The Top 5 Players of 2008: Running Backs

This is part two of my new series, The Top 5 Players of 2008. Today I will list what I think were the 5 best running backs in college football during the 2008 season. These 5 running backs were some of the most explosive and diverse backs in recent years.

Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno

1. Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) - Knowshon Moreno was the Bulldog's running machine in 2008. Moreno compiled 1,400 rushing yards on 250 attempts, averaging 5.6 yards a carry. That is pretty impressive running against the stout SEC defenses. Moreno had 16 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs, and 392 yards receiving on 33 receptions. Not bad for the sophomore from New Jersey.
2. Chris "Beanie" Wells (Ohio State) - Most Buckeye fans may argue about Beanie Wells being number 2 on my list, but with him having nagging injuries this past season, I had to drop his "stock" a notch. Even with the injuries, Wells posted great numbers with 1,197 yards on 207 attempts for a 5.8 average per carry and 8 rushing TDs. Wells also added 47 yards receiving on 8 receptions.
3. DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma) - DeMarco Murray had a great season at Oklahoma in 2008. Murray finished the season with 1,002 yards on 179 carries for a 5.6 yards per carry average and 14 TDs. He added 31 receptions for 395 yards and 4 TDs. Murray missed the Big 12 Championship game versus Missouri and the National Championship game versus Florida due to a hamstring injury.
4. C.J. Spiller (Clemson) - C.J. Spiller is one-half of the "Thunder and Lightning" tandem, which includes James Davis, at Clemson. Spiller had 629 yards on 116 attempts with a 5.4 yards per carry average and 7 TDs. He also had 436 yards on 34 receptions and 3 TDs.
5. LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh) - LeSean McCoy is probably the least heard-of on this list, but in the upcoming years I believe he will become a household name. McCoy rushed for 1,488 yards on 308 attempts, bringing in 4.8 yards per carry and 21 TDs. He also had 32 receptions equaling 305 yards. With 2008 being his sophomore year, it would not surprise me to see his name in the Heisman mix in 2009 or 2010.

So there it is, the top 5 running backs of 2008. What is most impressive about all 5 running backs is that not one of them had a single fumble! Moreno will be heading to the NFL draft in 2009, but I am sure you will hear a lot about Wells, Murray, Spiller, and McCoy in the upcoming 2009 college season.

Tomorrow, I will list The Top 5 Players of 2008: Wide Receivers.