Ranking the Big Sky running backs

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

Here's part two of the Billings Gazette's series. This one is sure to generate some debate (and probably pissing, moaning, and name calling too ).

TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS

1 - Chase Reynolds, Sr., Montana
Comment: His 3,085 yards and 47 TDs since 2008 tell the tale.

2 - Taiwan Jones, Jr., Eastern Washington
Comment: Averaged a whopping 7.5 yards per rush last year.

3 - C.J. Palmer, Jr., Montana State
Comment: Big guy loves short-yard situations and is tough to bring down.

4 - Bryan Hilliard, Jr., Sacramento State
Comment: Missed last year with an injury; gained 1,000 yards in '08.

5 - Andre Harris, Sr., Northern Colorado
Comment: JC transfer surprised with 646 yards and 7 TDs a year ago.

6 - Peter Nguyen, Soph., Montana
Comment: Speedster is a great change-of-pace back for Griz.

7 - Blayde Becksted, Sr., Montana State
Comment: Figures to get more carries; averaged 5.0 a pop in '09.

8 - Giovannie Dixon, Soph., Northern Arizona
Comment: Will get a shot to replace ultra-productive Alex Henderson.

9 - Sam McCowan, Soph., Sacramento State
Comment: Got some quality carries last year; was productive in the spring

10 - Stew Tracy, Jr., Idaho State
Comment: Hopes to carry impressive spring into 2010 season.

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

Okay, I'll chime in right away. Reynolds vs. Jones is a tough call. Reynolds has impressive numbers the last two years and his teams have won more, but I think Jones is probably primed for a better season (at least rushing-wise) in 2010 with the new, more passing heavy offense the Griz are shifting to.

Another note, I was surprised to see Nguyen at #6. He didn't play all that much last year and while he's shown some flashes of talent in practice, we haven't seen much out of him in game situations yet. He is damn fast though.

[dbackjon]

Can't argue with Reynolds or Jones at 1/2


Dixon from NAU will end the season top 3.

[SACCAT]

Can't argue with Reynolds or Jones at 1/2


Dixon from NAU will end the season top 3.

I think it will be tough for him to beat out Palmer. This is C.J.'s year to be the guy, and I think he will take full advantage.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

A name that didn't get mentioned (and understandably so), but will make a name for himself this year is Darriell Beaumonte, TJ's backup. He's 2 inches shorter but 5 lbs heavier, and runs heavy and hard. Granted TJ sat out all of spring recovering from last year's injuries and surgery for a sports hernia, but Beaumonte tore it up in practices and scrimmages. Just from the 3 scrimmages, he rushed 22 times for 236 yards. Although it is kind of misleading because his first carry in the first scrimmage went for 85 yards.

I would also expect to see TJ get better numbers than Chase this year with UM's switch to pass first, although anything can happen.

[ronbo]

I'd put Moore ahead of Nguyen from spring scrimmages. He couldn't be stopped by our defense.

[EWURanger]

Can't argue with the 1/2 spots. We'll see how it pans out in terms of productivity with both of them with regards to Montana's new offensive scheme and a new QB at Eastern.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

I'd put Moore ahead of Nguyen from spring scrimmages. He couldn't be stopped by our defense.

Dan Moore is a FUCKING ANIMAL and I touted him last year as a guy to watch out for in the coming years. Ngyen is gonna be real good and I think both of those can be fairly on these list because they have been on the special teams and you can definitely see what their abilities are on the field.

FWIW, I think our offense is gonna be fairly balanced this season, it may not be 50/50 but I would bet you that our rushing totals will be similar to last year with our passing #'s increasing a little bit. I don't think our rushing yards are gonna suffer a great deal this season just because we may have a more prolific passing game. Who know though.

[NAU_Alum10]

Can't argue with Reynolds or Jones at 1/2


Dixon from NAU will end the season top 3.

hey dbackjon I hope Gio ends the season that good, he has the talent, but was a little concerned that he saw limited action most of the spring. I hope it was just a case of saving him for the season, he did score a TD in the spring game so maybe thats all it was. It also looks like we have a few good RB recruits comming in but it is gonna be hard for anyone to fill the giant shoes left behind by Hendo.

[Green Laser]

Sac State's power back, 5'11" 215 Bryan Hilliard returns after missing 2009 recovering from shoulder surgery. Rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2008 in 10 games. Bryan will be a junior.

http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/player ... ard/159907" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EWURanger]

Sac State's power back, 5'11" 215 Bryan Hilliard returns after missing 2009 recovering from shoulder surgery. Rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2008 in 10 games. Bryan will be a junior.

http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/player ... ard/159907" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hilliard should definitely be amongst the top 3 or 4 in the BSC this year.

[JALMOND]

May I play a wild card...Willie Griffin, Portland State.

http://www.goviks.com/ViewArticle.dbml? ... EASON=2010" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unsure as to what we got here so I won't hype him too much. Was part of the strong recruiting class Willingham brought to Washington in 2007. Started three games as a freshman for the Huskies. After the emergence of Polk last year, Griffin found himself down on the depth chart and wanted to play.

At Nevada last year, this pistol offense resulted in three 1000 yard runners so this may be tailored to a player like him. We have not had even one 1000 yard rusher since Joe Rubin five years ago, I believe.

An unknown even to Portland State. May take a couple games to see what we have.

[JALMOND]

An unknown even to the official website. The above link should work now.