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All-America checklist: Running backs
Aug. 16, 2000
SportsLine.com/Lindy's reports
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Deuce McAllister, Ole Miss (Sr., 6-1, 221) |
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This is the guy who most pro scouts want first, never mind that he was the
second-leading rusher on his team last season when he was slowed by
injuries. He's got the right combination of size and sub-4.4 speed, and
Deuce can get dangerously loose in several ways -- running, receiving or on
returns. More...
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Rushing |
Receiving |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
151 |
809 |
5.4 |
12 |
20 |
201 |
10.1 |
0 |
| Career |
457 |
2,293 |
5.0 |
23 |
45 |
426 |
9.5 |
0 |
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LaMont Jordan, Maryland (Sr., 5-11, 220) |
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No runner was better in the second half of last season, when Jordan rushed
for 1,101 yards in the final six games to give him 1,632 for the year. He
catches the ball well, he's secure with the ball (one lost fumble in 288
touches), and he's within reach of becoming the ACC's career leading rusher
(he needs 1,376 yards). |
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Rushing |
Receiving |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
266 |
1,632 |
6.1 |
16 |
19 |
208 |
11.0 |
1 |
| Career |
594 |
3,227 |
5.4 |
25 |
55 |
450 |
8.2 |
1 |
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LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU (Sr., 5-11, 220) |
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He was still something of a secret nationally until late in the season when
he popped for an NCAA-record 406 yards against UTEP. With the way coach
Dennis Franchione loves to give Tomlinson the ball, a season of 2,000 yards
isn't out of the question for the 1999 national rushing leader. More...
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Rushing |
Receiving |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
268 |
1,850 |
6.9 |
18 |
12 |
55 |
4.6 |
0 |
| Career |
538 |
3,105 |
5.8 |
32 |
30 |
196 |
6.5 |
0 |
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Anthony Thomas, Michigan (Sr., 6-2, 225) |
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A premier workhorse, Thomas carried 301 times last season, powering his way
for 1,297 yards and 17 touchdowns. Could have grabbed some NFL riches after
that performance, but Thomas decided to return for his senior season, he
said, to get his degree... and pile up a lot more yards. |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
301 |
1,297 |
4.3 |
17 |
33 |
168 |
5.1 |
0 |
| Career |
605 |
2,737 |
4.5 |
37 |
71 |
539 |
7.6 |
0 |
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James Jackson, Miami (Sr., 5-11, 215) |
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The leader of the deepest backfield in America, Jackson ran beyond the
shadow of NFL Rookie of the Year Edgerrin James last season, despite missing
three games with a knee sprain. With sub-4.4 speed, he hits the hole quickly
and has enough leg strength to fight out of tackles. |
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Rushing |
Receiving |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
169 |
782 |
4.6 |
7 |
13 |
133 |
10.0 |
1 |
| Career |
340 |
1,947 |
5.7 |
18 |
29 |
222 |
7.7 |
1 |
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Ricky Williams, Texas Tech (Sr., 5-9, 195) |
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After his 1999 season was wrecked by a knee injury in the first game,
Williams is raring to go in 2000 under new coach Mike Leach's pass-happy
offense. Williams might not run for as many yards, but a season of 1,000
yards rushing and receiving is within his reach. He could regain a
year of eligibility, but has said he won't apply for a medical hardship. Chat transcript... |
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Rushing |
Receiving |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1998 |
306 |
1,582 |
5.2 |
13 |
18 |
176 |
9.8 |
0 |
| Career |
507 |
2,476 |
4.9 |
16 |
28 |
306 |
10.9 |
0 |
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Hodges Mitchell, Texas (Sr., 5-7, 190) |
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They haven't forgotten about 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams in
Austin, but Mitchell sure did ease the pain of Williams' departure last
season by rushing for the fifth-highest total in school history (1,343) and
becoming the top receiving back in the Big 12 (32 catches, 343 yards). |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
255 |
1,346 |
5.3 |
9 |
32 |
343 |
10.6 |
1 |
| Career |
293 |
1,546 |
5.3 |
12 |
34 |
357 |
10.5 |
1 |
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Travis Henry, Tennessee (Sr., 5-11, 220) |
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Can't really call him Jamal Lewis' replacement this season, because Henry
already has been the replacement for the oft-injured Lewis, and always has
done more than fine (often better than Lewis). Henry will be the main man
after gaining a team-best 6.3 yards per carry last year.
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
125 |
790 |
6.3 |
8 |
3 |
3 |
1.0 |
0 |
| Career |
303 |
1,764 |
5.8 |
15 |
7 |
34 |
4.9 |
0 |
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T.J. Duckett, Michigan State (So., 6-1, 252) |
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He was the national defensive player of the year as a senior in high
school, but it quickly became clear last season that he had a chance to be
Heisman-special on offense where he strikes with Ron Dayne-like force.
Really announced his presence late in the season with a 159-yard, four-TD
game against Penn State. More...
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
118 |
606 |
5.1 |
10 |
2 |
32 |
16.0 |
0 |
| Career |
118 |
606 |
5.1 |
10 |
2 |
32 |
16.0 |
0 |
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Cedric Cobbs, Arkansas (So., 6-2, 220) |
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Gained an Arkansas freshman record 668 yards last season in part-time duty.
Not only is the job all his this season but the Razorbacks are breaking in a
new quarterback. So the offense will rely even more on Cobbs, who, according
to his coaches, can be one of the best ever. More...
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Rushing |
Receiving |
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Att. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
Rec. |
Yds. |
Avg. |
TD |
| 1999 |
116 |
668 |
5.5 |
3 |
11 |
60 |
5.5 |
1 |
| Career |
116 |
668 |
5.5 |
3 |
11 |
60 |
5.5 |
1 |
Lindy's Football Annuals (National, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, ACC, plus Pro) are available at newsstands regionally, or can be ordered as a set at www.lindyssports.com, or by calling 1-205-871-1182.
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