Weekly Position Discussion: Week 5, Running Backs

[retiredfan]

IMHO Brett will tear it up when he is in. I think he is an animal, and they need to let him out of his cage

 

[grizfan95]

And with a substantially, can one say, improved?..running scheme

Improved? How?

I know some people really didn't like the offense the last few years, but I don't get where this crazy optimism is coming from. You guys realize we finished second in rushing behind the only option team in the conference and averaged over 250 yards rushing per game, right?

I'll eat my hat if the new offense can improve on that, and celebrate the fact that we'd be damn near unstoppable if that's the case.

We ran in large part because we COULDN'T pass.

Yeah, and we were still successful even when teams knew it was coming. The only reason it died down later in the year is because we put SSH in, and took away the QB run threat.

I just don't get the people that act like we're "fixing" our offense this year. JJ would have wrecked it last year in that offense. It wasn't broken, IMO, just missing a key piece. And I feel sticking JJ under center is already a step in the wrong direction.

The coaches keep saying this but in the scrimmages I would say he was in shotgun the majority of time. The under center sets up the play action pass and the read option can leave your QB vulnerable to unnecessary hits as we saw in 2011.

 

[BWahlberg]

in games I have seen it looks to me like kirschner will be the big surprise breakout of the season..he is tough, but more than that he is a gamer.....

Kirsch can deal out punishment to would-be tacklers as well, maybe the best of our running backs who can lower his shoulder and plow through defenders. He might be our best goal-line and short yardage back.

I'll take Counts in that scenario, please.

Don't take this as knocking Counts or anything but if you want a guy that will power through a linebacker or safety to get those extra yards, based on everything I've seen out of the two so far... you want Kirshner to do it. Counts tries to make guys miss him which sometimes leads to him getting tripped up and/or stopped Kirsch plows through them, usually with good success.

 

[BWahlberg]

Improved? How?

I know some people really didn't like the offense the last few years, but I don't get where this crazy optimism is coming from. You guys realize we finished second in rushing behind the only option team in the conference and averaged over 250 yards rushing per game, right?

I'll eat my hat if the new offense can improve on that, and celebrate the fact that we'd be damn near unstoppable if that's the case.

We ran in large part because we COULDN'T pass.

Yeah, and we were still successful even when teams knew it was coming. The only reason it died down later in the year is because we put SSH in, and took away the QB run threat.

I just don't get the people that act like we're "fixing" our offense this year. JJ would have wrecked it last year in that offense. It wasn't broken, IMO, just missing a key piece. And I feel sticking JJ under center is already a step in the wrong direction.

The coaches keep saying this but in the scrimmages I would say he was in shotgun the majority of time. The under center sets up the play action pass and the read option can leave your QB vulnerable to unnecessary hits as we saw in 2011.

Of what we saw in the spring all QBs were either in the shotgun or pistol probably 90% to 95% of the time. JJ (or whoever) under center will help in situations, but it sure doesn't appear to be a predominant part of the offense.

 

[griz4life]

Hopefully Van can have a great year the only drawback is hearing his problems with injuries but I can't wait to watch him this year!

Wouldn't be surprised if the injury bug goes away the more Travon runs downhill instead of juking. Just a hunch.

I don't know if Travon is quite as much of a downhill runner as some think. Certainly at times, but not when comparing him to Jordy. He seems to jump around much more. In fact, I recall several a$$ chewings by coach d for jumping around too much and not hitting the hole. Just an observation. I think we will be pretty good at rb this year. Not great, but pretty darn good.

I don't think Travon runs downhill enough. He's got great athletic ability, enough to make a lot of guys miss. But there's no substitute for finding your seem and getting up field. I'd bet coach Green was preaching this to Travon in the spring.

 

[griz4life]

And with a substantially, can one say, improved?..running scheme

Improved? How?

I know some people really didn't like the offense the last few years, but I don't get where this crazy optimism is coming from. You guys realize we finished second in rushing behind the only option team in the conference and averaged over 250 yards rushing per game, right?

