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College Football: Top 25 breakout players for 2016

By Garrett Kroeger

Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) carries the ball during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) carries the ball during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball in the third quarter against Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Georgia defeated Penn State 24-17 to win the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball in the third quarter against Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Georgia defeated Penn State 24-17 to win the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

When talking about Big Ten running backs last year, the name that always came to mind was former Ohio State back Ezekiel Elliot. However, while people were focused on Elliot, they failed to see the talent that is Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.

Last year as a freshman, he rushed for 1,076 and seven touchdowns on 182 carries–good for 5.9 yards per carry. And Barkley recorded those statistics behind a suspect offensive line and missing two full games.

However, while most people failed to realize Barkley’s talents last year, the now sophomore impressed some of his opponents last season.

Michigan State linebacker Riley Bullough stated that Barkley is a better running back than Elliot is, and Elliot was the No. 4 draft pick to the Dallas Cowboys in this past year’s NFL draft. That is certainly high praise for Barkley.

So with Elliot now gone, Barkley should be seen as the Big 10’s best running back and could be in the running for the Doak Walker Award–given to the nation’s best running back–this year.

Next: Da'Shawn Hand

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