Monday, August 22

Final 2000 Rankings -- Running Backs

With just days until the start of the 2000 season, it’s about time that we present our final rankings for this year.  On paper, things look great.  Sleepers have been identified, busts avoided and all of the arduous research over the past few months is ready to pay dividends.  In reality, this, and all rankings, have their warts that few of us can detect at this early stage.  I’m sure I’ll be kicking myself in November when I realize that someone like Spencer Romine (Duke’s Qb) or Joe Igber (Cal’s top returning back) put up eye-popping numbers and I didn’t even have them ranked.  It’s inevitable.  A number of guys that we never looked at will make their impact on the college game this year.  Isn’t that what makes playing fantasy football so much fun?  It’s unpredictable, exciting as hell and hardly an exact science.

That being said, I’m quite confident in the rankings that you’ll find below.  They’re well thought out, very current and, I hope, a real useful tool as you head to your draft.  The changes since the July rankings are subtle, yet very important.  Players that are moving up the charts quickly have been bolded. 

Running Backs
[Rankings based on 6 points for a rushing/receiving TD and 1 point for every 25 yards of combined total offense (return yards not included). ]

#1 Ken Simonton, Oregon St

#2 Lamont Jordan, Maryland-Only keeps ranking if academically eligible.  To be decided August 25.

#3 Anthony Thomas, Michigan

#4 Deuce Mccallister, Mississippi

#5 Hodges Mitchell, Texas

#6 Cedric Cobbs, Arkansas

#7 Travis Henry, Tennessee

#8 TJ Duckett, Michigan St

#9 Avon Cobourne, West Virginia

#10 James Jackson, Miami

#11 Travis Zachery, Clemson-Building some distance between himself and Bernard Rambert

#12 Deon Burnett, Washington St

#13 Maurice Morris, Oregon

#14 Paul Arnold, Washington

#15 Michael Bennett, Wisconsin

#16 Ricky Williams, Texas Tech

#17 Rocky Harvey, Illinois

#18 Cedric Washington, Boston College-Very favorable schedule

#19 Travis Minor, Florida St

#20 Rudi Johnson, Auburn 

#21 David Allen, Kansas St

#22 Derek Combs, Ohio St

#23 Kevan Barlow, Pittsburgh

#24 DeShaun Foster, UCLA

#25 Levron Williams, Indiana

#26 Jasper Sanks, Georgia

#27 Dan Alexander, Nebraska-Still haven’t heard much from Thunder Collins

#28 Ray Robinson, NC St

#29 Lee Suggs, Virginia Tech-Presence of Andre Kendrick hasn’t made him buckle

#30 Ahmaad Galloway, Alabama-Likely starter when season begins

#31 Ladell Betts, Iowa

#32 Rodney Williams, Vanderbilt

#33 Earnest Graham, Florida

#34 Sultan McCullough, USC-Will split carries early, but has the potential to be a star

#35 Damien Anderson, Northwestern

#36 Leo Mills, Arizona-Chief competitor Leon Callen was sent packing

#37 Moran Norris, Kansas

#38 Joe Gunn, Mississippi

#39 Andre Kendrick, Virginia Tech

#40 Cortlen Johnson, Colorado-Brutal schedule, presence of Marcus Houston hurt value

- See the initial Preseason Running Back Rankings below.

Monday, July 31

2000 Preseason Rankings -- RB

By Richard Cirminiello  

Like the real games, a strong running game is a must in fantasy football if you’d like to contend for a title.  It’s a rare occurrence when an owner can snatch the top spot on the strength of his quarterbacks and receivers alone.  While stars at other positions are prone to off weeks, stud running backs are as consistent as the tides, gobbling up yards and touchdowns nearly every Saturday.  Just ask last year’s owners of Ron Dayne, Shaun Alexander and Thomas Jones how confident they felt before their weekend games.  

Running Backs

The security of 1999 from names like Dayne, Alexander, Jones, Redmond, Wiley and Canidate has vanished.  In its place comes the promise of enormous potential from names like Duckett, Cobourne, Cobb, Morris, Arnold and Bennett.  While the faces may change, the results will likely be the same.  This year’s class of top running backs is loaded with underclassmen prepared to make their mark on the game.

Rankings based on 6 points for a rushing/receiving TD and 1 point for every 25 yards of combined total offense (return yards not included).

