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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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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 23: Jeremy McNichols #13 of the Boise State Broncos runs with the ball the ball during a game against Northern Illinois Huskies in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl on December 23, 2015 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 23: Jeremy McNichols #13 of the Boise State Broncos runs with the ball the ball during a game against Northern Illinois Huskies in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl on December 23, 2015 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Talk about finishing a season strong. Jeremy McNichols put Boise State on his shoulders during the last seven games of the 2015 season, rushing for over 100 yards in each contest. He topped off his year by scoring two touchdowns in Boise State’s 55-7 victory over Northern Illinois in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. Heading into the 2016 season, expectations are high for the junior running back.

For his efforts, McNichols was named All-Mountain West Second Team at running back, as he rushed for 1,337 yards and 20 touchdowns. He set the Mountain West Conference record for most consecutive games with a touchdown (12), and finished second in the entire nation in total touchdowns.

The 2016 season should bring even more hardware for McNichols, who is a preseason First Team All-Mountain West selection. The junior is also listed on the watch list for the Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards, and will be looking to lead Boise State to a more prestigious bowl game in 2016.

McNichols has the luxury of playing behind a solid quarterback, as Brett Rypien is also a preseason All-Mountain West pick. Boise State has a pretty easy schedule in 2016, and with the weapons they have coming back, they should challenge for a possible undefeated regular season.

It may be pretty hard to repeat the kind of scoring production he had in 2015, but with a stacked offensive line in front of him, definitely expect McNichols to have another incredible season for Boise State.

Next: 13. Justin Jackson, Northwestern University

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