Pac-10 Fantasy RB Rankings

1.Jahvid Best, Cal (SO)
Best gets the nod almost by default. He proved last season that he can score from anywhere on the field, using great speed and quickness to make people miss in the open field. Tradition tells fantasy owners that success from Best is a no-brainer. J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett all were top-flight fantasy options. Best is just as talented, if not more so in some cases, so 1,400 total yards and 10 total scores should be the expectation for this talented sophomore.

2. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon (SR)
Two seasons ago, Johnson scored 10 times as a back-up. Last season he tore up his knee and missed most of the year. This season he has some young freshman and JUCO’s breathing down his neck. Adversity is something Johnson is accustomed too. Look for Johnson to be motivated heading into fall camp and for him to grab the starting job. He is a dynamic threat the passing game as well as on the ground. In a year where Pac-10 fantasy running back options are scarce, Johnson could be the star of the league.

3. Keegan Herring, Arizona State (SR)
There is a lot of upside here with Herring (see 2005). And a lot of downside as well (see any other year). Herring has not been as consistent as Dennis Erickson would like so Dimiti Nance should see some time. Also, the offensive line was one the porous in the nation a season ago. However, improved line play, a senior quarterback and a high-powered offense set the stage for Herring’s breakout fantasy campaign in 2008. Now, he just needs to go out and perform.

4. Joe McKnight, USC (SO)
The backfield at USC is certainly crowded and McKnight may not even be listed as the starter, but make no mistake about this young runner’s talent. He is the most physically gifted playmaker on that offense. He will be a dynamic threat in the passing game as well as the ground attack. Look for solid fantasy contribution this season and Reggie Bush-like stardom in 2009. Grab him now in keeper league formats.

5. Ryan McCants, Oregon State (FR)
Oregon State has proven over the past few seasons that its running backs will be the focal point of the offense. Yvenson Bernard stepped in after stud Steven Jackson went pro and was a fantasy star of his own for three consecutive seasons. Now it is Ryan McCants turn. Bernard-like numbers may not be happen but 1,000 yards and 8-9 scores are reasonable expectations for this young freshman.

6. Nicolas Grigsby, Arizona (SO)
Although he is a bit undersized, Grigsby proved early in his career that he is a capable running back. Week five of last season saw him break out with a 30-carry, 186 yard performance against Washington St. He also caught nine passes for 76 yards in that game and has been the starter ever since. In what should be one of the nation’s most potent offenses, Grigsby should see his carries, yards and touchdowns all increase substantially.

7. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon (JR)
Blount is a big unknown. And I do mean big. The 6’2, 235-pound bruiser was considered the top JUCO running back in the nation for the class of 2008. He will bring a physical style of play and will compliment Jeremiah Johnson very nicely. He is not just a power back, however, as he rushed for over 2,300 yards in two seasons at East Mississippi Community College. The Florida native has loads of talent, the issue will be supplanting Johnson as the starter. If Johnson gets hurt again, watch out for Blount.

8. Stafon Johnson, USC (JR)
Johnson is just one of the many Trojan tailbacks fighting for playing time in Los Angeles. He is currently listed as the No. 1 running back on the depth chart but Joe McKnight is likely to have the best fantasy season. Johnson is a great No. 2 choice, though. Also a very talented runner, Johnson is the bigger, more prototypical runner. The clogged depth chart will make it difficult for him to really be a fantasy star. However, if owners take the chance on McKnight, handcuffing him with Johnson would be a smart move.

9. Kahlil Bell, UCLA (SR)
In 2007, Bell was on pace for a breakout fantasy campaign. Through eight games, Bell had piled up nearly 800 yards and five touchdowns. He then missed the final five games of the season due to a knee injury. Bell’s numbers extrapolated out last season would have landed owners a 1200-1300 yard season. Now that backfield mate Chris Markey has moved on, those numbers could be easily attainable in ’08.

10. Dwight Tardy, Washington State (JR)
Tardy had a similar season to that of Kahlil Bell. He had a great start to the season – 676 yards, six touchdowns in the first eight games – until a knee injury ended his year abruptly. A 51-yard touchdown run against UCLA with :40 left, which capped his best game of his career (37 carries, 214 yards, 2 scores), ended his season. He did not play another down in 2007. The new system at WSU should be a pass happy game plan but Tardy could pleasantly surprise fantasy owners if he can bounce back from the injury. 
 
11.Brandon Johnson, Washington (SO)
12.Stanley Havili, USC (SO)
13.Dimitri Nance, Arizona State (JR)
14.Raymond Carter, UCLA (FR)
15.Anthony Kimble, Stanford (SR)
16.Aundre Dean, UCLA (FR)
17.Shane Veeren, Cal (FR)
18.Chris Ivory, Washington State (JR)
19.Johri Fogerson, Washington (FR)
20.C.J. Gable, USC (SO)
21.Andre Crenshaw, Oregon (JR)
22.LaMichael James, Oregon (FR)
23.Ryan Bass, Arizona State (FR)
24.Xavier Smith, Arizona (JR)
25.Toby Gerhart, Stanford (JR)
26.Jeremy Francis, Oregon State (JR)
27.Milton Knox, UCLA (FR)
28.Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State (FR)
29.Demitrius Bronson, Washington (FR)
30.Jeremy Stewart, Stanford (SO)