Big Ten Fantasy RB Rankings

1.Chris Wells, Ohio State (JR)
The most talented runner in the nation returns for his junior – and most likely final – season at Ohio State. Behind a grizzled, experienced offensive line, Wells should improve upon his ’07 numbers. A potential 1,800-yard season and 20 scores is not out of the question for the top option on a high-powered offense.

2.Javon Ringer, Michigan State (SR)
Renowned touchdown vulture Jehuu Caulcrick and his 21 scores have finally graduated, allowing Ringer to now be the true feature back. Although, Caulcrick stole 222 carries last season, Ringer still managed 1,447 yards rushing and six scores. Look for the touchdowns to increase as the Spartan feature back moves into fantasy stardom in 2008.

3.P.J. Hill, Wisconsin (JR)
Hill is only the third player in Wisconsin history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. After nearly 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons, the Badger tailback is already 9th on the school’s all-time rushing list. With added support from one of the top running back corps in the nation, Hill’s oft-injured body should be well-rested in ’08. He will get all the goal line carries and should once again top the 1,000-yard plateau.

4.Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (SR)
Yet another story of injuries for this talented Wildcat. Sutton missed six games in ’07, but the emergence of Omar Conteh should help rest Sutton this fall. If Sutton can stay healthy, operating in the high-powered Northwestern offense should provide fantasy owners with plenty of scoring. A performance closer to his freshman year (1,474 yards, 16 touchdowns) is more apt to happen than one like his sophomore year (1000 yards, five touchdowns). Also, owners can expect at least 30 receptions from this dynamic playmaker.

5.Evan Royster, Penn State (SO)
Tony Hunt. Rodney Kinlaw. And now, Evan Royster. Penn State runs the football and with a nice offensive line returning, ’08 won’t be any different. Royster will get the bulk of the carries as he proved himself worthy in spot duty last season. A 126-yard performance on 21 carries against Purdue, showed fantasy players the potential for this season. Owners may want to handcuff Royster with the speedster redshirt freshman Stephfon Green.

6.Kory Sheets, Purdue (SR)
Yes, Sheets may not even be the starter. However, Sheets has more yards, carries and touchdowns than who may be the actual starter Jaycen Taylor. Owners cannot expect more than 1,000 yards from Sheets as he has never hit that mark, but double-digit touchdowns are a lock. He has also increased his role in the passing game every season. With Curtis Painter’s top receiving options leaving for the NFL, Sheets could be a huge factor in the passing game this fall. 

7.Brandon Minor, Michigan (JR)
It has been a long time since someone other than Mike Hart was the starting tailback in Ann Arbor. Production should not fall off too much, however as Michigan certainly has options heading into 2008. Minor should get the nod. He has good size and great burst around the end. Carlos Brown, Sam McGuffie, Kevin Grady and Michael Shaw are all going to see time but Minor has the upper hand on the job. Also, do not be surprised if Minor takes some snaps at quarterback as well.

8.Jaycen Taylor, Purdue (SR)
Sheets gets the nod due to past production, however, Taylor is more of an every down, pro-style runner. There is one major issue, though: Purdue is no pro-style offense. Taylor should get a bunch of carries, however. After missing four games last season, expect Taylor’s 560-yard, four touchdown stat line to improve in 2008. One thing is certain: which one of the two scores the highest on any given weekend will drive owners mad.

9.Marcus Thigpen, Indiana (SR)
James Hardy took his 36 touchdowns to the NFL after only three seasons in Bloomington, leaving Thigpen to pick up the slack. Thigpen’s impact in the passing game and return game should be solid but Thigpen’s rushing potential keeps him from being a top-flight fantasy back. At least, for now. Look for star quarterback Kellen Lewis to turn to Thigpen for help this season, much like he leaned on Hardy in the past.

10.Daniel Dufrene, Illinois (JR)
1,681 yards rushing. 318 yards receiving. 19 total touchdowns. Those are the shoes Dufrene and Co. are trying to fill with the departure of Rashard Mendenhall. But with a solid offensive line and great talent at quarterback and wide receiver,  the Fighting Illini should yield solid numbers for whomever is running the ball in Champaign-Urbana. Dufrene will battle with freshman Mikel LeShoure and Jason Ford in fall camp, but his experience should afford him the bulk of the carries in 2008.
 
11.Nate Guillory, Iowa (JR)
12.Zach Brown, Wisconsin (SO) 
13.Stephfon Green, Penn State (FR)
14.Carlos Brown, Michigan (JR)
15.Mikel LeShoure, Illinois (FR)
16.Duane Bennett, Minnesota (SO)
17.Maurice Wells, OSU (SR)
18.Shonn Greene, Iowa (SR)
19.Lance Smith, Wisconsin (JR)
20.Jason Ford, Illinois (FR)
21.Kevin Grady, Michigan (JR)
22.Brandon Saine, OSU (SO)
23.Omar Conteh, Northwestern (JR)
24.A.J. Jimmerson, MSU (JR)
25.Darius Willis, Indiana (FR)
26.John Clay, Wisconsin (FR)
27.Jeff Brinson, Iowa (FR)
28.Jay Thomas, Minnesota (JR)
29.Kevin Whaley, Minnesota (FR)
30.Paki O’Meara, Iowa (FR)