Best Value Among Pac-10 Running Backs

Though Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Florida’s Tim Tebow receive the headlines when the discussion turns to the Heisman Trophy and their prospects at joining Archie Griffin as a two-time winner, Cal’s Jahvid Best could very well be part of the Heisman chatter as the 2009 season unfolds. According to Versus.com Pac-10 blogger Lonnie White, the junior heads an impressive list of the five most valuable conference running backs.

JAHVID BEST, Cal, 5-10, 195, JR
There’s no doubt that Best will be a marked man this season after rushing for 1,580 yards at a clip of 8.1 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns in 2008. But Best has the type of talent that doesn’t come around often and his combination of balance and breakaway speed will be tough to defend. Last season, Best (a two-time first team All-Pac-10 selection) carried the Bears’ offense by accounting for a school-record 2,247 all-purpose yards. With Cal coach Jeff Tedford looking to get the ball to Best as often as possible in 2009, don’t be surprised to see the multi-dimensional back emerge as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

TOBY GERHART, Stanford, 6-1, 205, SR
Gerhart represents the new style of toughness coach Jim Harbaugh has developed within Stanford’s football program. Last season, Gerhart rushed for 1,136 yards with 15 touchdowns in 12 games, including a school-tying record four-touchdown performance against Washington. He also led the conference with eight 100-yard rushing games, which also matched a school record. Gerhart seems to get stronger with every carry and Harbaugh plans to give the physical back a great deal of work this season.

JACQUIZZ RODGERS, Oregon State, 5-7, 191, SO In 2008, Rodgers averaged 113.9 yards per game rushing and earned Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (first ever freshman to take home the honor). And if there were any questions regarding Rodgers’ importance as a running back, just ask USC about him. In the Beavers’ upset win over the Trojans last season, Rodgers was unstoppable as he rushed for a season-high 186 yards and two touchdowns. With his older brother, James, getting it done as a slot receiver, Oregon State expects big things from the Rodgers’ duo this season.

LeGARRETTE BLOUNT, Oregon, 6-2, 240, SR
Despite splitting time with Jeremiah Johnson last season, Blount rushed for 1,002 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. With Johnson now competing for an NFL roster spot, Blount is expected to get the bulk of the work for the Ducks this season and he has the ability to be a game-breaker. Blount has the size to not only pick up tough yards inside, but he also can break off for touchdowns from any place on the field. Last season, Blount had five touchdown runs from at least 29 yards, including a 69-yard scoring gallop against UCLA.

NIC GRIGSBY, Arizona, 5-10, 190, JR
Heading into the 2009 season, Grisgby may be the nation’s most underrated running back. A two-year starter for the Wildcats, he rushed for 1,153 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore and topped 100 yards in a game five times. Even though Grisgby lacks the ideal size to be a workhorse running back, he displayed great durability in 2008. He carried the ball at least 19 times in six games and Arizona coach Mike Stoops is expected to give him even more opportunities in 2009.

Keep and eye on UCLA’s Christian Ramirez: The former defensive back is being counted on to revive the Bruins’ suspect ground attack. Despite his lack of game experience, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is looking for big things from the inexperienced redshirt junior.


More Pac-10 MVP lists from Lonnie White
Quarterbacks
Defensive Backs

Pac-10 Media Day: Even in Summer Men of Troy are Imposing


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