ACC Fantasy RB Ranks

1.Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (SO)
New Yellow Jackets head coach Paul Johnson is still working out the kinks in the option offense, but one thing’s for sure – Dwyer will be one of the top fantasy running backs in the ACC. While filling in for Tashard Choice last year, the sophomore back ran for 436 yards and nine touchdowns. Although Dwyer has a lot of potential, the Yellow Jackets will also work in a few other backs for carries next year and it appears unlikely he will see over 250 carries.

2.Josh Adams, Wake Forest (SO)
This sophomore back appears primed for a breakout year in 2008. After rushing for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, Adams will take on a bigger role in the Wake Forest offense – one that fantasy owners should find appealing to their lineup. In addition to his success on the ground, Adams caught 34 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Look for Adams to improve his numbers across the board, while becoming the second rated fantasy running back in the ACC.

3.C.J. Spiller, Clemson (JR)
Defensive coordinators in the ACC have to be cringing at the thought Spiller may have gotten faster over the offseason – but that’s exactly the case. The junior back has worked extensively with the Clemson track team each offseason and the coaching staff credits this work with the gain in speed and agility. Spiller and teammate James Davis are neck and neck in terms of fantasy value, but this junior back may see a little more action in 2008 – giving him a slight nod over Davis.

4.James Davis, Clemson (SR)
After posting 1,187 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2006, fantasy owners were obviously disappointed with Davis’ 2007 numbers – 1,064 yards and ten touchdowns. Although teammate C.J. Spiller gets his share of carries, the Tigers struggled with their offensive line and as a result, Davis never got on track. The Spiller-Davis combination will be one of the best in the country and both backs have fantasy value among the top 30 running backs. However, we expect Spiller to see an increased workload in the backfield and Davis’ numbers likely won’t rebound to the 2006 version.

5.Greg Little, North Carolina (SO)
Little came to North Carolina as one of the most regarded receivers in the 2007 recruiting class, but the 6’3 player out of Durham moved to running back later in the year. In the final two games of the season, the young running back powered his way for 89 yards against Georgia Tech, while rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns against Duke. Although Little is largely unproven, there is a lot of upside and he should see well over 200 carries in 2008.
 
6.Cedric Peerman, Virginia (SR)
Before suffering a season-ending injury against MTSU, Peerman was one of the hottest running backs in college football. In the four contests before his injury, the senior back totaled 548 yards and five touchdowns. Although Peerman will be 100 percent in 2008, his injury allowed for the emergence of Mikell Simpson in the Cavalier backfield. Look for Peerman and Simpson to split carries in 2008, but this senior back should be the team’s top touchdown threat.

7.Antone Smith, Florida State (SR)
Despite rushing for 817 yards and three touchdowns last year, the Seminole coaching staff is looking for more production from Smith and the other Seminole backs. The rushing attack has struggled in recent years, but the backs can’t be blamed for it all. The offensive line has struggled to open many lanes, but improvement was noticed at the end of last year. Look for Smith to compete with junior college transfer Tavares Pressley for playing time and the senior is a risky fantasy pick with the depth chart looking a little more crowded in 2008.

8.Javarris James, Miami (JR)
Injuries and an inconsistent offensive line cost James a shot at topping his 2006 numbers - 802 yards and four touchdowns. James topped 100 yards only once, while totaling 582 yards and four touchdowns in 12 contests. During the offseason, James added muscle and the junior back appears primed for a rebound season. However, fantasy owners shouldn’t value him too high in upcoming drafts, especially with sophomore Graig Cooper in the mix for carries.

9.Graig Cooper, Miami (SO)
There’s no denying Cooper has talent, but he’s stuck sharing carries with Javarris James and rushing behind a so-so offensive line. In 11 games last year, Cooper totaled 682 yards and four touchdowns, while catching 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. The ‘Canes expect the James-Cooper backfield to improve rushing totals in 2008, but neither player will likely warrant week-to-week fantasy consideration.

10.Mikell Simpson, Virginia (JR)
When Cedric Peerman’s season was shortened due to injury, Simpson emerged as one of the team’s top playmakers. The junior back rushed for more than 100 yards twice in six games, while catching 43 passes for 402 yards. Look for Peerman and Simpson to share carries in 2008, which means both backs will likely have limited fantasy value. Simpson also has academic issues, which should be monitored before you select him this season.

11.Josh Haden, Boston College (FR)
12.Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (FR)
13.Da’Rel Scott, Maryland (SO)
14.Jamelle Eugene, N.C. State (JR)
15.Morgan Green, Maryland (SO)
16.Andre Brown, N.C. State (SR)
17.Toney Baker, N.C. State (JR)
18.Tavares Pressley, Florida State (JR)
19.Kenny Lewis, Virginia Tech (JR)
20.Re’quan Boyette, Duke (SR)
21.Anthony Elzy, North Carolina (SO)
22.Brandon Pendergrass, Wake Forest (FR)
23.Roddy Jones, Georgia Tech (FR)
24.Jamie Harper, Clemson (FR)
25.Shawnbrey McNeal, Miami (SO)
26.Darren Evans, Virginia Tech (FR)
27.Ryan Houston, North Carolina (SO)
28.Clifford Harris, Duke (SR)
29.Andre Ellington, Clemson (FR)
30.Jermaine Thomas, Florida State (FR)

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