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Best college football running back from every state

By Nicholas Ian Allen

LOUISIANA, NO - JANUARY 1: Running back Herschel Walker #34 of the University of Georgia Bull Dogs carries the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Sugar Bowl game January 1, 1981 at the Louisiana Superbowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bull Dogs won the game 17-10. Walker played at the University of Georgia from 1980-1983, and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
LOUISIANA, NO - JANUARY 1: Running back Herschel Walker #34 of the University of Georgia Bull Dogs carries the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Sugar Bowl game January 1, 1981 at the Louisiana Superbowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bull Dogs won the game 17-10. Walker played at the University of Georgia from 1980-1983, and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe
Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe /

Illinois

Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois Huskies

Big Ten Conference programs Illinois and Northwestern have had their share of in-state stars, but MAC power Northern Illinois has produced arguably the two best running backs born in the state: Michael Turner and Garrett Wolfe. Turner rushed for a gaudy 4,941 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns in his four years in DeKalb, and then went on to great success in the NFL, but Wolfe blew by Turner’s production in just three seasons.

Wolfe played just 33 career games for the Huskies after redshirting in 2002 and sitting out the following season with academic issues. However, he exploded with 1,656 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore, both of which led the conference. Wolfe also caught three touchdown passes among his 10 receptions, on which he gained 117 yards. His 21 total touchdowns were the second most in the nation.

Wolfe, listed at 5-foot-7 and 185 pounds, was nearly as productive as a junior. He once again led the MAC with 1,580 rushing yards and 16 TDs despite playing in only nine games because of injury. He added 222 receiving yards and a score on 20 receptions.

In 2006, Wolfe was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year. He led the nation with 1,928 rushing yards and ranked fifth in the country with 18 scores, earning a three-year sweep of the annual MAC rushing yardage and TD crowns. Wolfe also contributed 249 receiving yards and his fifth career touchdown catch on a career-high 28 receptions. Overall, his 57 touchdowns from scrimmage are the second most in conference history.

Wolfe finished his career with more rushing yards (5,164) than anyone but Herschel Walker that played just three college seasons. He currently ranks 14th on the FBS career rushing leaderboard. His 52 career rushing touchdowns sit No. 27 all-time.

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