I'll eat my hat if the new offense can improve on that, and celebrate the fact that we'd be damn near unstoppable if that's the case.

We ran in large part because we COULDN'T pass.

Yeah, and we were still successful even when teams knew it was coming. The only reason it died down later in the year is because we put SSH in, and took away the QB run threat.

I just don't get the people that act like we're "fixing" our offense this year. JJ would have wrecked it last year in that offense. It wasn't broken, IMO, just missing a key piece. And I feel sticking JJ under center is already a step in the wrong direction.

You do not have to be under center in a pro-style offense. You can go shotgun spread. You can go pistol. There are several schools that use a pro-style offense and put the QB under center less than a third of the time.
Unless someone on the Griz coaching staff has flat stated that Jordan Johnson will be under center most of the time, there's really no reason to assume he will be.

 

[Thurman Murman]

Hopefully Van can have a great year the only drawback is hearing his problems with injuries but I can't wait to watch him this year!

Wouldn't be surprised if the injury bug goes away the more Travon runs downhill instead of juking. Just a hunch.

I don't know if Travon is quite as much of a downhill runner as some think. Certainly at times, but not when comparing him to Jordy. He seems to jump around much more. In fact, I recall several a$$ chewings by coach d for jumping around too much and not hitting the hole. Just an observation. I think we will be pretty good at rb this year. Not great, but pretty darn good.

I don't think Travon runs downhill enough. He's got great athletic ability, enough to make a lot of guys miss. But there's no substitute for finding your seem and getting up field. I'd bet coach Green was preaching this to Travon in the spring.

Exactly

 

[Thurman Murman]

Improved? How?

I know some people really didn't like the offense the last few years, but I don't get where this crazy optimism is coming from. You guys realize we finished second in rushing behind the only option team in the conference and averaged over 250 yards rushing per game, right?

I'll eat my hat if the new offense can improve on that, and celebrate the fact that we'd be damn near unstoppable if that's the case.

We ran in large part because we COULDN'T pass.

Yeah, and we were still successful even when teams knew it was coming. The only reason it died down later in the year is because we put SSH in, and took away the QB run threat.

I just don't get the people that act like we're "fixing" our offense this year. JJ would have wrecked it last year in that offense. It wasn't broken, IMO, just missing a key piece. And I feel sticking JJ under center is already a step in the wrong direction.

You do not have to be under center in a pro-style offense. You can go shotgun spread. You can go pistol. There are several schools that use a pro-style offense and put the QB under center less than a third of the time.
Unless someone on the Griz coaching staff has flat stated that Jordan Johnson will be under center most of the time, there's really no reason to assume he will be.

Yes, not sure why everyone is so scared he will be under center all the time. He will be under center SOME, and I would maybe even go as far as saying very little. It will be situational and will not decrease his effectiveness out of the gun where he will be most of the time.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

Very impressive group of running backs with excellent depth.

And with a substantially, can one say, improved?..running scheme

Improved? How?

I know some people really didn't like the offense the last few years, but I don't get where this crazy optimism is coming from. You guys realize we finished second in rushing behind the only option team in the conference and averaged over 250 yards rushing per game, right?

I'll eat my hat if the new offense can improve on that, and celebrate the fact that we'd be damn near unstoppable if that's the case.

I think everyone in the BSC finished behind the 'only option team in the conference,' being Cal Poly, insofar as average yards rushing per game. But my optimism is reserved in considering the fact that the Griz were -2 in Turnover Margin last year. With the added experience and depth with the same scheme I don't ascertain much of a drop off in overall rushing efficiency. Maybe not as many yards gained overall for this coming season as in per game average, but an overall average of 4.9 yds an attempt isn't that far over on the overally optimistic side. Same as last year, in fact. The rushing scheme, as efficient as it was last year, without the -2 in Turnover Margin, should be considered improved insofar as opening up a passing game and the going long sort of deal. Improved at least in cutting down on the fumbles. Fumbling the ball away on one's own five yard line never impresses me.

 

[Copper Griz]

Improved? How?

