Big Ten Football Preview: Running Backs
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8. Michigan State: Delton Williams, Junior; Madre London, Redshirt freshman; Gerald Holmes, Sophomore; L.J. Scott, Freshman
Sep 20, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Delton Williams (22) makes an 80 yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Spartan Stadium. Spartans beat the Eagles 73-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Spartans have a great problem at running back. There are four backs who all will be competing for touches. The only problem surrounds Delton Williams. Williams recently pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a road rage incident, so he is currently not enrolled in classes and was kept off of the Spartans’ spring roster. He was expected to be a key contributor for Michigan State, but that is now in jeopardy. If Williams can’t go, they still have three other capable players. The guy to watch out for is L.J. Scott, who was the sixth best running back prospect in the Class of 2015.
7. Illinois: Josh Ferguson, Senior
Ferguson has the potential of rising up this list by season’s end. He is an extremely versatile running back, who will be asked to do a lot for the Fighting Illini in his final season. Over the past two seasons, Ferguson has rushed for 1,514 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 100 passes for 962 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers are likely to increase in 2015 and he will play a huge role in the success of this team next season.
6. Nebraska: Terrell Newby, Junior; Imani Cross, Senior
The Cornhuskers figure to have a talented 1-2 punch in 2015 in Newby and Cross. Newby is expected to be the lead ball-carrier. He ran the ball 67 times for 297 yards and five touchdowns in 2014. Newby possesses a good combination of speed and strength and his athleticism makes him a viable threat out of the backfield. Cross will also play a key role in the Nebraska offense. He’s played behind other backs his entire career with the Huskers and will have to fight for carries again. In three seasons, he’s rushed for 1,155 yards and 22 touchdowns.