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2018 college football season: Top 12 running backs to watch

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein will reveal the top CFB players to watch in 2018 at six different positions with an eye toward their NFL potential, continuing today with running backs.

Putting this list together took quite some time because there were so many quality runners to sift through. While Bryce Love will be the more recognizable senior name, this year's sophomore class is absolutely loaded with talented and productive runners that NFL evaluators will have to dig into within a year or two.

Lately, NFL teams have reversed course a little bit regarding the value they place on top running backs, as we've seen Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette and Saquon Barkley all go inside the top four picks in three consecutive years. Size seems to be a prerequisite for being an early pick, but it doesn't guarantee success. The most successful running backs are consistent and often have the ability to create their own yardage with power, elusiveness or speed.

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Lance Zierlein

Draft Analyst

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