I know some people really didn't like the offense the last few years, but I don't get where this crazy optimism is coming from. You guys realize we finished second in rushing behind the only option team in the conference and averaged over 250 yards rushing per game, right?

I'll eat my hat if the new offense can improve on that, and celebrate the fact that we'd be damn near unstoppable if that's the case.

We ran in large part because we COULDN'T pass.

Yeah, and we were still successful even when teams knew it was coming. The only reason it died down later in the year is because we put SSH in, and took away the QB run threat.

I just don't get the people that act like we're "fixing" our offense this year. JJ would have wrecked it last year in that offense. It wasn't broken, IMO, just missing a key piece. And I feel sticking JJ under center is already a step in the wrong direction.

You do not have to be under center in a pro-style offense. You can go shotgun spread. You can go pistol. There are several schools that use a pro-style offense and put the QB under center less than a third of the time.
Unless someone on the Griz coaching staff has flat stated that Jordan Johnson will be under center most of the time, there's really no reason to assume he will be.

THIS!! I will wait until the Griz are on the field for their first offensive series before I get concerned about where JJ is going to be. I actually do have faith in the co-OC's and think they know what they are doing. Call me naive, but I think things will go well on the offensive side of the ball this year. Particularly in the backfield. Secondary - now that is nother story.

 

[Umista]

In contrast to Wallbergs opinion I tend to think Kirch needs to lower his shoulder to be a good short yardage guy. Watching last year he ran straight up way to much. It is fun to consider just who the man will be. One thing we all know Kirch is a tough runner.

Counts is a guy I like, he is a sneaky runner, meaning he is faster, stronger and bigger than he looks and can catch the ball. I doubt he will be the guy to go up the gut.

This coming season will be a fun one. Why? We seem to have more unknown abilities, offensive coaching, position strengths and the old will we pass or run?

Less than two months ......I just can't wait!

 

[Thurman Murman]

In contrast to Wallbergs opinion I tend to think Kirch needs to lower his shoulder to be a good short yardage guy. Watching last year he ran straight up way to much. It is fun to consider just who the man will be. One thing we all know Kirch is a tough runner.

Counts is a guy I like, he is a sneaky runner, meaning he is faster, stronger and bigger than he looks and can catch the ball. I doubt he will be the guy to go up the gut.

This coming season will be a fun one. Why? We seem to have more unknown abilities, offensive coaching, position strengths and the old will we pass or run?

Less than two months ......I just can't wait!

I would have to say that Kirsh most likely is the hardest runner. That being said, he still lacks the size to run over a tough 240lb linebacker in a short yardage situation. He still may be the best short yardage option. I have not seen enough of counts in that role to decide. I am just saying kirsh has the mentality and willingness to run hard, but does lack a bit in size for that specific role. We will see soon.

 

[Darksim]

I believe that our RB's are going to really shine with JJ at QB again

Travon Van - I would put Travon as our #1 this year, from what ive seen of his highlights he will be our go to with read option and screen type plays. If Van stays healthy he is going to be scary.

Brett Kirschner - Brett is a bruiser so he will be invaluable in goal line and short yardage situations but also has decent speed.

Jordan Canada - I would put Canada as our speedster, not as elusive as Travon but still a great threat because of his pure speed. Giving him the ball when we're on the far side of the field would give him the most space to run, which is where I think he'll shine.

as fas as the rest of the RB's I was most impressed with John Nguyen. Joey Counts and Treshawn Favors look very solid as well. The future of the RB's looks fantastic!

 

[Richard Cranium]

I don't see Canada as a speedster at all. I remember him breaking one at NAU 2 years ago and looked as tho he was going to score an easy TD he got caught by 2 guys that were at least 10 yards behind and tackled him 20 yards from the goal line. He looked like he had concrete legs, but if I remember right it was late in the game and they had run him hard that game and he probably was just ran out of gas.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Another thought...... I do think this is by far the deepest and all around most talented backfields the Griz have ever had. Now they just have to prove it on the field.

 

[HighLineGRIZ]

Another thought...... I do think this is by far the deepest and all around most talented backfields the Griz have ever had. Now they just have to prove it on the field.