#1 Ken Simonton, Oregon St-Has scored 32TDs in his first two seasons.  He is the Beaver offense.

#2 Lamont Jordan, Maryland-An argument could be made for him in the top slot after he tore through defenses last year.  Academic problems must be resolved.

#3 Anthony Thomas, Michigan-With a new starting QB, no reason to believe he can’t challenge last year’s 16 TDs.  Will benefit from a solid line.

#4 Deuce McAllister, Mississippi-Backup Joe Gunn will get carries, which could mean #4 is too high.  Still, he might be the most explosive back in the nation.

#5 Hodges Mitchell, Texas-Did a great job of replacing Ricky Williams in 1999, piling up enormous yardage.  Main drawback is that he does not get goal line carries.

#6 Travis Henry, Tennessee-No longer in Jamal Lewis’ shadow, Henry could have a breakout year.

#7 TJ Duckett, Michigan St-Those who witnessed his garroting of the Penn St defense late last year will understand this ranking.  Can anyone stop him in short yardage?

#8 Avon Cobourne, West Virginia-This freshman emerged as a force last season.  Now has the benefit of an improved line in front of him this year.

#9 Travis Zachery, Clemson-Despite 16 TDs last year, some concern surrounds Zachery.  His hold on the starting spot is tenuous and this rank will only be warranted if he solidifies the position soon.

#10 James Jackson, Miami-Too talented to move any lower.  However, he’s prone to injury and will lose some carries to Clinton Portis and Najeh Davenport.

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#11 Cedric Cobb, Arkansas-A glimpse of his future was unveiled in last year’s Cotton Bowl.  Ignore last season’s numbers and prepare for a breakthrough in 2000.

#12 Deon Burnett, Washington St-Out of nowhere, the true freshman had 12 TDs and almost 1200 total yards in 1999.  Those kind of figures from a 19 year old are hard to ignore.

#13 Maurice Morris, Oregon-Taking a stab that this 1^st team JUCO All-American can follow in Reuben Droughns’ footsteps.  His competition is light and his offense will give him many opportunities.

#14 Paul Arnold, Washington-One of this year’s main sleepers.  Got his feet wet as a true freshman in 1999.  Now, he’ll be expected to carry the load for the Huskies.  He won’t disappoint.

#15 Michael Bennett, Wisconsin-Like Dayne, he’ll run behind a huge line.  Unlike Dayne, he has world-class speed.  Won’t put up Heisman numbers, but should be solid if he gets the bulk of the carries.

#16 Ricky Williams, Texas Tech-Ranking Williams is a very tough call.  Last year’s knee injury and the change in offensive philosophy certainly hurt his value.  Too talented not to take a chance.

#17 Rocky Harvey, Illinois-Had over 1000 yards and 9 TDs while sharing time with Steve Havard last year.  Now he gets to be the primary back.  However, he may be too small to workhorse.

#18 Travis Minor, Florida St-Unimpressive last year and now faces playing time challenges from the likes of Jeff Chaney and Nick Maddox.  Wouldn’t be ranked if he weren’t in Tallahassee.

#19 Rudi Johnson, Auburn-Another back with an impressive JUCO resume.  Johnson is a power runner who’ll likely start on an Auburn offense that’s on the rise. 

#20 Cedric Washington, Boston College-Played very well in his 1^st year as a starter.  Only concern is that backup William Green may be just as talented.

#21 Derek Combs, Ohio St-What would a RB list be without a Buckeye back?  Combs’ battle with Jonathan Wells must be watched closely.  One of these two will score their share of TDs.

#22 DeShaun Foster, UCLA-This time last year, he was being hailed as a future star.  While injuries and a weak offense stalled that progress, many believe Foster will rebound if he stays healthy.

#23 Delvon Flowers, Arizona St-At times, he outperformed JR Redmond last season.  If he can put his academic problems behind him, Flowers may be poised for a big season.

#24 Jasper Sanks, Georgia-Steady, yet unspectacular, Sanks may face more competition this fall.  Hard to expect much more than 1000 yards and 7-8 TDs.

#25 Shaun Bohanon, Alabama-Yet another back who missed spring practice due to academics.  Should get first crack at starting.  However, the backfield is loaded and competition will be intense.

#26 Leo Mills, Arizona-Highly regarded out of high school, Mills looks to finally fulfill his potential while trying to fill the shoes of Trung Canidate.  Could be a big surprise.

