Running back in the NFL has been transforming over the last 10 years from the bell cow to the versatile everything back, often times splitting the backfield with another player. These NCAA running backs are looking to make a name for themselves this season, and it will be exciting to see them prosper.
Overrated?
Ollie Gordon III, Oklahoma State
NPS Grade: 7.82
Preseason Welch Analytics Rank: 8
Starting off with a rating I’m sure you’re surprised by. Almost everyone has Gordon as a top 3 back for next seasons NFL Draft. The ideal NFL running back is both great rusher and a great receiver. When compared to our “Ideal Running Back” Ollie comes out to about average coming into this season. He needs to improve his receiving numbers to show he’s versatile and able to adapt to the NFL. He’s not overrated, likely vaulting up the rankings with increased usage and output. He’s ascending, and I do believe he’ll crack the top 5 by the end of the season.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
NPS Grade: 7.66
Preseason Welch Analytics Rank: 10
Hampton is someone being ranked right behind Gordon on a lot of sites. He’s has great size and speed as compared to our “Ideal Running Back” rating a 9.5 in size and 9.2 in speed. He will see his carries go into the range we want to see for a back coming out of college. He also lacks receiving history rating at only 6.75. He’ll have to show he can be a 3 down back to vault him anywhere close to the top 5. I see him ranking outside of the top 5 by seasons end.
Underrated
Donovan Edwards, Michigan
NPS Grade: 8.17
Preseason Welch Analytics Rank: 1
Edwards has the chance to own the backfield this season for the defending National Champions. He’s been used in a limited role over the past couple years, excelling in his limited touches with a 9.35 receiving grade. With the lead role he has the chance to improve his rushing grade of 7.40 to a more respectable number. If he can own the backfield and improve in the running game, we should see him as a top back in the 2025 class.
Jaydn Ott, California
NPS Grade: 8.14
Preseason Welch Analytics Rank: 2
Another player who I project as currently underrated. A player on the west coast with a great talent profile and production history who seems to be lost in the mix. He needs to improve his yards per touch this season to keep him in the top 5, as he ranks outside the top 10 in both. He makes up for with his size and speed ratings as well as his reliability in the pass game and his touchdown upside. I don’t see Ott as a top draft pick next season, and seems to be volume defendant. He’s the ideal size, speed, and has the opportunity, but is the talent real?
New Team, Big Opportunity
Damien Martinez, Miami FL
NPS Grade: 7.64
Preseason Welch Analytics Rank: 11
After 2 seasons leading the Beavers backfield, Martinez comes to the U looking to improve his prospect profile. Averaging 6.1 yards per carry and averaging over 12 yards per reception, Martinez has shown he is an explosive back. He is a little heavier than our “Ideal Running Back”, which drops him down a bit in the size ratings to 8.70. If he trims up and show production this year, he can see himself as a top back next season.
Trevor Etienne, Georgia
NPS Grade: 7.32
Preseason Welch Analytics Rank: 14
The name is familiar, and the talent is too. Transferring to the top-rated Bulldogs from the inter conference Gators, Trevor will be the lead back. Georgia has a long history of producing dynamic running backs who flourish in the NFL. The opportunity is there and Etienne will get to showcase his skills every week. He will improve his lackluster pass catching this season as well as get a chance to feature, which will both boost his profile. The stars are aligning for a transformational season for him, and I’m excited to see him excel.