More talented than Lex Hilliard, Justin Green, JR Waller...? I don't think so...

There is a lot of talent, but it's mostly unproven and I'm not even sure if you can say if it outweighs the talent of last year after losing our two top rushers. New RBs are easy to get excited about. Can't count how many times in the past, fans have anointed incoming RBs as the next great thing, only to have them fall short. If we can get the same type of production as last year out of our running game with an improved passing game, I like our chances of a much improved offense.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I knew that group of Backs would come up. I agree with you because 2 of them played in the NFL for more than a few years. But I really do think this is a deeper backfield. Believe me no one was a bigger fan of Lex than me! Football wise and personally.

 

[BigPawzSharpClawz]

August 14, 2013 12:00 pm • By Greg Rachac
NOTE: This is the eighth installment of our weekly series projecting the Top 10 players at each position for the 2013 Big Sky Conference football season.

The more things change the more they stay the same. Many of the names on my list of projections for the top running backs in the Big Sky for the upcoming season aren't new. The majority of these players have been piling up yards and scoring touchdowns for two and three years already, and they'll be the top guys again this season.

In particular, my top three -- NAU's Zach Bauman, MSU's Cody Kirk, and Portland State's D.J. Adams -- are ranked in same spots they were a year ago. Bauman is a fourth-year starter, and a preseason favorite for the Big Sky's offensive player of the year honor. Two darkhorses to watch? Cal Poly's Kristaan Ivory and Weber State's Bo Bolen. Here's the full list:

TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS FOR 2013

1. ZACH BAUMAN, SR., NORTHERN ARIZONA 2012: 225 car, 1,182 yds, 5.3 avg, 8 TD, 34 rec, 216 yds, 6.4 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Bauman has it all: Balance, speed, vision, power, cutback ability and a nose for the end zone. In three seasons at NAU, Bauman has rushed for 3,676 yards and 37 TDs. Bauman has benefited from some pretty efficient quarterback play in the past, and that'll be key with a new signal-caller this year in Flagstaff. But Bauman seems to get his yards no matter what. He's averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 111.4 yards per game so far in his career, so he seems like a lock for another 1,000-yard season as NAU pushes for the playoffs.

2. CODY KIRK, SR., MONTANA STATE 2012: 171 car, 841 yds, 4.9 avg, 13 TD, 18 rec, 175 yds, 9.7 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Bobcats coach Rob Ash has referred to Kirk on countless occasions as the "heart and soul" of the team. He's certainly one of the hardest working. Kirk was banged up late last year, and that hurt MSU. When healthy, he's the best straight-ahead runner in the league, always falling forward and protecting the football. He's scored 27 rushing TDs combined in the past two seasons, by far the most in the Big Sky. Expect Kirk to return to his 1,000-yard form this year, and to score double-digit touchdowns again in a new offense.

3. D.J. ADAMS, SR., PORTLAND STATE 2012: 164 car, 972 yds, 5.9 avg, 12 TD, 12 rec, 30 yds, 2.5 avg. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Adams came to Portland State from Maryland before last season and wasted no time becoming one of the most effective backs in the Big Sky. Adams is a touchdown machine: So far in his three-year career (including at Maryland), Adams has scored 27 TDs. He found the end zone in all but three games last season. A great combination of size and speed, Adams is a load to handle between the tackles. Adams -- teaming with backfield mate Shaq Richard -- should have another big season in the Vikings' intricate Pistol offense.

4. KRISTAAN IVORY, JR., CAL POLY 2012: 109 car, 728 yds, 6.7 avg, 8 TD, 6 rec, 49 yds, 8.2 avg, 2 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Deonte Williams rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season, so Cal Poly needs a viable replacement at the slotback position to fill that void. Ivory will get every opportunity to be that guy. Mustangs coach Tim Walsh says Ivory is the type "that can carry the ball 250 times this season and average six yards a carry.” If so, Ivory will be ranked higher on this list come season's end. One thing's certain: Someone will carry the load in Cal Poly's option offense. Ivory put up strong numbers last year, so I'm betting he'll be the guy.

