusher in a crowded backfield for two seasons and 2019 likely won’t be any different. 3 RBs had 69 (Nice) or more carries in those two seasons limiting Lovett’s individual impact, however he makes big plays when called upon and does it efficiently (5.3 YPA). Expect him to to have a decent uptick in yards as Baylor’s offense gains more talent.
6: Keaontay Ingram- SO. Texas
RB1 Tre Watson has graduated and Ingram is in line for a ton of carries in 2019. Running the ball was a struggle for Texas last season and will be a major point of improvement this offseason. Ingram only got in the endzone 3 times despite rushing for over 700 yards. To be fair, its tough to make an impact as a running back in the redzone when your QB has 16 rushing touchdowns. Ingram is a potential 1000 yard rusher.
5: Kennedy McKoy- SR. WVU
McKoy is basically going from an effective running back to the No. 1 option for WVU this season. He rushed for 802 YDs 8 TD on an efficient 5.5 YPA last season and will likely be sniffing 1000 yards in his final season. He showed a lot of potential as a receiver last season (224 Yards) and could be one of the best pass-catching RBs in CFB for 2019.
4: Tre Sermon- JR. Oklahoma
Tre Sermon and Kennedy Brooks easily form one of the scariest backfield duos in the country. Sermon is tough to take down with a solid 6’0″ 225 LB frame and elite balance. Him and Hurts will be a scary combination in goal-line scenarios.
3: Chubba Hubbard- SO. Oklahoma State
Hubbard would have probably been one of the best RBs in the Big 12 this past season had Justice Hill not been on the roster. His patience and ability to make defenders miss will allow Oklahoma State to rely heavily on the rising Sophomore. Spencer Sanders will have a go-to dump off option in Hubbard as he racked up 22 REC for 229 Yards last season.
2: Kennedy Brooks- SO. Oklahoma
Brooks averaged an absurd 8.9 YPA last season. He actually had 45 less touches than Sermon last season, and was still the teams leading rusher. Expecting him to be anywhere near that efficient in 2019 is unreasonable, but he could be see even more carries this season with Jalen Hurts at QB. His ability to hit that second gear and break away from the defense set him apart from a typical college running back.
1: Pooka Williams- SO. Kansas
Pooka Williams may not lead the Big 12 in rushing yards/TDs due to his supporting cast, but he is the most talented and impactful RB in the conference. His ability to hit full speed almost immediately and break tackles for a player his size is unbelievable. It will be interesting to see if he can will Kansas to a few wins this season.
