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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; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) runs the ball as he is pursued by North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive back Hakim Jones (1) during the first half at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) runs the ball as he is pursued by North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive back Hakim Jones (1) during the first half at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina has the total package at running back. Not only is Elijah Hood a punishing runner, but he is also an incredible student in the classroom. A two-time All-ACC Academic selection, Hood performs on the field and in the classroom. Fans of the Tar Heels have been treated to his dominance over the past two seasons, and he is back for more in 2016.

A 2015 First-Team All-ACC pick, Hood was unstoppable for North Carolina, finishing third in the conference with 1,463 yards rushing. The mark was the second-highest single-season total in North Carolina history.

For good measure, Hood tacked on 17 touchdowns, which was the second-highest total in the ACC.

Hood was tough every time he had the ball, finishing second in the conference in yards per carry (6.7). He rushed for over 100 yards eight times, with his best performance coming against rival NC State, as he gained 220 yards on the ground.

In 2016, Hood will look to resume his incredible career at North Carolina. The coaches selected him to be a First-Team All-ACC pick once again, and he is listed on the watch list for the Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards.

He is another guy who is NFL ready, so the 2016 season may be his last as a Tar Heel.

Next: 9. Shock Linwood, Baylor University

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