Breaking down the backfield: College Football's Top 10 running backs

Despite the departures of Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon, T.J. Yeldon, and so many other impact running backs, the 2016 season is still poised to field a stellar core of burners in the backfield.

Let's take a look at the nation's top 10 running backs as we head into the upcoming season.

Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

A workhorse who played a pivotal role in Ohio State's national championship run, Ezekiel Elliott might be the most coveted running back in college football. Averaging 6.9 yards per carry last season, he notched 1,878 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns. His speed, melded with his cutting ability strength to pick up yards after contact are what make him so dangerous.

Leonard Fournette, LSU

This is a player who has potential to be the best back in the country. No one else has Leonard Fournette's combination of size, speed, and brute strength. As a true freshman, he had a steep learning curve, rushing for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns. Nevertheless, the former top high school prospect has shown flashes of greatness. When he puts it all together, he'll lead the nation in numerous categories.

Nick Chubb, Georgia

An ascension to greatness that stemmed from an injury to Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb quickly became a force in the backfield. The freshman couldn't be stopped, averaging 7.1 yards per carry for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns. A physical specimen with a bright future, Chubb will be in the NCAA for at least two more years, so buckle up.

Derrick Henry, Alabama

With Amari Cooper and T.J. Yeldon on to bigger and better things, it's time for Derrick Henry to lead Alabama to the promised land. Despite the fact that he only rushed for 990 yards and 11 touchdowns (while adding three receiving scores), Henry will have a huge year. At 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, the SEC will be on notice70001 for the projected first-rounder in the NFL Draft.

Nick Wilson, Arizona

As a freshman, Nick Wilson broke onto the scene in a big way. The Arizona running back scampered for 1,375 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season. Arizona made its case as one of the better teams in the nation, and despite Wilson's smaller build (5-foot-10, 199 pounds) he has a knack for breaking tackles to gain yardage after contact.

James Conner, Pitt

A bruiser with explosive quickness for his size, James Conner will continue to be Pitt's prized possession this season. The sophomore averaged 6 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,765 yards with 26 touchdowns. Conner is a workhorse capable of playing at the next level, and there's no indication that he'll slow down his pace.

Devontae Booker, Utah

The 2014 season was Devontae Booker's coming out party. Averaging 5.2 yards per carry for 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns, Booker flashed his downfield ability, notching 43 receptions and 306 yards and two touchdowns. He won't be college football's top back, but Booker is fast, aggressive, and deceptively strong. Booker toyed with entering the 2015 draft, but decided to stay in school given he only had one big year. Expect another.

Kareem Hunt, Toledo

Although he'll miss the first two games of the season to serve a suspension, Kareem Hunt will still be in the conversation at season's end as one of the nation's best running backs. After ripping off 1,631 yards and 16 touchdowns as the MAC's top rusher, Hunt has raised the bar for himself this time around.

Corey Clement, Wisonsin

Just like Melvin Gordon did behind Montee Ball, Corey Clement waited his turn to take over the running back job for the Badgers. Now that he has it to himself, there's no telling what kind of numbers he'll put up in his first season as the starter. Wisconsin executes a heavy running game, so expect Clement to get the ball a lot, and burn opposing defenses.

Alex Collins, Arkansas

As a freshman, there were few things Alex Collins didn't do for head coach Bret Bielema. Collins rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and he should continue that pace again. He'll likely get more reps receiving, but he'll likely be used predominantly in the backfield.