The ACC has some of the best running backs in the country. Clemson superstar Travis Etienne gets many of the headlines, and deservedly so. However, there are some players that are flying under the radar. Here are the Pypeline 2020 rankings of the ACC running backs.
1. Travis Etienne – Clemson
Etienne could become the first three-time ACC Player of the Year in 2020. In his career, he has 4,038 rushing yards with 56 touchdowns. He’s averaged 7.8 ypc in his career. He’s also a great pass catcher with 6 receiving TDs.
2. Javian Hawkins – Louisville
Hawkins had a HUGE season in 2019 as a freshman. He rushed for 1,525 yards and 9 touchdowns, while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Expect another big season from Hawkins in 2020.
3. Michael Carter – UNC
Carter is one of the top returning RBs in CFB in 2020, and not enough people are talking about him. In his career, he has 2,159 rushing yards and 13 TDs, averaging 6 ypc. He also has 57 catches for 389 yards and 4 touchdowns.
4. Jordan Mason – Georgia Tech
Mason has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his career and has 1,558 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2020, if GT can establish a better passing attack, it could open up the way for Mason to have a huge season.
5. Khalil Herbert – Virginia Tech
Herbert transferred from Kansas to Va Tech as a graduate transfer. In his time at KU, he had 1,735 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Herbert has a chance to have a big season for the Hokies in 2020.
6. Zonovan Knight – NC State
Last season as a Freshman, Knight averaged 5.5 yards per carry and established himself as the Wolfpacks most reliable option at RB. He rushed for 745 yards and 5 touchdowns. Remember the name!
7. David Bailey – Boston College
Bailey has big shoes to fill replacing AJ Dillon. However, Bailey has already established himself as a viable option. Last season, he rushed for 844 yards and 7 Touchdowns, while catching 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
8. Cam’Ron Harris – Miami
Harris is a player who could have a big breakout season. I’ll be targeting him as a steal in Fantasy Football. He has 576 career rushing yards and 5 TDs, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also has 118 rec yards. I have him ranked 8th, but he could finish in Top 5 in the ACC.
9. Lyn-J Dixon – Clemson
Dixon has averaged 7.1 yards per carry in his career. He’s been very productive with 1,182 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also caught 15 passes for 162 yards. If Dixon wasn’t a backup, he would be Top 3.
10. Javonte Williams – UNC
The Tar Heels 1-2 punch at RB isn’t talked about as much as it should be but Carter and Williams are legit. Williams has 1,157 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
11. Kenneth Walker III – Wake Forest
Walker made a name for himself last season as a freshman. He rushed for 579 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. This season don’t be surprised if he reached 1,000+ yards rushing.
12. Jashaun Corbin – Florida State
Corbin has a chance to end the year in the Top 5 on this list, especially after former 5-star RB Khalan Laborn being dismissed from the team. Corbin transferred from Texas A&M to FSU and is immediately eligible in 2020. In his career, he has 483 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with 16 catches for 101 yards and a TD.
13. Wayne Taulapapa – Virginia
Taulapapa was an absolute monster in the Red Zone for the Hoos last season. He only had 473 rushing yards, but he had 12 rushing touchdowns. Taulapapa is a physical running back who needs to get more touches in 2020.
14. Hassan Hall – Louisville
Hall gives the Cards an excellent 1-2 punch at RB. In his career, he has 804 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also has 17 receptions for 150 yards.
15. A.J. Davis – Pittsburgh
Davis has 704 career rushing yards 5 touchdowns, averaging 4 yards per carry. He is also a viable pass catcher with 286 receiving yards. Pitt needs to establish the run in 2020, and Davis will get an opportunity to lead the charge.
16. Deon Jackson – Duke
Jackson is an experienced player who has had a productive career for the Blue Devils. He has 1,585 career rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He’s also a threat receiving with 51 rec, 449 yards, and 4 TDs.
