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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 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) dives into the end zone for a touchdown ahead of Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) dives into the end zone for a touchdown ahead of Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oklahoma Sooners could be headed for a very special season in 2016. The preseason AP Poll ranked them third overall, and for good reason. The Sooners have one of the best running backs in the nation, and he has been a star since his first day in Norman.

Samaje Perine got an opportunity to play as a freshman in 2014, and he did not disappoint. Although he started only eight games, Perine ran for 1,713 yards, scoring 21 touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection.

Last season, Perine was the starting running back from day one, and he continued to produce at an incredible level. Not only was he named a First-Team All-Big 12 pick again, but he also got national attention, as Phil Steele made him a Third-Team All-American selection.

During the season, Perine rushed for 1,349 yards, while adding another 16 touchdowns to his total.

The expectations on Perine will be high in 2016, as he is a running back that could seriously contend for the Heisman Trophy. His biggest test of the season will come early on, as Ohio State University comes to town for the Sooners’ third game of the season. Ohio State has a stout defense, so Perine will have to be on his game if the Sooners are to have a chance.

If Perine can put together a solid effort against the Buckeyes, it will go a long way in his quest for a Heisman Trophy. The Sooners should be in the College Football Playoff if they take care of business, so Perine will get plenty of opportunity on the national level.

He has the size to play at the next level, so this could be it for him in Norman.

Next: 3. Dalvin Cook, Florida State University

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