5. JORDAN CANADA, JR., MONTANA 2012: 118 car, 586 yds, 5.0 avg, 4 TD, 15 rec, 126 yds, 8.4 avg. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Canada has been a bit of an enigma since he arrived at Montana. He's battled injuries and a reputation for dogging it, but the talent is unquestioned. Canada is a shifty runner with good breakaway speed. He's already rushed for 1,166 career yards, and he should see even better results this season in the Grizzlies' revised ground game. With Jordan Johnson back at QB, it should open up more holes. Obviously, Marshall transfer Travon Van will get lots of carries and yards for UM too. Canada and Van should make a great combo.

6. EZEKIEL GRAHAM, SR., SACRAMENTO STATE 2012: 166 car, 861 yds, 5.2 avg, 5 TD, 40 rec, 406 yds, 10.1 avg, 2 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Along with quarterback Garrett Safron, Graham was a welcome addition to the Hornets last year. The JC transfer won the running back job and produced in waves as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise. Graham became a junior college All-American at LA Southwest JC in 2011, and kept it going in his first year in Sacramento. Graham will play another big role this year as the Hornets look to win more games under seventh-year coach Marshall Sperbeck.

7. TROMAINE DENNIS, SR., NORTHERN COLORADO 2012: 203 car, 948 yds, 4.7 avg, 10 TD, 23 rec, 187 yds, 8.1 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Wait ... a Northern Colorado running back had nearly 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns? It's true. Dennis was a force on offense in Greeley The Bears have rarely seen that kind of ground production since they joined the Big Sky in 2006. Can he do it again? With quarterback Seth Lobato improving, and with a much better direction under third-year coach Earnest Collins Jr., there's no reason to think he can't. Dennis finished last season with a 222-yard effort against North Dakota. That's a great building block.

8. BO BOLEN, JR., WEBER STATE 2011-12: DNP. 2010: 153 car, 704 yds, 4.6 avg, 3 TD, 32 rec, 256 yds, 8.0 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Remember me? Bolen returns to Weber State this season after serving a two-year LDS mission in the Philippines. In his two previous seasons (2009 and '10) Bolen was a second-team all-conference player when he rushed for a combined 1,146 yards and six touchdowns. The key now will be knocking off the rust, since he hasn't played a live game since November of 2010. Bolen should be a key player in Robin Pflugrad's offense at Weber State. If he can return to his previous form, the Wildcats will be much better off.

9. DEMITRIUS BRONSON, SR., EASTERN WASHINGTON 2012: 132 car, 472 yds, 3.6 avg, 11 TD, 3 rec, 17 yds, 5.7 avg. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Bronson has fought through injuries in each of his first two years at EWU. He rushed for nearly 500 yards a season ago, finishing second on the team behind Quincy Forte. Bronson is listed as the starter at running back, though he'll share playing time with Forte and others. Bronson played at Washington before transferring to EWU prior to the 2011 campaign. Bronson has scored 11 TDs as an Eagle and will continue to be an important piece to what has been one of the more prolific offenses in the FCS.

10. JAKE MILLER, SR., NORTH DAKOTA 2012: 94 car, 543 yds, 5.8 avg, 2 TD, 15 rec, 119 yds, 7.9 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: After nearly reaching the 1,000-yard plateau in 2011, Miller shared the load at tailback last year with teammate Mitch Sutton (partly due to injury). Miller still led the team in rushing, and averaged almost six yards per carry. But his touches were down. This year he hopes to get back to his sophomore year form, when he utilized his speed and quickness to burn opponents whenever he got the chance. Miller isn't the biggest back (at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds) but he gets the job done. Look for more yards and touchdowns this year.

