Ranking 2010 ACC Football: Running Backs

Posted by Brandon Rink on August 16, 2010 under ACC Football | Read the First Comment

Breaking the ACC unit by unit as we approach football season, today, we’re looking at the backfields of the ACC…

1) Virginia Tech

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 9.7
Depth: Solid
Top RB (2009 Stats): Ryan Williams (1,655 yards and 21 TDs)
Stat: Williams led the ACC’s RBs in TDs by far (7 more than the nearest RB).
A Word (or two): The Hokies can hurt you with speed and power – just one of the best in the country.

2) Georgia Tech

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 9.3
Depth: Solid
Top RB (2009 Stats): Anthony Allen (618 yards and 6 TDs)
Stat: Ranked 2nd in rushing offense in 2009.
A Word (or two): The loss of Dwyer may not even effect the Jackets in 2010 as they have more than capable replacements.

3) Boston College

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 9.3
Depth: O.K.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Montel Harris (1,457 yards and 14 TDs)
Stat: Harris led the ACC in carries with 308 in 2009.
A Word (or two): BC is basically a one-man show, but it’s nice for that guy to be Montel Harris.

4) Clemson

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 9.2
Depth: Solid.
Top RB (2009 Stat): Andre Ellington (491 yards and 4 TDs)
Stat: Ranked 40th in rushing offense in 2009.
A Word (or two): Ellington brings speed/shiftiness – Harper can barrel over opponents–these Tigers are poised for a great season.

5) Miami

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 8.8
Depth: Solid.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Damien Berry (616 yards and 8 TDs)
Stat: Berry led the Canes in TDs despite being third in carries in 2009.
A Word (or two): If Graig Cooper can comeback healthy at some point, this Canes RB crew can be one of the best in the ACC.

6) Maryland

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 8.6
Depth: Solid.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Da’Rel Scott (425 yards and 4 TDs)
Stat: Ranked 105th in rushing offense.
A Word (or two): Da’Rel Scott and co. underperformed in 2009 – what will they do in 2010? Remains to be seen.

7) Wake Forest

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 8.5
Depth: Solid.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Josh Adams (541 yards and 4 TDs)
Stat: 80th in rushing offense in 2009
A Word (or two): The Deacs RB crew was a tad disappointing as well in 2009, but Adams and Pendergrass bring solid skills to the table for an offense that will need them in 2010.

8) North Carolina

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 8.5
Depth: Solid.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Ryan Houston (713 yards and 9 TDs)
Stat: 79th in rushing offense in 2009.
A Word (or two): All the focus will be on QB in Chapel Hill, but Houston and Draughn have a chance to drive this O.

9) Florida State

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 8.4
Depth: Solid.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Jermaine Thomas (832 yards and 9 TDs)
Stat: 59th in rushing offense in 2009.
A Word (or two): FSU improved their rushing offense in 2009 – will be interesting to see how they end up compared to some top RB units in the ACC by the end of this season.

10) NC State

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 7.9
Depth: O.K.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Curtis Underwood (Redshirted)
Stat: James Washington’s 76 yards and 2 TDs lead the Wolfpack from 2009.
A Word (or two): So many unknowns about the Wolfpack backfield, and it’s all on young players.

11) Virginia

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 7.8
Depth: O.K.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Torrey Mack (73 yards and no TDs)
Stat: 112th in rushing offense in 2009.
A Word (or two): The ‘Hoos have nobody in the backfield who has been in the endzone in the ACC – this is a key spot to fill for Virginia.

12) Duke

Talent/Performance Grade (out of 10): 7.7
Depth: O.K.
Top RB (2009 Stats): Desmond Scott (262 yards and a TD)
Stat: 120th in rushing offense in 2009.
A Word (or two): Partly due to the o-line, inexperience, and just a great passing O – Duke is trying to climb out of rock bottom of the NCAA rushing stats with a true sophomore with Scott and true freshman in Josh Snead.

How would you rank them? Any players you expect to breakout in 2010 I didn’t mention?

Series So Far

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Coaches
Kickers/Punters
Defensive Line
Linebackers
Secondary
Intro