While the emphasis here is on collegiate results, pro performance has clearly been factored into the inexact equation. As it should be. Leaving it out would be to suggest Priest Holmes and Terrell Davis have no relevance to the discussion because they didn't blossom into stars until they reached the NFL. Huh? That?s like saying the Wharton School of Business sucks because most graduates don?t get a corner office until they reach their 30s.
Like most opinion-based responses, there is no right answer to the question of who truly deserves to be dubbed Running Back U. Just plenty of different answers, which makes the subject so deliciously appetizing.
1. Ohio State
The Flag-Bearer - Eddie George
The Ensemble - Archie Griffin, Keith Byars, Beanie Wells, Antonio Pittman, Pete Johnson, Robert Smith, Jim Otis, John Brockington, Tim Spencer, Pepe Pearson, Raymont Harris, Michael Wiley, Calvin Murray, Maurice Clarett, Leo Hayden, Ron Springs, Vince Workman and Jonathan Wells
Consistency, dotted with periodic episodes of brilliance, is what separates the Buckeyes from every other NCAA program seeking the title of Running Back U. And unlike most other schools, Ohio State backs haven?t endured any serious dry spells. In the 1970s there was two-time Heisman winner Griffin and pile-driving fullbacks Otis, Brockington and Johnson. The 1980s gave us Spencer and Byars, a Heisman runner-up Byars. The 1990s were highlighted by Eddie George and his 1,927-yard Heisman season. After a stellar rookie season, Clarett looked poised to carry the torch early in the 21st century torch before his life spun out of control.
Since 1969, 16 different Buckeyes have rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a college season. Six hit the milestone in the NFL. Again, a model of consistency. From 1969-1981, no one was better than USC. Not even close. However, since that time, the Trojans slipped until Reggie Bush came along, and the Buckeyes have stayed the course, passing by at some point in the late 1990s. With both teams recruiting so well in recent years, expect them to jockey for the pole position for the foreseeable future.
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