We utilized the Pro Football Focus (PFF) database and grading system to take a look at the highest-graded returning running backs across FCS football entering the 2023 season.
Each player’s PFF Grade represents their overall offensive grade from the 2022 season, including postseason games. Running backs who played 20% of the minimum number of snaps in 2022 were included in the rankings below. All rankings and statistics were gathered using the Pro Football Focus database.
*NOTE: These rankings are not the official Bluebloods FCS Positional Rankings For The 2023 Season*
1. Julius Loughridge (Fordham)
PFF Offensive Grade: 91.8
2022 Statistics: 128 carries, 927 rushing yards, 7.2 yards per carry, 8 rushing touchdowns
2. Geno Hess (Southeast Missouri)
PFF Offensive Grade: 91.4
2022 Statistics: 236 carries, 1,692 rushing yards, 7.2 yards per carry, 21 rushing touchdowns
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3. Desmond Reid (Western Carolina)
PFF Offensive Grade: 90.4
2022 Statistics: 122 carries, 838 rushing yards, 6.9 yards per carry, 4 rushing touchdowns
4. Isaiah Davis (South Dakota State)
PFF Offensive Grade: 89.9
2022 Statistics: 250 carries, 1,454 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 15 rushing touchdowns
5. Bronson Yoder (William & Mary)
PFF Offensive Grade: 89.5
2022 Statistics: 205 carries, 1,243 rushing yards, 6.1 yards per carry, 13 rushing touchdowns
6. Austin Douglas (Mercer)
PFF Offensive Grade: 88.3
2022 Statistics: 57 carries, 384 rushing yards, 6.7 yards per carry, 5 rushing touchdowns
7. Derrel Kelley III (Tarleton State)
PFF Offensive Grade: 86.1
2022 Statistics: 155 carries, 1,019 rushing yards, 6.6 yards per carry, 8 rushing touchdowns
8. Hope Adebayo (St. Thomas)
PFF Offensive Grade: 84.9
2022 Statistics: 70 carries, 480 rushing yards, 6.9 yards per carry, 1 rushing touchdown
9. Kayvon Britten (Tarleton State)
PFF Offensive Grade: 84.7
2022 Statistics: 207 carries, 1,109 rushing yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 16 rushing touchdowns
10. Jarett Hunter (Howard)
PFF Offensive Grade: 84.3
2022 Statistics: 115 carries, 624 rushing yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 5 rushing touchdowns
11. Jaden Shirden (Monmouth)
PFF Offensive Grade: 83.4
2022 Statistics: 203 carries, 1,719 rushing yards, 8.5 yards per carry, 13 rushing touchdowns
12. Tre Peterson (Yale)
PFF Offensive Grade: 83.3
2022 Statistics: 114 carries, 725 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 6 rushing touchdowns
T-13. Dylan Laube (New Hampshire)
PFF Offensive Grade: 83.1
2022 Statistics: 245 carries, 1,205 rushing yards, 4.9 yards per carry, 15 rushing touchdowns
T-13. Tom Comella (Stonehill)
PFF Offensive Grade: 83.1
2022 Statistics: 70 carries, 400 rushing yards, 5.7 yards per carry, 6 rushing touchdowns
15. Marcus Fulcher (Sacramento State)
PFF Offensive Grade: 82.2
2022 Statistics: 73 carries, 469 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 8 rushing touchdowns
RELATED: Highest Graded FCS Returning Quarterbacks In 2023
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