Two Nebraska Cornhuskers were recently named to ESPN’s “Top 100 Running Backs of the Last 60 Years” list. ESPN author Bill Connelly took on the almost impossible task of trying to rank a position that has evolved as much as any over the last six decades. Just look at the impact of the position over that period of time. A running back won the Heisman Trophy every year from 1973 to 1983, and since the year 2000, only three running backs have won the award. It’s a stark reminder of just how much offenses have changed over that period of time.
The first Husker on the list is Ahman Green (No. 55). The running back, or I-back as Nebraska used to call them, played from 1995-97 and ran for 3,880 yards and 42 touchdowns in 33 games for Nebraska. However, his best season was in 1997, when Green ran for 1,877 yards and 22 touchdowns en route to the Cornhusker’s third national championship in four years. He was second in rushing that season behind Ricky Williams (No. 4).
The second Husker on the list is Mike Rozier (No. 7). The New Jersey native played from 1981-83, running for 4,780 yards and 49 touchdowns. His best season was in 1983, when he ran for 2,148 yards and 29 touchdowns en route to the Heisman Trophy. The entire list can be found below, it has some interesting rankings, but if you were going to pick two running backs from Nebraska history, it would be Green and Rozier.
Mercury Morris! Travis Etienne! Mike Alstott! Troy Davis! Darrens McFadden and Sproles! A bunch of Wisconsin and SDSU dudes! All the guys you’d expect at the top!
I ranked the top 100 CFB (FBS) RBs of the last 60 years because of course I did.https://t.co/wOjSXQKPam
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) April 12, 2022
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