Texas and 5 Other Schools with Running Backs to Watch in 2011

These guys may not end up in New York City for the Heisman banquet—or maybe they will—but they’re certainly in position to become household names over the course of the next season. The following backs have never been the featured starter in their collegiate careers—which for some are just getting started—although some have already contributed as key backups. Now, though, the time is right for these six players to emerge as some of the game’s top backs.

Malcolm Brown, Texas Longhorns: Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson, who head coach Mack Brown said may play more fullback than tailback this year, both return after leading the team in rushing last season. Even so, there’s been considerable anticipation surrounding true freshman Malcolm Brown. He’ll almost certainly push for carries, while it’s not out of the question that he starts the season opener. Joe Bergeron could also push the senior running backs for playing time this season.

Brown has received high praise from a senior member of the Longhorns defense. “He has about the perfect attitude you can have as a freshman. I’m not sure he’s said five words,” senior safety Blake Gideon said according to the Austin Statesman. “He’s one of those guys who comes in, puts his head down and goes to work. You have guys who come in and talk way too much early in their career. Malcolm Brown isn’t like that. He’s a guy who knows how to carry himself and go to work every day.”

Isaiah Crowell, Georgia Bulldogs: Washaun Ealey asked for and was granted a release from his scholarship and will now play his college ball at Jacksonville State. Caleb King, meanwhile, was ruled academically ineligible and will be available in Monday’s NFL Supplemental Draft. That prompted the Bulldogs to move Richard Samuel from linebacker back to running back, and seemingly has cleared the way for true freshman Isaiah Crowell to impact the rushing game immediately.

Quarterback Aaron Murray’s development last season and over the offseason should help Crowell and the rushing game, but in that same vein, establishing the run is going to be important to Murray and the passing game. Crowell will face plenty of attention this year, but told the media that he thinks he’s handled it well and that he doesn’t let it get to him. “I try to keep a level head,” Crowell said according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I don’t really think about [the weight of expectations] a lot. My coaches are always telling me I’m not the savior. I’m just coming out here and working hard and trying to help my team.”

Savon Huggins, Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Savon Huggins is another true freshman who could emerge as a big-time offensive player. In Rutgers’ scrimmage on August 13, Huggins rushed for 168 yards on 26 carries (6.5 yards per carry). He is currently listed as the second back on the depth chart, but many expect Huggins to eventually take over the starting job and serve as the featured back. Coaches are excited about Huggins, who will not only improve the Scarlet Knights’ presence on the ground, but could allow the new pro-style offense to go to a play-action to open up the passing game.

Lamar Miller, Miami Hurricanes: No, we can’t go two minutes without mentioning the Hurricanes now that the figurative bomb has been dropped on Coral Gables. But on a positive note, redshirt sophomore Lamar Miller is a special kind of player who will look to become the next playmaker to emerge from the ‘Canes backfield. He’ll split carries with Mike James, who’s more of the bruiser and who spent his freshman year playing fullback before switching to running back last season. The duo has given themselves the nickname ‘Smash and Dash’.

Silas Redd, Penn State Nittany Lions: There are plenty of players vying for playing time with Evan Royster now a member of the Washington Redskins. Senior Stephfon Green probably isn’t coming back after he was suspended for disciplinary reasons, according to head coach Joe Paterno. That leaves sophomore Silas Redd the likely candidate to take over the starting job after serving as Royster’s backup in 2010 (437 yards, 2 TD).

Brandon Beachum has been splitting first-team carries with Redd, however, and he’ll figure into the mix in the backfield, too. Expect Redd and Beachum, who missed 2010 with a knee injury, to split carries somewhat with Curtis Dukes possibly stealing some carries as well. Nevertheless, it’s Redd who is the more dynamic playmaker and who will likely be used as the featured back.

David Wilson, Virginia Tech Hokies: With Ryan Williams and Darren Evans electing to leave early for the NFL, the keys to the running game are in junior David Wilson’s hands. Wilson has proven a key part of the Hokies rushing game the past two seasons, finishing fourth on the team with 335 yards and two touchdowns in 2009 and third last year with 619 yards and five touchdowns. Out of the shadow of Williams and Evans, he’ll be the featured back in 2011.

Honorable mention: Andrew Buie, West Virginia Mountaineers (Tip of the Hat: Caleb Wygal of The Smoking Musket.)

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Danny Hobrock, is our College Football Editor and NCAA Football On-Air Personality. Danny's writing on College Pigskin has garnered national attention and has been critically acclaimed. You may email Danny directly @ danny.hobrock@rotoexperts.com or follow him on Twitter @DannyHobrock