College Football: Top 10 running backs heading into spring

Nov 19, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) rushes past the Arizona State Sun Devils defense for a 45-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-18. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a TD in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /

The Penn State Nittany Lions surprised everyone and won the Big Ten Championship Game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Running back Saquon Barkley was part of the surprise season as well, ending the season ranked 14th in the FBS in rushing yards.

Barkley finished with 1,496 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in 14 games for Penn State in 2016. He rushed for a touchdown in the team’s final seven games of the season. He had over 200 rushing yards twice as well, showing he’s one of the up and coming stars at the running back position.

Barkley returns along with quarterback Chase McSorley. The duo has a chance to put the Nittany Lions in the College Football Playoff pending a strong spring camp. Their 11-3 season was the team’s first 10-win season since 2009. They lost in the Rose Bowl to the USC Trojans 52-49 but with experience on their side, there’s no need to panic next year. Barkley should bring them similar success as a top back very soon.

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