Yardbarker: The Big Ten's Best Backs

[knapplc]

Somewhere here we had a discussion of Yardbarker's list of Best in the B1G: Quarterbacks.

Today the focus shifts to the guys pounding the rock as Yardbarker looks at Best in the B1G: Running Backs.

Rex comes in at #4:

4. Rex Burkhead, Nebraska: He put up 172 carries for 951 yards last year as the change of pace back for the Cornhuskers. Roy Helu, Jr was the faster, more game breaking back where Burkhead is a patient runner, waiting for the hole to open and then turning upfield. He’s not going to set any stop watch records, but he is a dependable masher helping the Cornhuskers come into a league that likes to grind the meat.

The guys ahead of Rex:

3. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

2. Dan Herron, Ohio State

1. James White/Monte Ball, Wisconsin

By way of comparison, last year the top guys on their list averaged:

Player - Carries/Yards/Average

Burkhead - 172/951/5.53

Baker - 207/1,201/5.80

Herron - 216/1,155/5.35

White - 156/1,025/6.57

Ball - 163/996/6.11

The article lists each presumed #1 RB for each team, with a blurb about each.

One thing they didn't do, because it's impossible to predict, is to discuss the effectiveness of the incoming recruits. Burkhead is a workhorse, but one of the three noobs, Heard, Green & Abdullah, will contribute significantly, you have to believe.

 

[Hujan]

Based on the numbers from last year, I expect Rex to average 19 carries per game. At 5.53 yards per carry, that is 1,260 yards in a 12-game regular season. If he can bump that up to 5.80 yards per carry, that would be 1,300 yards and would likely make him the most prolific back in the Big Ten. This is going to be a break-out year for Rex and I predict he, not Martinez, will be our offensive MVP.

 

[walksalone]

Not to be Debbie Downer, but I'm not so worried about Rex, but the offensive line. If they can get it together, I do not see why Rex couldn't average almost 6 yrds per carry.