Since it's the early part of summer, months before the start of USC's 2024 fall camp, we decided it would be the perfect time to look around USC's schedule and identify some of the best opposing players at any given position the Trojans will face. Today we move further in the backfield to the running backs, which is one of the calling cards in a rugged Big Ten conference. Run defense was a big issue for USC in 2023 and there are several names on this list that could make the Trojans pay without significant improvement.
1) Kyle Monangai(Rutgers)
Class:Senior
Career Starts:24
2023 Stats:1,262 yards (5.2 yards per carry) for eight touchdowns; eight receptions for 78 yards
Overview: The top dog on this list is pretty easy as Monangai claimed the Big Ten rushing crown in 2023, breaking out with over 1,200 rushing yards and eight scores. That feat is even more impressive considering Rutgers did not have much of a passing attack to open up the run game for Monangai. He is the highest graded returning running back in the Big Ten at 92.5 per Pro Football Focus. Monangai will be a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate if he can have another big year on the ground for what should be a more balanced Scarlet Knights offense.
2) Nicholas Singleton/Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
Class:Junior/Junior
Career Starts:13
2023 Stats: Singleton:752yards (4.4 yards per carry) for eight TDs; 26 receptions for 308 yards and two TDs. Allen:902 yards (5.2 yards per carry) for six TDs; 14 receptions for 81 yards and a TD
Overview: It feels like cheating to put Singleton and Allen as one, but it's hard to talk about one without mentioning the other; the junior duo not only makes up the best combo in the Big Ten but arguably the nation. Penn State was the only school to have two players ranked in the Top 10 in rushing, Allen at No. 5 and Singleton at No. 10. Singleton, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2022, has the higher ceiling of the two, but took a step back in his production last fall. Singleton has a chance to be the top running back in next year's draft. Allen and Singleton are RB1s for any program, creating stress for defensive coordinators, as they should rack up plenty of yards in 2024.
3) Donovan Edwards (Michigan)
Class:Senior
Career Starts:4
2023 Stats: 497 yards (4.2 yards per carry) for five TDs; 30 receptions for 297 yards
Overview: Edwards is the most interesting name on this list, easily one of the most talented and experienced backs on the schedule, but one with just four starts over his career. Edwards played No. 2 to the now departed Michigan star Blake Corum over the last couple years but is now in line to be the full-time starter for the defending national champs. Michigan will be breaking in a new QB, and the Wolverines favor the run, so Edwards figures to handle a lot of the load on the ground this season. Despite just four starts, Edwards has 38 games appearances with 1,662 career rushing yards and a career 5.7 yards per carry average. He is a legit home run threat with his speed.
4) Jonah Coleman (Washington)
Class:Junior
Career Starts:2
2023 Stats:871 yards (6.8 yards per carry) for five TDs; 25 receptions for 283 yards and a TD
Overview: Coleman broke out in his final season in the Pac-12, rushing for 871 yards (fifth in the conference) and eclipsing 1,000 all-purpose yards. His 6.8 yards per carry ranked second in the Pac-12. Colemon's best game came against the Trojans, rushing for 143 yards. Coleman followed Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch to Washington, and he should slot easily into the starting lineup with veteran transfer QB Will Rogers. Coleman ranks third among returning Big Ten running backs with a 91.4 grade via Pro Football Focus.
5) Darius Taylor (Minnesota)
Class:Sophom*ore
Career Starts:4
2023 Stats:799 yards (5.8 yards per carry) for five TDs; 11 receptions for 92 yards
Overview: Taylor burst into college football as a true freshman and is firmly on the path to being the next great running back in the Big Ten. Taylor finished eighth in the conference with 799 rushing yards in just six games, an impressive feat for a freshman. He also led the conference with 133.2 rushing yards per game, the only running back to average more than 1oo yards across the season. The buzz is building for a potentially monster sophom*ore campaign after Taylor rushed for 208 yards in Minnesota's bowl win. Taylor is the focal point for Minnesota's offense this season.
Other Names to Know:
TJ Harden (UCLA)
- The junior broke out in 2023 with 827 rushing yards (second on the team) and eight TDs across 13 games. Harden ran wild on USC for a career high 142 yards in one of his three starts last season. Harden is poised to be a big piece for the Bruin offense this fall.
Roman Hemby (Maryland)
- Hemby has been a staple of the Maryland offense the last two seasons, including his breakout campaign in 2022 with 989 rushing yard and 10 scores. Hemby is one of the most experienced runners in the Big Ten with 1,740 career rushing yards and 16 TDs over 26 career starts.
Previous Lists:
Quarterbacks
