More top 100 players: Nos. 41-50 | 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100
Here is the seventh grouping in Yahoo! Sports' top 100 player countdown. We're unveiling the top players in groups of 10 each Sunday for 10 weeks.
'Top' doesn't necessarily mean the most pro potential or even the most talent. It's what the player has accomplished and how we think the player will do this season. Production does trump potential.
It remains a long time until the first game on Aug. 30. We're trying to make the long wait bearable.
(Getty Images)
40. RB Kenjon Barner, Oregon
Particulars: 5-11/195, Sr.; Riverside (Calif.) Notre Dame
Buzz: Barner is a burner who will be a first-time starter this fall. He was eighth in the Pac-12 in rushing last season (939 yards, with 11 TDs) serving as a backup to LaMichael James. But James turned pro early and the starting job now belongs to Barner. He has rushed for 1,856 yards and 20 TDs in his career, and also is a capable receiver. Barner had four 100-yard games last season and has six in his career. He also is a talented kick returner, though he's unlikely to see time in that role this fall.