The best of the Big 12 backfields
The best of the Big 12 backfields

The Oklahoman

Published: June 29, 2008

•2. Texas A&M. Michael Goodson is among the Big 12's most exciting runners, fast and slippery and a big play waiting to happen. After sharing carries with Jorvorskie Lane the past two years, Goodson will have Lane as his fullback. Freshman Bradley Stephens, who ran for nearly 8,000 yards in high school, came on in the spring.

•3. Nebraska. The Cornhuskers bring back the league's only returning 1,000-yard rusher in Marlon Lucky, who is also a passing game threat. There's excitement, too, for sophomores Roy Helu Jr. and Quentin Castille.

•4. Oklahoma State. At times last year, you couldn't tell the difference between Dantrell Savage and Kendall Hunter. That's good news for Cowboys fans hoping Hunter can fill Savage's shoes. Juco recruit Beau Johnson impressed in the spring. and Keith Toston should be back to 100 percent after surgery.

•5. Texas. The loss of junior Jamaal Charles to the NFL was a blow to the Longhorns. There's no clear replacement that offers game-breaking ability, but Vondrell McGee, Chris Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whitaker were once touted recruits.

•6. Kansas. The Jayhawks have a speedster in Jake Sharp, a bullying presence in Jocques Crawford – the National Junior College Offensive Player of the Year – and a top recruit in Carmon Boyd-Anderson.

•7. Colorado. Much of this ranking is based on faith. The faith that incoming freshman Darrell Scott, the nation's No. 1-rated back, is as good as advertised. The Buffs have a pair of other decent options in sophomore Demetrius Sumler and Brian Lockridge.

•8. Missouri. While the Tigers have senior Jimmy Jackson pegged for significant snaps, there's hope that sophomore Derrick Washington can emerge as a big-play threat.

•9. Iowa State. The Cyclones are banking on sophomore Alexander Robinson to pick up where he left off in 2007, when he closed the season strong. Jason Scales and J.J. Bass are also in the mix.

•10. Texas Tech. Red Raider backs are judged as much on receiving skills as running abilities. Still, Tech can spring a runner when you least expect it. Aaron Crawford, Shannon Woods, Baron Batch and Kobey Lewis are bidding to fill the role.

•11. Kansas State. Leon Patton slumped in 2007, after a strong debut as a freshman the year before. He'll be pushed by junior college transfer Daniel Thomas and redshirt freshmen Dee Bell and Justin Woods.

•12. Baylor. The Bears need playmakers everywhere, with running back no exception. Jay Finley offers some experience, but true freshman Jarred Salubi will be given a shot.

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