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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Dec 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker Mike Caprara (30) goes to tackle Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) during 2nd half of The Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Northwestern defeats Pittsburgh 31-24. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson returns this spring with a lot of promise. Jackson has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in three seasons so far with the Wildcats.

He was a first team All-Big Ten selection after leading the conference with 1,524 rushing yards. His 15 rushing touchdowns to finish the season were third in the conference and his 298 rushing attempts were second.

Jackson had six games last season with 100 rushing yards or more. In the Pinstripe Bowl on December 28, he carried the ball 32 times for a career-high 224 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also had three games last season where he ran for at least three rushing touchdowns.

Entering his final spring season with a 7-6 record in his rearview, the expectations for Jackson will certainly rise in 2017. With some key senior wide receivers to replace on offense, his usage could produce some good results.

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