Big 12 Fantasy RB Rankings

1.Marlon Lucky, Nebraska (SR)
The Cornhuskers are beginning a new era with the hiring of Bo Pelini at head coach and Husker nation hopes a Big 12 title isn’t far behind. Pelini is expected to rely on the rushing attack to setup his offense, with Lucky being the top threat. Last year, the senior rushed for 1,019 yards and 9 touchdowns while catching 75 passes for 705 yards and three touchdowns. Lucky’s 75 receptions ranked second among running backs in the FBS. Fantasy owners shouldn’t expect much of a drop-off in 2008, as Lucky is the top running back option in the Big 12.

2.DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma (SO)
A dislocated kneecap ended Murray’s 2007 season three games earlier than expected, but the sophomore turned plenty of heads with his electrifying athletic ability. In 11 games, Murray ran for 764 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 14 passes for 60 yards. Murray also scored on two kickoff returns and averaged 29.3 yards per return. With Allen Patrick graduating, Murray should expect to see over 200 carries and 1,000 yards – along with leading the Sooners into national championship consideration.

3.Jake Sharp, Kansas (JR)
2007 was a breakout year for the Jayhawks and despite quarterback Todd Reesing working his way into Heisman consideration - it wasn’t just a one man offensive show. Brandon McAnderson and Sharp proved to be a potent one-two punch in the Jayhawk backfield last season, ranking 31st in the NCAA in rushing offense. McAnderson has graduated, leaving Sharp as the Jayhawks’ top running back. The junior averaged 5.6 yards per carry and totaled 821 yards last season. Although Sharp is the top returning rusher, expect the Jayhawks to work another running back into the rotation.

4.Darrell Scott, Colorado (FR)
The Buffaloes scored a coup when they landed Scott - widely regarded as the top high school running back. Scott turned down Texas to attend Colorado and playing time was a big reason why he decided to commit to head coach Dan Hawkins. Look for Scott to see plenty of carries in 2008, but don’t be surprised if Demetrius Sumler and Brian Lockridge combine to take 150 carries. Scott is also one of 2008’s top keeper league options.

5.Vondrell McGee, Texas (SO)
With Jamaal Charles’ early departure to the NFL, the Longhorns are searching for a new number one running back and McGee appears to be the early favorite. McGee rushed for 297 yards and eight touchdowns on 75 carries last season. The sophomore is locked into a tight competition for playing time with Chris Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whittaker, which makes him a high risk, but potentially high reward pick this season.

6.Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M (SR)
New Aggies head coach Mike Sherman is making a few offensive philosophy changes in College Station. The West Coast Offense was installed during spring practice and Lane is moving to fullback. Sherman is moving Lane to fullback to give Mike Goodson more carries. Despite losing a few carries, fantasy owners should still consider Lane a top 60 fantasy running back. The J-Train as he is known by teammates, has 44 career rushing touchdowns and should see plenty of goal-line touches in 2008.

7.Mike Goodson, Texas A&M (JR)
The change in head coaches could be very beneficial for Goodson. The junior running back has spent his career sharing carries with Jorvorskie Lane, but new head coach Mike Sherman wants to give Goodson a bigger workload in 2008. Lane is the team’s top goal-line option, but Goodson should see his yardage inch closer to 1,00 – along with posting a career high in touchdowns.

8.Aaron Crawford, Texas Tech (SO)
Shannon Woods spent most of 2007 in head coach Mike Leach’s doghouse and Crawford took full advantage. In his true freshman season, Crawford rushed for 214 yards and four touchdowns while catching 38 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Woods, Baron Batch and Kobey Lewis will all contend for carries in 2008, making this an unsettled situation for fantasy owners. Consider Crawford the top option – for now.

9.Chris Brown, Oklahoma (JR)
Despite DeMarco Murray being one of the top fantasy running backs, the Sooners will continue to use two players in their rotation. Over the past two seasons, Brown has rushed for 954 yards and 15 touchdowns while backing up Adrian Peterson and Allen Patrick. Expect the junior back to stay in a similar role in 2008, with 800 yards and around ten touchdowns.

10.Beau Johnson, Oklahoma State (JR)
With the graduation of Dantrell Savage, the Cowboys are searching for a new starting running back, and this junior college transfer may be the go-to guy in the fall. Johnson rushed for 1,756 yards and 19 touchdowns at Butler County Community College last season and was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. Johnson will compete with Keith Toston and Kendall Hunter for playing time, but this junior college recruit is ready to step in and play right away.

11.Leon Patton, Kansas State (JR)
12.Derrick Washington, Missouri (SO)
13.Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (SO)
14.Jocques Crawford, Kansas (JR)
15.Fozzy Whitaker, Texas (FR)
16.Shannon Woods, Texas Tech (JR)
17.Alexander Robinson, Iowa State (SO)
18.Jimmy Jackson, Missouri (SR)
19.Demetrius Sumler, Colorado (SO)
20.J.J. Bass, Iowa State (SR)
21.Jay Finley, Baylor (SO)
22.Quentin Castille, Nebraska (SO)
23.Keith Toston, Oklahoma State (JR)
24.Daniel Thomas, Kansas State (JR)
25.Roy Helu, Nebraska (JR)
26.Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas (SR)
27.Mossis Madu, Oklahoma (SO)
28.Angus Quigley, Kansas (SO)
29.Jermie Calhoun, Oklahoma (FR)
30.Jason Scales, Iowa State (SR)