No. 8: Oklahoma State
Nov 2, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Desmond Roland (26) rushes against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first quarter at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
This is where talent at the running back position begins to fall off the table…quickly. The Cowboys lose Senior Desmond Roland to graduation, and world-class sprinter Tyreek Hill after a December 2014 dismissal. If that wasn’t enough, former four-star RB Devon Thomas was arrested and dismissed from the team, as well. What OSU is left with, are last year’s third, and fifth-most rushing yard gainers in Rennie Childs and Raymond Taylor. Neither of them broke the 4.0 yard-per-carry mark, and Rennie Childs is the only returning back with a reception. Chris Carson comes in from the JUCO ranks with some promise, as he had 7.2 YPC and nine touchdowns last year. One of the biggest deficits the Cowboy rushing attack will face this year is the lack of diversity in running styles.