*** NATIONAL NO. 1: TIM FLANDERS, SR., SAM HOUSTON STATE. So many to choose from -- Indiana State's Shakir Bell, Towson's Terrance West, South Dakota State's Zach Zenner, Stony Brook's Marcus Coker ... the list goes on. But Flanders is the active career leader in rushing yards (4,234) and touchdowns (52) in the FCS, and he's also a huge playoff performer. You don't need to remind Big Sky teams of that. Expect huge things (again) from the former Kansas State transfer

Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/big-sky-position-rankings-running-backs/article_7dfcf7ce-0160-11e3-8920-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz2cMbaGIcL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Rockmeister]

August 14, 2013 12:00 pm • By Greg Rachac
NOTE: This is the eighth installment of our weekly series projecting the Top 10 players at each position for the 2013 Big Sky Conference football season.

The more things change the more they stay the same. Many of the names on my list of projections for the top running backs in the Big Sky for the upcoming season aren't new. The majority of these players have been piling up yards and scoring touchdowns for two and three years already, and they'll be the top guys again this season.

In particular, my top three -- NAU's Zach Bauman, MSU's Cody Kirk, and Portland State's D.J. Adams -- are ranked in same spots they were a year ago. Bauman is a fourth-year starter, and a preseason favorite for the Big Sky's offensive player of the year honor. Two darkhorses to watch? Cal Poly's Kristaan Ivory and Weber State's Bo Bolen. Here's the full list:

TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS FOR 2013

1. ZACH BAUMAN, SR., NORTHERN ARIZONA 2012: 225 car, 1,182 yds, 5.3 avg, 8 TD, 34 rec, 216 yds, 6.4 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Bauman has it all: Balance, speed, vision, power, cutback ability and a nose for the end zone. In three seasons at NAU, Bauman has rushed for 3,676 yards and 37 TDs. Bauman has benefited from some pretty efficient quarterback play in the past, and that'll be key with a new signal-caller this year in Flagstaff. But Bauman seems to get his yards no matter what. He's averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 111.4 yards per game so far in his career, so he seems like a lock for another 1,000-yard season as NAU pushes for the playoffs.

2. CODY KIRK, SR., MONTANA STATE 2012: 171 car, 841 yds, 4.9 avg, 13 TD, 18 rec, 175 yds, 9.7 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Bobcats coach Rob Ash has referred to Kirk on countless occasions as the "heart and soul" of the team. He's certainly one of the hardest working. Kirk was banged up late last year, and that hurt MSU. When healthy, he's the best straight-ahead runner in the league, always falling forward and protecting the football. He's scored 27 rushing TDs combined in the past two seasons, by far the most in the Big Sky. Expect Kirk to return to his 1,000-yard form this year, and to score double-digit touchdowns again in a new offense.

3. D.J. ADAMS, SR., PORTLAND STATE 2012: 164 car, 972 yds, 5.9 avg, 12 TD, 12 rec, 30 yds, 2.5 avg. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Adams came to Portland State from Maryland before last season and wasted no time becoming one of the most effective backs in the Big Sky. Adams is a touchdown machine: So far in his three-year career (including at Maryland), Adams has scored 27 TDs. He found the end zone in all but three games last season. A great combination of size and speed, Adams is a load to handle between the tackles. Adams -- teaming with backfield mate Shaq Richard -- should have another big season in the Vikings' intricate Pistol offense.

4. KRISTAAN IVORY, JR., CAL POLY 2012: 109 car, 728 yds, 6.7 avg, 8 TD, 6 rec, 49 yds, 8.2 avg, 2 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Deonte Williams rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season, so Cal Poly needs a viable replacement at the slotback position to fill that void. Ivory will get every opportunity to be that guy. Mustangs coach Tim Walsh says Ivory is the type "that can carry the ball 250 times this season and average six yards a carry.” If so, Ivory will be ranked higher on this list come season's end. One thing's certain: Someone will carry the load in Cal Poly's option offense. Ivory put up strong numbers last year, so I'm betting he'll be the guy.