#27 Levron Williams, Indiana-Came out of nowhere in 1999 and just got better as the season wore on.  Skilled as a runner and pass catcher.  Loses too many Tds to Randle El to be considered much higher.

#28 Kevan Barlow, Pittsburgh-Tough inside runner who performed well despite limited carries.  Could be one of the beneficiaries of an up and coming Panther offense.

#29 Cortlen Johnson, Colorado-Ended Colorado’s RB by committee by outplaying the competition.  Finished season with 201 yards in Buffaloes bowl win.  Must fend off true freshman Marcus Houston.

#30 Lee Suggs, Virginia Tech-Almost by default, Suggs may be the starter.  When Vick isn’t sneaking it in himself, Suggs may get some short yardage TDs.

Players Worth Watching- Could Crack Top 30 Before Summer Ends

Jonathon Wells, Ohio St-Loads of talent, but lost starting spot in the spring to Combs.

Ladell Betts, Iowa-Focal point of a bad Iowa offense.  Would be higher if he were playing elsewhere.

David Allen, Kansas St-While he may be starting, he just too small to carry the load.

Dan Alexander, Nebraska-Would be much higher if he was the only Husker back getting carries.

Thunder Collins, Nebraska-Has star potential if he learns the system and gets the starting nod.

Rodney Williams, Vanderbilt-Focal point of a sub par Vandy offense.  Upside is somewhat limited.

Damien Anderson, Northwestern-Would be higher on another team.  Had 1000 yards, but just 3 TDs.

Earnest Graham, Florida-Though talented, he’ll compete for time with Bo Carroll and Robert Gillespie.

Ray Robinson, NC St-Off year in 1999 after scoring 10 TDs in 1998.  May no longer be sharing carries.

Richard Whitaker, Texas A&M-Speedy back who came out of nowhere to win tailback job in the spring.

Julious Jones, Notre Dame-Showed potential late last year.  May share time with Tony Fisher.

Thomas Tapeh, Minnesota-Top recruit of 1999 gets a chance to show skills.  Appears injury prone.

Eric Mccoo, PennSt-Hard to tell if he’s still a factor.  Depth at Rb can’t help his situation.

Joe Burns, Georgia Tech-Regained starting job after missing most of last year with an injury.

Sean Gregory, Georgia Tech-Hard to believe he’s this low.  Lost job to Burns and offense may sputter.

Jamar Toombs, Texas A&M-Switched back to fullback.  Only valuable if you count pancake blocks.

Moran Norris, Kansas-Talented fullback who tallied 9 TDs last season.

Willie Parker, North Carolina-Impressed in spring and won starting tailback job.

James Mungro, Syracuse-Part-time back outplayed starter Dee Brown last year.  Had 8 scores.

Montrell Lowe, Purdue-The freshman added a spark to the Boilermaker running game in 1999.

Dontae Walker, Mississippi St-A top recruit in 1999, he’s cursed by a running back by committee.

Ahmaad Galloway, Alabama-Likely Bama starter if Bohanon can’t play.  Dazzled coaches in the spring.

Joe Gunn, Mississippi-On numbers alone, he should be much higher.  Backs up Deuce Mccallister.

Ennis Haywood, Iowa St-Has the unenviable task of replacing Troy Davis’ little brother Darren.

Joe Igber, California-Played well last year.  However, the Cal offense is awful.

Kerry Carter, Stanford-This back will have many big games.  We’re just not sure if they’ll be this year.

Sultan Mccullough, USC-Still waiting to see who the Trojan back will be.  Mccullough is a burner.

Clinton Portis, Miami-Hard to ignore his 10 TDs in 7 games.  However, Jackson is still the main back.

Tony Fisher, Notre Dame-Will get some TDs, but will also lose carries to Julious Jones.

Arlen Harris, Virginia-Slight lead to get the starting spot.

Antoine Womack, Virginia-While he may have the most talent, legal problems have plagued his career. 

Joe Hall, Kansas St-This human wrecking ball may not get on the field due to academic and legal woes.

Quinton Griffin, Oklahoma-Running backs from passing teams are usually not recommended.

Dee Brown, Syracuse-Was outplayed by James Mungro in 1999.  Both return in 2000.

Domanick Davis, LSU-Likely starter under new coach Nick Saban.

Zack Abron, Missouri-Power back who won the starting job from Zain Gilmore with a strong spring.
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