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College football rankings: Top 10 running backs of 2021

By Cody Williams

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Breece Hall, Iowa State Cyclones. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Breece Hall, Iowa State

Following the best season in Iowa State program history, the Cyclones brought the band back for one more tour in the 2021 season with quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Charlie Kolar all returning. But the most important piece for Matt Campbell’s team is, without question, running back Breece Hall.

Hall was solid as a freshman who saw a lot of work, rushing for 897 yards on 186 carries with nine touchdowns and contributing 252 receiving yards and another score as well. But he exploded for the Cyclones in his sophomore campaign as he led college football with 1,572 yards on a solid 5.6 yards per carry average and while scoring an eye-popping 23 total touchdowns on the year.

Explosive in the open field, Hall has the ability to bust open big plays. But he’s also exceptional at making positive plays out of runs that look as if they could be stopped behind the line of scrimmage. He’s a tremendous talent out of the backfield who is also working behind an experienced, deep offensive line at Iowa State.

Last year already established Hall as a true star in the college ranks and has him heading into the 2021 season as the top running back prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. With his skill and situation, there’s no reason to think he won’t be the premier running back in the country once more.

Next. Best college football running backs of the 21st century. dark

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