5. JORDAN CANADA, JR., MONTANA 2012: 118 car, 586 yds, 5.0 avg, 4 TD, 15 rec, 126 yds, 8.4 avg. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Canada has been a bit of an enigma since he arrived at Montana. He's battled injuries and a reputation for dogging it, but the talent is unquestioned. Canada is a shifty runner with good breakaway speed. He's already rushed for 1,166 career yards, and he should see even better results this season in the Grizzlies' revised ground game. With Jordan Johnson back at QB, it should open up more holes. Obviously, Marshall transfer Travon Van will get lots of carries and yards for UM too. Canada and Van should make a great combo.

6. EZEKIEL GRAHAM, SR., SACRAMENTO STATE 2012: 166 car, 861 yds, 5.2 avg, 5 TD, 40 rec, 406 yds, 10.1 avg, 2 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Along with quarterback Garrett Safron, Graham was a welcome addition to the Hornets last year. The JC transfer won the running back job and produced in waves as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise. Graham became a junior college All-American at LA Southwest JC in 2011, and kept it going in his first year in Sacramento. Graham will play another big role this year as the Hornets look to win more games under seventh-year coach Marshall Sperbeck.

7. TROMAINE DENNIS, SR., NORTHERN COLORADO 2012: 203 car, 948 yds, 4.7 avg, 10 TD, 23 rec, 187 yds, 8.1 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Wait ... a Northern Colorado running back had nearly 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns? It's true. Dennis was a force on offense in Greeley The Bears have rarely seen that kind of ground production since they joined the Big Sky in 2006. Can he do it again? With quarterback Seth Lobato improving, and with a much better direction under third-year coach Earnest Collins Jr., there's no reason to think he can't. Dennis finished last season with a 222-yard effort against North Dakota. That's a great building block.

8. BO BOLEN, JR., WEBER STATE 2011-12: DNP. 2010: 153 car, 704 yds, 4.6 avg, 3 TD, 32 rec, 256 yds, 8.0 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Remember me? Bolen returns to Weber State this season after serving a two-year LDS mission in the Philippines. In his two previous seasons (2009 and '10) Bolen was a second-team all-conference player when he rushed for a combined 1,146 yards and six touchdowns. The key now will be knocking off the rust, since he hasn't played a live game since November of 2010. Bolen should be a key player in Robin Pflugrad's offense at Weber State. If he can return to his previous form, the Wildcats will be much better off.

9. DEMITRIUS BRONSON, SR., EASTERN WASHINGTON 2012: 132 car, 472 yds, 3.6 avg, 11 TD, 3 rec, 17 yds, 5.7 avg. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Bronson has fought through injuries in each of his first two years at EWU. He rushed for nearly 500 yards a season ago, finishing second on the team behind Quincy Forte. Bronson is listed as the starter at running back, though he'll share playing time with Forte and others. Bronson played at Washington before transferring to EWU prior to the 2011 campaign. Bronson has scored 11 TDs as an Eagle and will continue to be an important piece to what has been one of the more prolific offenses in the FCS.

10. JAKE MILLER, SR., NORTH DAKOTA 2012: 94 car, 543 yds, 5.8 avg, 2 TD, 15 rec, 119 yds, 7.9 avg, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: After nearly reaching the 1,000-yard plateau in 2011, Miller shared the load at tailback last year with teammate Mitch Sutton (partly due to injury). Miller still led the team in rushing, and averaged almost six yards per carry. But his touches were down. This year he hopes to get back to his sophomore year form, when he utilized his speed and quickness to burn opponents whenever he got the chance. Miller isn't the biggest back (at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds) but he gets the job done. Look for more yards and touchdowns this year.

*** NATIONAL NO. 1: TIM FLANDERS, SR., SAM HOUSTON STATE. So many to choose from -- Indiana State's Shakir Bell, Towson's Terrance West, South Dakota State's Zach Zenner, Stony Brook's Marcus Coker ... the list goes on. But Flanders is the active career leader in rushing yards (4,234) and touchdowns (52) in the FCS, and he's also a huge playoff performer. You don't need to remind Big Sky teams of that. Expect huge things (again) from the former Kansas State transfer

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Totally changes with the addition of Jordan Johnson! Can't believe everything you read! For instance, Jordan will be the MVP of the league!