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Cal Poly's James Noble, NDSU's Kyle Steffes on The Sports Network I-AA Running Back List
June 5, 2006 PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - When I look back at past columns, I notice last year's preview saying I-AA running backs are ready to take back their role in the spotlight after a down year. I'll take a mulligan on that one. Last year, quarterbacks dominated the I-AA landscape for the second season in a row. Names like Erik Meyer, Travis Lulay and Richie Williams became synonymous to I-AA followers, and star quarterbacks led their teams deep into the playoffs. The voters took notice as well, with only three running backs finishing in the top eight of the Walter Payton Award voting over the past two seasons. The Great West Football Conference had a pair of running backs, Cal Poly sophomore James Noble (5-6, 160) was No. 5 and North Dakota State senior Kyle Steffes (was No. 14 on the I-AA list compiled by Matt Dougherty of The Sports Network. Dougherty wrote, "Go ahead and argue that No. 5 is too high for a player that has only recorded more than 20 carries six times in his career. But with the Barry Sanders-like explosiveness that Noble showcased in his freshman season at Cal Poly, he could end up being the best back on the list by the time all is said and done. Noble gave early indications of his ability with games against Sacramento State (20 carries/108 yards) and Montana State (18 carries/157 yards) in September, and kept performing in the big games all season. He had 161 yards and a score against North Dakota State, and 144 yards in a loss to Montana. With Cal Poly's playoff hopes on the line, Noble notched 221 yards and a score against Eastern Washington and 248 yards (with only 27 carries) and five touchdowns in the season finale against Idaho State. Then Noble really made his mark in the playoffs with 188 yards and four touchdowns as Cal Poly knocked the Grizzlies out in Missoula. Noble recorded 1,578 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 223 carries in 2005, which left him with an unthinkable 7.1 yards per carry average. Cal Poly always seems to have a playoff-caliber defense, but offense has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Noble's ability should help the offense excel, and make the Mustangs a serious national championship threat for at least the 2006 season." About Steffes, he wrote, "Between playing in the tough Great West Conference and taking on a tougher non-conference slate each season, North Dakota State has a grind of a schedule. And the Bison have a grinding runner in Steffes to help them through it. Steffes notched his second 1,000-yard season in a row with 1,071 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2005. He had a strong early stretch with 100-yard efforts against good defenses from Weber State, Montana State and Nicholls State, and finished in fine fashion with 141 yards and three scores in a win against rival South Dakota State. Steffes tallied 1,055 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004, and already has more than 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career." But running backs did win I-AA's top individual honor five times in six seasons from 1998-2003, and they're primed to take back the spotlight in 2006. This time, I really mean it. Most of the top quarterbacks have departed, while a deep and talented group of running backs return to make I-AA football a ground-oriented game. Twenty-six out of 32 1,000-yard rushers return from the 2005 season, and 17 of the 22 who averaged more than 100 yards per game are back. If the statistics weren't enough, a mix of youth and experience brings a diverse look to the I-AA running back crop. Three running backs (Harvard's Clifton Dawson, Hampton's Alonzo Coleman and Massachusetts' Steve Baylark) are in search of their fourth 1,000-yard season, a feat which has only been accomplished by seven Division I players to date. James Noble and Jordan Scott are trying to build on freshman success, and a talented group of all-purpose players can make their mark in the running, passing and even return game. Below is a look at the top 15 returning running backs in I-AA for the 2006 season, as selected by The Sports Network based on a variety of factors. With such a strong crop of players, TSN also ranks the next 10 on the list, with lists for the top running back tandems, fullbacks and Mid-Major players. Top Returning Running Backs |
