Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Remember the good ol' days when the Big 12 used to feature more running backs than most major conferences.
Where have you gone Ricky Williams? And you, too, Adrian Peterson. The predominance of the spread offense now makes running backs almost an endangered species.
It's left the Big 12 with much fewer quality returning running backs than in any previous season. Even with that paucity, the conference still has a handful of backs that merit attention -- even if they clearly are becoming an endangered species with the pass-heavy offenses popping up.
Here's a look at my top 10 running backs in the Big 12 heading into the start of the season.
1. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma -- Imagine what he could do in an offense where he was featured as the team's primary major running threat?
2. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska -- His pass-catching skills are a big plus, but I'm wondering if the talk from Lincoln about the emergence of Roy Helu and Quentin Castille is to just light a fire under him.
3. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M -- Finally has the right coach to make him into the Aggies' featured running threat.
4. Chris Brown, Oklahoma -- Imagine what he could do in an offense where he was featured running threat?
5. Darrell Scott, Colorado -- Teammates are already comparing him to Adrian Peterson and even Jim Brown. Can he be that good? We'll find out soon enough.
6. Jake Sharp, Kansas -- Rushed for 821 yards in spot duty behind Brandon McAnderson last season. It will be interesting to see if he can claim the starting job in what should be a good training-camp battle against heralded junior-college transfer Jocques Crawford.
7. Derrick Washington, Missouri -- Look for Missouri to feature a tailback-by-committee grouping. But expect him to get many of the carries and to emerge as the Tigers' major threat by late in the season.
8. Fossy Whittaker, Texas -- His team is looking for a running threat to emerge. If the spring game is any indication, watch out.
9. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State -- Quietly rushed for 696 yards as Dantrell Savage's backup last season. But can he beat out Beau Johnson for the Cowboys' starting job?
10. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M -- His personal "battle of the bulge" could turn him into more of a blocker and a receiver. But won't it still be tempting for Mike Sherman to give him the ball in short-yardage situations?
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
