College Football: Abdullah, Gurley pace Top 25 RB of 2014
By Daniel
15. Donnel Pumphrey – San Diego State:
The Aztecs’ sophomore running back Pumphrey has been a major bright spot for this team. He’s grown immensely from his freshman campaign and already has three 100-yard games under his belt in 2014. He has scored in every contest this year and isn’t a one-dimensional back as he’s hauled in 10 passes, too.
Best Game: Against UNLV (167 Rushing Yards, 4 TDs, 7.6 AVG)
14. David Cobb – Minnesota:
One of the surprises in the Big 10 is senior running back David Cobb. He’s on pace to have a way bigger year than he had as a junior (1,202 yards). He’s recorded two 200-yard games and put up 189 against Michigan in a blowout win. He’s dominated most opponents, look for him to find the end zone quite a few times as conference play unfolds.
Best Game: Against Middle Tennessee (220 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs, 7.6 AVG)
13. Cameron Artis-Payne – Auburn:
The senior has pounded out three 100-yard games in the Tigers’ first four match-ups and has scored in every game but one. He’s vastly improved from a year ago and will look to keep the success going through a brutal SEC schedule. He currently boasts a 5.4 yard per carry average after facing some stiff competition.
Best Game: Against San Jose State (112 Rushing Yards, 3 TDs, 7.0 AVG)
12. Duke Johnson – Miami:
One of the speediest running backs in the nation is Miami’s junior back Johnson. It took Johnson five weeks to break the 100-yard mark, although he ran for at least 90 yards in the first four games. He’s been consistent this year and has scored in four straight games. He’s also showcased his ability to catch balls out of the backfield with 84 receiving yards against Nebraska.
Best Game: Against Duke (155 Rushing Yards, 1 TD, 6.2 AVG)
11. Jarvion Franklin – Western Michigan:
The Broncos’ freshman runner is one of the most dynamic freshmen in the nation. He began the year scoring three touchdowns in three consecutive games. He’s scored multiple touchdowns in all four games and has ran for more than 160 three times. Expect big things from this kid in the future — all of WMU’s rushing records may one day belong to him.
Best Game: Against Idaho (211 Rushing Yards, 3 TDs, 6.4 AVG)