College Sports Wire ranks the Pac-12’s top starting RBs
The Pac-12 Conference is set for its final football season with UCLA and USC before they make their move to the Big Ten.
The quarterback position is set with all types of talent from Shedeur Sanders to Cam Rising and Heisman favorite Caleb Williams, not to mention a flurry of others.
The running back position is also loaded with talent, and the Colorado Buffaloes just got a big upgrade by adding Houston transfer Alton McCaskill.
Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire ranked the Pac-12’s starting running backs, and once again Oregon has the best one in the conference. This list can change drastically over the next few months, but here we are:
EJ SMITH, STANFORD CARDINAL
Smith is the son of former Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith. That’s fun. New Stanford head coach Troy Taylor utilized Cameron Skattebo big time at Sac State, and he moved to Arizona State. Can Taylor also maximize Smith’s talents?
ALTON MCCASKILL, COLORADO BUFFALOES
The Buffs made another massive addition by landing former Houston RB Alton McCaskill. He has plenty of talent, but the reason he’s here so low is because of injury:
McCaskill had to sit out the entire 2022 season with a knee injury after a monster season as a freshman. The AAC Rookie of the Year in 2021 will now likely be the lead back for Coach Prime’s offense. If he can return to his freshman form, he will climb the list in the Pac-12.
MICHAEL WILEY, ARIZONA WILDCATS
The Wildcats have a lot of promise, and the Jayden de Laura and Michael Wiley pairing is going to be fun to watch.
CAMERON SKATTEBO, ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
Skattebo was previously at Sacramento State and will be the backfield mate to new QB and Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne.
NAKIA WATSON, WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS
Eric Morris, Washington State’s OC, got a new job. Nonetheless, Watson is set for another lead role in the offense with Cam Ward at QB.
JAYDN OTT, CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
Jaydn Ott was the lone bright spot for Cal last year, and he should give new QB Sam Jackson a reliable player in the offense.
MARSHAWN LLOYD, USC TROJANS
MarShawn Lloyd is the new USC running back after Travis Dye left for the pros. With Caleb Williams at QB, Lloyd is projected to have a monster season.
CAMERON DAVIS, WASHINGTON HUSKIES
The Huskies have a ton of talent, and Cameron Davis is one player that gets overlooked quite a bit.
DAMIEN MARTINEZ, OREGON STATE BEAVERS
Damien Martinez led the Beavers in rushing yards, yards per carry, touchdowns and yards from scrimmage last year. He now gets a huge upgrade at the QB position.
JA'QUINDEN JACKSON, UTAH UTES
Jackson was a QB at Texas and is now a running back. With Tavion Thomas leaving Utah, Jackson gets his chance to shine.
CARSON STEELE, UCLA BRUINS
Zach Charbonnet is with the Seattle Seahawks, but Ball State transfer Carson Steele is set to enjoy his time in Chip Kelly’s offense.
BUCKY IRVING, OREGON DUCKS
Bucky Irving totaled an impressive 1,058 rushing yards and had three scores last season for the Ducks.
