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| Edgerrin James (Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
@CanesRisingBlog Contributor
Tailback U. There's a ton of schools that have a legitimate claim to the title, and Miami is in that select group. In fact, Miami may have one of the best cases, especially if one is to consider that institutions like Southern California have been downright awful at the position for most of the last thirty years. Yes, we all remember Reggie Bush, but who else has USC produced since the Reagan administration? The U has produced outstanding backs for most of the last 40 years, backs that run the gamut from bulldozing fullbacks, to speedy halfbacks.
Miami's Best Running Backs
1. Edgerrin James (1996-1998)
Edgerrin wasn't the fastest back in program history, nor was he the strongest, but he was the best. The Edge was a battering ram who had breakaway speed, and was surprisingly durable considering that he was expected to carry the mail twenty-five times a game. While he had to share carries as a true freshman, he still managed to gain 2,960 yards in his three year career. Edge was the lone bright spot for a Miami program struggling to emerge from crippling NCAA sanctions. Edge's best performance came in a classic comeback win over UCLA. The 'Canes were heavy underdogs to the third ranked Bruins, but Edge pounded his way to a school record 299 yards on the ground, leading the 'Canes to a much needed win. That win set the table for the resurgence of the program.
2. Ottis Anderson (1975-1978)
Ottis Anderson is more than the MVP of Super Bowl XXV, Ottis was a 'Cane, and until recently held the record for career rushing yards Anderson was a unique specimen in the 70s: a power back with track star speed and unbelievable balance. Ottis rushed for 3,331 yards in his career, with 15 touchdowns. While those numbers may not sound like much, remember that Anderson had to face teams whose primary objective was to stop him. He didn't have the surrounding cast that most of the other backs on this list had. He was the Miami offense for most of his career.
3. Duke Johnson (2012-2014)
While some will object to Duke being placed this high, his stats indicate someone who deserves to be in this spot. While Duke never played on an elite team, he was an elite back, arguably the most versatile in program history. Duke was an outstanding receiver out of the backfield, he could return kicks , and was a dynamic runner who broke Ottis Anderson's rushing record. While his 3,519 rushing yards are impressive, it's his thirty touchdowns that placed him in this spot. Johnson scored in a variety of ways, from long runs, to kickoff returns and receptions. Duke Johnson is the most dynamic back in school history, and Al Golden will struggle mightily to replace him.
4. Willis McGahee (2001-2002)
Most of the backs on this list are included because of their consistent excellence. Willis McGahee only had one big season, but that season was the best in school history. McGahee went from a hesitant, unsure backup, to a Heisman candidate all in one season. In 2001, McGahee backed up Clinton Portis, a back whose brash personality affected the soft spoken McGahee. Following Portis' departure, McGahee emerged as a superstar, the centerpiece of Miami's drive to repeat as National Champions. The former backup rushed for a school record 1,753 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2002. Yes, those statistics are correct, he scored more touchdowns in a season, than Edgerrin James and Ottis Anderson had in their respective careers. Willis was a rare combination of strength and speed, and was a freak athlete. His signature performance was in the Orange Bowl, against Virginia Tech, where he rushed for 205 yards and six touchdowns. While McGahee's outstanding season ended in horrifying fashion, with the Heisman finalist lying on the field in agony at Sun Devil Stadium, it was still a season to remember.
5. Clinton Portis (1999-2001)
The most interesting back on this list, Clinton Portis is a player who knows how to make an entrance. While most fans know him for his antics, and his penchant for garish ensembles, he made plenty of noise on the field. Portis' biggest season came in 2001, as he was the leading rusher for the undefeated BCS Champion 'Canes. He shared carries with Willis McGahee and freshman sensation Frank Gore, but still gained 1,200 yards on the ground, and scored twelve touchdowns. Portis was the perfect running back for the 01 'Canes: He was explosive, and didn't need many carries to break loose. Clinton was at his best when allowed to hide behind Miami's mammoth offensive line, he had an uncanny ability to run to daylight.
6. James Jackson (1996-2000)
Who was the back who started for the 'Canes between Edgerrin James, and Clinton Portis? James Jackson is more than the answer to a trivia question, he's a talented running back who was the victim of some unfortunate timing. While we remember Edge's power, and Portis' elusiveness, we don't remember Jackson the way we should. Following his senior season, he was the third leading ground gainer in program history, despite sharing time with Edge, and spending most of his early career as a third down specialist. Jackson was a tough inside runner who rarely made mistakes, and was dependable like the local postman. In 2000, Jackson emerged from the shadows, rushing for 1,006 yards and eleven touchdowns. Jackson averaged 5.5 yards per carry during his career, one of the highest averages in school history.
7. Alonzo Highsmith (1983-1986) & Melvin Bratton (1984-1987)
These two players shared a backfield during their careers, and now share a spot on this list. Highsmith and Bratton were a perfect pair, they were both versatile and could get the job done. Bratton was the speed demon, Highsmith was the sledgehammer, and both were dangerous in the passing game. Bratton scored 32 career touchdowns, while Highsmith scored 25 times. It's amazing to think that these two backs both averaged over four yards per carry during their careers. What makes this pair unique is the attitude they brought to the program. Miami had a reputation as a passing team, a finesse team. Alonzo Highsmith and Melvin Bratton aren't finesse players, they provided the toughness and arrogance Miami needed.
8. Chuck Foreman (1970-1972)
A consistently forgotten 'Cane, Chuck Foreman was a versatile back who dazzled fans during the early 70s. Chuck was more dangerous on the perimeter, as evidenced by his receiving numbers. Foreman gained 732 yards on receptions during his career, which is the highest among the players listed. Most coaches didn't know what to do with the graceful Foreman, he was a player that was far ahead of his time.
9. Frank Gore (2001-2004)
This is a player who should have been higher on this list, he's one of the most talented players in program history. Gore came to Miami as a highly touted speedster, and he didn't disappoint, gaining 562 yards in limited action. Coming into the 2002 season, Gore was considered the leader to succeed Clinton Portis, but a horrific knee injury ended his season, and Willis McGahee ran his way into record books. Gore didn't quit, he rehabbed, he worked his way back onto the field, but suffered another season ending injury which forced him to repeat the grueling process. Somehow, someway, Gore came back again, and turned in a good senior season, gaining 945 yards and scoring a career high eight touchdowns. Considering that Gore was playing on two bad knees, him being anywhere near effective was miraculous. Where would have Frank ranked, had he been able to remain healthy? We will never know, but his actual production was more than enough to merit selection.
10. Tyrone Moss (2003-2006)
This was the hardest spot to fill, as there are many Miami backs with careers who could be considered the tenth best back in program history. Ty Moss gets the nod because of his nose for the endzone. Twenty-six touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at, especially when one looks back at the season Moss had in 2005. Moss carried the 2005 'Canes to a top five ranking and an outside chance of playing for the national championship. Moss was leading the ACC in rushing yardage, and was gaining notice nationally, but suffered a season ending knee injury during the Virginia Tech game. Miami was never the same, collapsing down the stretch and ending the season in the Peach Bowl against LSU. We all know how that game ended.
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