Preview season marches on! It’s time to take a look at the potential breakout G5 running backs in 2021. Time to shine a light on some of the backs that might not get as many headlines. Some of these players are already somewhat established. Others will get there chance this year to make a big statement. Either way, these are G5 running backs that you need to know in 2021.
AAC
Rahjai Harris – ECU
Harris was outstanding in 2020 as a Freshman. He rushed for 624 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He also had a receiving TD. Remember the name!
Iverson Clement – Temple
Clement is a former 4
who transfers in from Florida. Clement has a unique combination of speed and strength and should be in line for a breakout season. In his career, he’s averaged 7.8 yards per carry.
Mark-Antony Richards – UCF
Richards is a former 4 who transfers in from Auburn. Richards has a ton of talent and potential and should be an electrifying player in the Knights’ offense.
Conference USA
Sheldon Evans – Marshall
Evans is the leading returning rusher for the Thundering Herd after rushing for 327 yards last season. In his career, he’s rushed for 701 yards and 5 TDs, averaging 4.9 ypc. He’s also caught 12 passes for 63 yards.
LaLa Davis – Old Dominion
Davis is a big time player for the Monarchs from Lynchburg, VA. He’s only a Sophomore and has rushed for 468 yards and 8 TDs in his career, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
Oscar Adaway – North Texas
Adaway rushed for 572 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2020 as a Freshman, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Bright future ahead in Denton for Adaway.
DeWayne McBride – UAB
McBride was SENSATIONAL in 2020 as a Freshman. He averaged a magnificent 9.3 yards per carry. He totaled 439 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Stardom ahead for McBride!
MAC
Terion Stewart – Bowling Green
Stewart impressed me in 2020 as a Freshman. He averaged a phenomenal 8 yards per carry. He totaled 295 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Stewart will be a good one.
Marquez Cooper – Kent State
Cooper made his name known in 2020 as a Freshman. He rushed for 282 yards and 5 TDs, averaging 5 yards per carry. Cooper has a good combination on speed/strength. Definitely a player to keep an eye on!
Harrison Waylee – NIU
Waylee was outstanding as a Freshman in 2020. He rushed for 456 yards and 1 TD, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Expect a big 2021 season from him.
Mountain West
Dae Dae Hunter – Hawaii
Hunter rushed for 183 yards last season as a Freshman. He averaged 4 yards per carry and had 2 TDs. He also caught 12 passes for 71 yards 2 TDs. Remember the name, 2021 could be a big season.
Devonta’e Henry Cole – Utah State
Henry-Cole has rushed for 649 yards and 4 TDs in his career, averaging 5 yards per carry. He’s a Senior, but he will eclipse his career numbers this season.
Sun Belt
Shermari Jones – Coastal Carolina
Jones has an opportunity to have a big season in 2021. Last season he rushed for 398 yards and 3 TDs, averaging 4.7 ypc.
Kimani Vidal – Troy
Vidal was spectacular last season as a Freshman. He rushed for 516 yards and 4 TDs, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also caught 26 passes for 255 yards. Expect a huge 2021 season from Vidal.
Lincoln Pare – Arkansas State
Pare is the leading returning rusher for the Red Wolves after rushing for 450 yards last season as a Freshman. Pare averaged 6.3 yards per carry and also caught 12 passes for 85 yards 2 TDs.
Chris Smith – Louisiana
Smith has big shoes to fill, but the Sophomore has already proven he’s a playmaker, racking up 1,639 all purpose yards. He has 684 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs in his career, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
Kadyn Roach – ULM
Roach impressed me last season as a Freshman. He rushed for 112 yards and 1 TD, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He also caught 7 passes for 45 yards and 1 TD.
