Best running backs in college football for 2016

McCaffrey set the record for all-purpose yards in a season last year, and he's a top Heisman Trophy candidate in 2016. In just his sophomore season, the versatile running back rushed for 2,019 yards and also had 645 receiving yards in addition to helping as a kick returner.

Fournette was LSU's offense last season, with 300 carries for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns. He enters 2016 as one of the top Heisman candidates.

Despite nagging injuries, Cook was spectacular in his sophomore season with 229 carries for 1,691 yards (7.4 YPC). With quarterback turning over for the second straight year in Tallahassee, the pressure will be on Cook to produce even more.

Chubb replaced the injured Todd Gurley in his freshman season with 7.1 yards per carry before suffering a knee injury of his own last season. He still managed 8.1 yards per carry on 92 attempts before getting hurt.

Pumphrey regressed to 1,653 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior season, which is impressive in itself. The previous year he had 1,867 rushing yards.

Smaller open-field runners usually shine in the Ducks' offense, and Freeman's speed has been on full display over the last two seasons. Last year he had 1,838 rushing yards along with 17 rushing scores.

Rose was all things to the New Mexico State offense in 2015, rushing for 1,657 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with hauling in 30 receptions. He succeeded despite a 3-9 team using three quarterbacks.

The Sooners have used a one-two punch at running back between Perine and Joe Mixon. The pair will continue to cause havoc in 2016. Perine had 1,349 rushing yards and 16 scores last season.

Breida is basically unstoppable, averaging 8.3 yards per carry in his two seasons at Georgia Southern. Last year he had 203 carries for 1,609 yards and 17 scores in the team's run-heavy option offense.

Linwood will need to adjust in his senior season without Art Briles leading the team, but he was one of college football's best backs last season. He had 1,329 rushing yards and 10 scores in 2015.

Injuries and disciplinary issues made for a disappointing 2015 season from Clement, but that talent is certainly there for him to bounce back. He had 6.5 yards per carry behind Melvin Gordon in 2014 before only playing four games last season.

Hood nearly helped the Tar Heels to the College Football Playoff in 2015, rushing for 1,463 yards and 17 scores (6.7 YPC). He could get an even bigger role in his junior season with quarterback Marquise Williams gone.

McNichols was a key part of Boise's offense last season, rushing for 1,337 yards and 20 touchdowns. Another year under young quarterback Brett Rypien's belt should only help McNichols.

The young Huskies showed prime freshman talent last season, including Gaskin. He rushed 227 times for 1,302 yards and 14 scores in 2015.

Butler had a breakout year for the Wolf Pack in his sophomore season, rushing for 1,345 yard and 10 touchdowns (6.5 YPC). It's quite notable that he wasn't even the team's starting running back and finished with fewer carries than Don Jackson.

Hill was difficult to stop last season, rushing 281 times for 1,631 yards and six scores despite his team's 2-10 record.

Mack has steadily improved and had 1,381 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns last season.

Hunt has rushed for 3,470 yards over three seasons with Toledo. Last season he had 973 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while sharing carries with Terry Swanson.

Gallman was highly productive in Clemson's offense last season, rushing for 1,514 yard and 13 scores. He helps create a lethal combination with quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Barkley will be counted on more this season after quarterback Christian Hackenberg's departure. He rushed for 1,076 yards and seven scores last season.

Hurd is a load to bring down at 6-4. Last season he rushed for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Vols in only his sophomore season.

Nick Saban's running backs have been a factory of NFL talent in recent seasons, including Mark Ingram, Eddie Lacy and Derrick Henry. Scarbrough is considered the next in line and is set to start for the Crimson Tide this season.

Davis is primed for a big year in his senior season after rushing for 902 yards and seven scores in 2015. He's averaged 5.3 yards per carry during his career.

London saw limited work in what amounted to a running back by committee in East Lansing, but NFL scouts are already salivating over his potential. He rushed for 500 yards and three scores in his freshman season as he looks to move to the head of the pack in 2016.

Weber has huge shoes to fill following Ezekiel Elliott's departure, but the former elite recruit seems capable in his freshman season. Buckeyes fans are excited about his arrival.