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College Football: 15 best running backs in 2016

By Brad Weiss

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a touchdown as Air Force Falcons defensive back Jamal Byrd (17) defends during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a touchdown as Air Force Falcons defensive back Jamal Byrd (17) defends during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

To say Donnel Pumphrey means a lot to San Diego State University would be an understatement. In fact, the diminutive running back is the best the school has had since Marshall Faulk ran the show back in the early 1990s. His career as an Aztec is coming to an end, but his legacy will forever live on.

A two-time All-American honorable mention selection by Sports Illustrated, Pumphrey may be in line to challenge for a Heisman Trophy in 2016. The 2015 Mountain West Player of the Year, Pumphrey is a shifty, speedy back, who at 5’9”, is very elusive.

The running back has owned the Mountain West Conference the past two seasons, earning First-Team honors in 2014 and 2015. Last season, Pumphrey rushed for 1,653 yards while scoring 17 touchdowns. The 2016 season will be his last at San Diego State, as the senior will be out of eligibility.

Heading into the 2016 season, CBS Sports ranked him the ninth-most irreplaceable player in college football. That is a pretty serious honor for a guy who was only ranked 121st in the nation at his position coming out of high school.

San Diego State is ranked in the top-25 by some publications, and are expected to be in the mix for a Mountain West title in 2016. The Aztecs have a solid group of players returning, including Rashaad Penny, who will take the reins from Pumphrey in 2017.

A conference championship and major bowl game would be a fitting end for Pumphrey’s career.

Next: 5. Nick Chubb, University of Georgia

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