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
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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Nov 5, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Rawleigh Williams III (22) rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Florida Gators at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Florida 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Rawleigh Williams III (22) rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Florida Gators at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Florida 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Arkansas Razorbacks Rawleigh Williams III returns this spring looking to push for the SEC’s best running back. He’s one of the top running backs returning in a conference chock full of talent at the position.

Williams III had a sophomore campaign in 2016 as the starting running back. He ran the ball 245 times for 1,360 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 104.6 rushing yards per game a season ago for the Razorbacks, 29th in the FBS.

The rising junior was third in the SEC in total rushing yards and fourth in rushing yards per game. He rushed for over 100 yards in seven of 13 games last season. He ran for a career-high four rushing touchdowns and 205 rushing yards in just 16 carries last season against Mississippi State on Nov. 19.

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Williams III had just 18.9 rushing attempts per game, with a heavier workload. He could come closer to 2,000 rushing yards if his improvement continues this spring.