Last season we got to witness some incredible individual rushing performances from runningbacks all across the nation. Besides the early departures of Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch to the NFL, all of the top backs return this season in what could become the "Year of the Tailback." Here is a preseason list in rank of the top runningbacks in the nation. Take a look and feel free to email if you agree or disagree.

1. Darren McFadden (Arkansas)-"D-Mac" as his teammates call him finished 2nd in the Heisman Trophy and is a preseason favorite to take home the honor this season. McFadden can do whatever he wants on the field including throwing touchdown passes and running for over 1600 yards in a season while leading the Hogs to the SEC Championship game. A threat to score any time he touches the ball, McFadden will be the number one pick in the NFL draft next season if he stays healthy and declares early.

2. Jonathan Stewart (Oregon)-Caught you by surprise with this one eh? Before you start thinking I'm a lunatic let me explain to you why Mr. Stewart is the #2 back in the nation. Stewart is extremely fast and fluid in his cuts and also has a NFL ready body at 234 lbs (heaviest among all top RB's) that can bowl over defensive backs. He can return punts for touchdowns and is the most electrifying player in the PAC-10 not named DeSean Jackson. If he can stay healthy then Oregon could be the surprise team out West.

3. Steve Slaton (West Virginia)-Slaton would have been my #2 pick for a runningback except he fumbles too much. Everything else he does is brilliant including his ability to shift from first to fourth gear and take it to the house. He and Pat White are the deadliest combo in college football and both should provide plenty of highlights this season. Slaton wants to deliver an undefeated season to Morgantown. I'm betting he finishes it.

4. Mike Goodson (Texas A&M)-As a true freshman last season Goodson made quite an impression to the tune of averaging 6.7 yards a carry. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year ran all over Oklahoma and Texas last season and should get more carries this season. His ability to score everytime he touches the ball puts him in the top five RB category.

5. Ray Rice (Rutgers)-Rushing for just under a shade of 1800 yards last season, Rice was an integral if not the most important piece to a resurgent Scarlet Knight's team. Huge performances against North Carolina, Pitt, Louisville, and Kansas State were reasons why Rice almost single handedly led Rutger's to victories in those games. Coming back for his junior season will be pressure packed with all the added attention especially with the departure of Brian Leonard at the RB position. I think Rice can handle it.

6. Ian Johnson (Boise State)-Johnson literally had a storybook season last year that ended with a win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl along with a proposal to his cheerleader girlfriend. While rushing for over 1700 yards and averaging over 6 yards a carry, Johnson led the Broncos to their first ever BCS game bid. Don't be surprised if he flirts with the 2000 yard mark this season and earns serious Heisman consideration.

7. Jamaal Charles (Texas)-Some people were disappointed in King Charles season last year but I'm not one of them. The kid has the ability and the talent to be the best out there and with his new focus (dropped track in the spring to concentrate on football) I expect Charles to have a huge season in 2007. I'm talking Rosie O'donnell huge.

8. CJ Spiller (Clemson)-Spiller made quite an impression last season in Death Valley as a true freshman rushing for nearly a 1000 yards and averaging over 7 yards a carry. His burst of speed might be the best in college and his lateral movements are reminiscent of Barry Sanders. Him and James Davis should again team up to be a potent if not lethal backfield.

9. Mike Hart (Michigan)-There is no doubt in anybody's mind that Hart puts it all out on the field. Not the biggest or the quickest guy wearing the Maize and Blue but he has the determination and "Hart" to win. He also never fumbles and came back for his senior season to help the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes.

10. DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma)-Murray looked and played like a raging bull during Oklahoma's spring game. With the departure of Adrian Peterson expect "Reggie Bush type" moves and play-making ability from Murray. The Sooners should ride this trick pony to a Big 12 Championship if they are smart. I have a feeling by the end of the season that Murray will be on my top 5 RB list.

HONORABLE MENTIONS-Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech), PJ Hill (Wisconsin), Branden Ore (Virginia Tech), Yvenson Bernard (Oregon State), Rafael Little (Kentucky), James Davis (Clemson), Felix Jones (Arkansas), Toney Baker (NC State), Justin Forsett (Cal)

You can email me your thoughts on anything sports related or voice your opinion on the messageboards. matt@sportscrack.com

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