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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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Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The University of Georgia has been blessed with some incredible running backs over the past few seasons. Former Bulldog Todd Gurley II is arguably the best running back in the NFL, but it was his suspension that opened the door for current star Nick Chubb. The career of Chubb has shown flashes of brilliance, and Georgia fans are hoping he can stay healthy in 2016.

Chubb made his Georgia debut back in 2014, and he wasted no time showing everyone he had arrived. In his first game, filling in for the suspended Gurley, Chubb rushed for 143 yards. Never one to settle on past performances, Chubb ran for 202 yards and two touchdowns the next week, cementing his spot in the starting lineup.

Despite starting only eight games, Chubb tallied 1,547 yards rushing, which was second-best in the SEC. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, as well as being named a First-Team All-SEC selection. Not bad for a freshman.

The star back headed into the 2015 season with high expectations, after shredding the best conference in America as a freshman. However, his season would be cut short, ending on a devastating knee injury on the first play of the game against Tennessee.

Fast-forward to 2016, Chubb appears healthy, and ready to shoulder the load once again. He will have some help, as Sony Michael is also a solid running back. Still, Chubb is the man heading into the season, and if he remains healthy, could be in the running for a Heisman — pun intended.

Georgia opens up their 2016 season on the road against the University of North Carolina on September 3. There is sure to be a ton of rushing yards to go around, as Chubb will face off against Tar Heel star Elijah Hood. Definitely a nice way to open up the season.

Next: 4. Samaje Perine, University of Oklahoma

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