Midseason First and Second Team All-American Projections

RB: Donnel Pumphrey (San Diego State)

Donnel Pumphrey is rushing for an average of 178 yards per game, more than 30 more yards than second-placed Brian Hill of Wyoming. Pumphrey is not only breaking Marshall Faulk’s old records at San Diego State, but he is also dominating the national rushing statistics. He was the only back this year to pass the 1000-yard rushing mark in six games. Pumphrey ranks second behind only Lamar Jackson in rushing touchdowns. And despite his heavy workload, the Aztec runner is still among the top 25 nationally in yards per carry.

Add it all up and you get the most dynamic pure running back in the country. Despite a lack of returning responsibilities on either kicks or punts, and only minor use in the SDSU passing game, Pumphrey is still third nationally in all-purpose yards per game. Already the record holder across the board in his school’s history, the senior running back looks like a sure bet for a consensus first-team All-American nod — if not a unanimous selection.