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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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Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; A Washington State Cougars helmet sits during a game against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; A Washington State Cougars helmet sits during a game against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Alaska

Phil Sarboe, Washington State Cougars

Phil Sarboe was born in Fairbanks in 1911, but moved to Tacoma and went on to play several sports at Washington State from 1931-33. Actually in Pullman on a basketball scholarship, Sarboe  also played football and baseball for the school. He played halfback, quarterback and defensive back for the Cougars.

After college, Sarboe played three seasons professionally in Boston, Chicago and Brooklyn. With 243 yards, Sarboe is the all-time leading rusher in NFL history among players that were born in Alaska. Sadly, he never scored a touchdown on the ground. He tossed 26 interceptions and completed only four touchdown passes.

Sarboe then embarked on a successful head coaching career at Central Washington, Washington State, Humboldt State and Hawaii, as well as a few high schools in Washington. Sarboe posted a 131-75-11 record as a collegiate head coach. His greatest feat was guiding Humboldt State to an 11-1 record in 1960 with the only loss coming in the NAIA championship.

Before we move on to Arizona, a few notes about a few other Alaska running backs: In 1999, Sports Illustrated ranked Drumm No. 17 on its list of the 50 greatest sports figures from Alaska (Sarboe missed the cut). He ran for 2,241 yards and 27 touchdowns (including nine in one game) at Service High before signing with Colorado. From 1999-2003, Drumm gained 162 rushing yards for the Buffs and scored four touchdowns on the ground. He also added 318 receiving yards.

Finally, though he was born in Oregon, Rocky Klever was a quarterback in high school in Alaska, played running back at Montana and sent six seasons as a tight end with the New York Jets.

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