Best RB to ever play college football?

[Vol4life25]

I vote for Herschel Walker.

Top 10 in all time Rushing yards, and is the only player in the top 10 who only played 3 years.

Who would you vote for?

 

[Volosaurus rex]

Before voting, how are you defining "best"? The most physically talented, most accomplished statistically (single-season or career, since not all of the relevant candidates enjoyed college careers of equal duration) or by the degree to which he surpassed the achievements and/or talent level of his peers? That will definitely influence my decision. In terms of pure physical talent, I would rank Herschel and Bo Jackson as the two best running backs in SEC history. However, Jim Brown at Syracuse possessed comparable size and a similar body type 25 years before those two stepped on the field.

Incidentally, a most excellent question.

 

[milohimself]

I wasn't around to see any of them play college, but I'd guess that Bo, Herschel and Jim Brown would be 1-2-3 in some order

 

[hog88]

Marcus Dupree.

 

[Lawrence Wright]

Herschel Walker, and it's not even close.

 

[DarthVisor]

Herschel. If not him, then Demetris Summers.

 

[ETNRIDER]

Dupree / Walker at #1

 

[Volosaurus rex]

Again, based on what specific criteria? Barry Sanders' college career, for example, is an anomaly. He was a backup to Thurman Thomas at Oklahoma State for his freshman and sophomore seasons. In his junior (and final) year, he had what remains to this day unquestionably the most impressive single season that any Division 1-A running back has ever achieved.

In 1988, Sanders "led the nation by averaging 7.6 yards per carry and over 200 yards per game, including rushing for over 300 yards in four games. Despite his massive workload of 344 carries, Sanders was still used as the team's punt and kickoff returner, adding another 516 yards on special teams. He set college football season records with 2,628 yards rushing, 3,248 total yards, 234 points, 39 touchdowns, 37 rushing touchdowns, 5 consecutive 200 yard games, scored at least 2 touchdowns in 11 consecutive games, and 9 times he scored at least 3 touchdowns. Sanders also ran for 222 yards and scored 5 touchdowns in his three quarters of action in the Holiday Bowl - a game that was not included with his season statistics" (Barry Sanders - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

A huge caveat must, of course, be offered: He did not achieve these mindboggling numbers against SEC defenses.

 

[Lawrence Wright]

I'd put Herschel Walker's physical tools, career numbers and contribution to team accomplishments over and above any RB to ever play college football.

 

[YankeeVol]

Herschel Walker
Ernie Davis

 

[Scotty's Flat Top]

LenDale White

 

[hog88]

^^ Serious? Can't be.

 

[Scotty's Flat Top]

^^ Serious? Can't be.

Lol no way. A guy by the name of Ricky Williams wasn't half bad though.

 

[salutethehill]

Bo knows.

 

[volfanCLT]

Bo Jackson

 

[bamawriter]

Walker. There are a few you could debate for second place, but Walker is alone in first.

 

[Notorious B.E.N]

Walker

 

[Scotty's Flat Top]

Walker. There are a few you could debate for second place, but Walker is alone in first.

Ding ding ding

 

[bamacheats]

No such thing as "the" best imo. Many fall into the elite category.

 

[scottvols69]

No such thing as "the" best imo. Many fall into the elite category.

No.... Herschel was the best.

It was like watching a high schooler play pee wee

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

Hushul, Bo, OJ, Marcus Allen, Dorsett, AP & Jim Brown. Those are a few of the greatest ever. Tough call. I vote for Hushul at the top spot personally.

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

No.... Herschel was the best.

It was like watching a high schooler play pee wee

:thumbsup:

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

No such thing as "the" best imo. Many fall into the elite category.

Truth in abundance. Very subjective. There are five to ten backs in the "running" for best ever.

 

[milohimself]

Hushul, Bo, OJ, Marcus Allen, Dorsett, AP & Jim Brown. Those are a few of the greatest ever. Tough call. I vote for Hushul at the top spot personally.

I wouldn't put AD in the running for best ever. Best of his generation, maybe.

 

[VolFan4Life87]

Watch espn's "you don't know Bo" then tell us who's the best.











I'll save you from the suspense, it's Bo Jackson