Clemson's Top Running Backs


by - Radio Host -

Clemson’s Top Running Backs

We continue our look at the top players by position that I have seen at Clemson (since 1974). Today is our look at running backs. Here are the top ten running backs I have seen at Clemson:

1. C.J. Spiller

There is no doubt in my mind that Spiller is the most talented back to play here. He is third in school history in rushing with 3,547 yards. He is one of just three running backs at Clemson to be named first team All-American. He is one of just two backs to be the ACC Player of the year. Spiller is one of four backs at Clemson to be the ACC Rookie of the Year. Spiller is one of two three-time All-ACC backs at Clemson.

2. Terry Allen

Allen played only three years at Clemson before turning pro but is seventh in school history in rushing with 2,778 yards. Allen is just one of eight Clemson running backs to be named All-ACC more than once.

3. Raymond Priester

Priester was not the most talented back in school history, but he may be the toughest. Priester is the leading rusher with 3,966 yards. No one had more carries (805) than Priester. He and Spiller are the only three-time All-ACC backs at Clemson.

4. James Davis

Davis is one of the most important signees in Clemson history. If Clemson doesn't get Davis, it probably doesn't get Spiller. Thunder and Lighting is the best 1-2 punch in school history. Davis would have better numbers if it weren't for Spiller, but he had a great career here. He is one of just four backs to be the ACC Rookie of the Year. Davis is just one of eight Clemson running backs to be named All-ACC more than once. He is second in school history in rushing with 3,881yards.

5. Andre Ellington

Ellington is fourth in school history with 3,436 rushing yards. He is also fourth in carries with 621. Ellington is just one of eight Clemson running backs to be named All-ACC more than once.

6. Kenny Flowers

Flowers is seventh in school history with 2,914 yards. He would have had more if not for a major injury and the fact he shared time with other great backs during his time at Clemson.

He was the first back to have 1,200 yards in one season.

7. Terrence Flagler

Flagler battled a crowded backfield but had a great senior season when he broke the single-season rushing record with 1,258 yards as a senior. He was also a very good receiver. Flagler is one of just three running backs to be a first team All-American at Clemson.

8. Wayne Gallman

Gallman is fifth in school history with 3,416 yards rushing and would have probably broken the school career rushing record if he had stayed for his senior season. He did break the single-season rushing record with 1,516 yards as a sophomore.

9. Ronald Williams

Williams career was cut short with a knee injury, but he is one of the most talented backs in school history. He is one of four Clemson running backs to be named the ACC Rookie of the Year. Williams is just one of eight Clemson running backs to be named All-ACC more than once.

10. Stacey Driver

Driver is 13th in school history in career rushing with 2,293 yards. The Ricochet Rabbit bounced off tacklers and also got the tough yard. Like Flowers, Flagler and so many backs on this list, Driver battled a crowded backfield for carries.

Chuck McSwain, Lester Brown, Cliff Austin and Travis Zachery were very close to making this list and its difficult to pair down to the top ten at this position.

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TigerNet News®
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Orangapril2
spacer Who is he better than that is above him?
Neal in NC®
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74TIGER
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HunterClemsonTigers
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Dugatiger®
spacer Crazy 1 and 5 and 1 and 4 were on the same team
TigerSHARKey
spacer Re: Crazy 1 and 5 and 1 and 4 were on the same team
Knuck®
spacer REGGIE! REGGIE! REGGIE!
nosmelC®
spacer Re: REGGIE! REGGIE! REGGIE!
clovertiger1
spacer Re: Plyler's Blog: Clemson's Top Running Backs
bedelo
spacer Re: Plyler's Blog: Clemson's Top Running Backs
fuzzyduck
spacer If we had the O line from the 80's then Spiller would be all time leading in NCAA history
Hi Cotton Tiger
spacer Overall good list
jarheadtiger®
spacer A lot of the pups here won't know this
Knuck®
spacer Re: A lot of the pups here won't know this
armsb
spacer Flag was beyond mop up worthy, but he had to wait his turn
Knuck®
spacer Re: Plyler's Blog: Clemson's Top Running Backs
deleted
spacer I thought Warren Ratchford = the Ricochet Rabbit?
Country Gentleman
spacer he was the Rat***
CM Shack®
spacer Fred Cone?***
tigrjm76®
spacer Re: Plyler's Blog: Clemson's Top Running Backs
robbensdale
spacer this list is null and void without Rudy Harris.
Obed®
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tiger townie