The stock of WAC running backs runs deep, which is good for offensive coordinators and bad for fantasy drafting. From by-committee juggernauts to unproven home-run hitters, here are the top five WAC fantasy running backs for 2009.

Porter tops our list of WAC RBs to watch in 2009 (thanks, LTSports)

1. Daniel Porter, Louisiana Tech

Fact: LaTech would have won more games last year if Porter had been the starter from game one. Instead, as Porter sat idly by, senior Patrick Jackson got most of the early carries, reducing Porter to a change-of-pace role. Not this year. Porter’s the man, and if he fulfills the glimpses of greatness he flashed last season, he’ll be a good one. As it is, Porter still got 1262 and 9 TDs and was the de facto “guy we have to stop” for opposing teams. This year, he will be LaTech’s focal point, too, as QB Ross Jenkins isn’t so much talented as satisfactory. Porter has the skills to carry the Bulldogs; finally the Bulldogs will be letting him.

2. Vai Taua, Nevada

You may be wondering why he’s not number one on this list. After all, the junior had 1567 yards and 15 TDs last year in relief of injured starter Luke Lippincott. And therein lays the rub. Lippincott is back and could steal some stats from the WAC’s reigning rushing champ. But with plenty of stats to go around for Nevada, Taua still has the potential for big 2009 numbers.

3. Jeremy Avery, Boise State

Avery, not Ian Johnson, was the Broncos’ most productive running back last year. The 5’9″ sparkplug showed quicks, moves, and speed, flashing more than enough potential to make you think he’ll be able to carry the Broncos’ rushing load in 2009. Just how big will that load be? Well, in 2006 Johnson had over 1700 yards as the feature back. Last year, in a running back committee to rival the largest bureaucracy, a trio of backs split 1645. Avery should be the clear-cut No. 1. Expect a 1,000-yard season.

4. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State

It may seem like a long time ago (especially for Pat Hill), but the Fresno State Bulldogs were preseason media darlings last summer. A big reason was Mathews. After suffering through an injury-plagued 2008 (606 yards, 6 TDs), Mathews should be on track for a strong 2009 – minus the preseason hype and plus a bit more competition in the backfield. His injury opened the door for backups Anthony Harding and Lonyae Miller to gain experience. If Mathews can avoid splitting too many carries, he should put up solid numbers for an offense that will be breaking in a new quarterback.

5. Lamon Muldrow, San Jose State

San Jose State is going to have to get yards on offense somehow. Right? If it happens, it will probably be a result of junior college transfer Lamon Muldrow. Over the past two years in junior college, Muldrow has scored 44 touchdowns and rushed for over 2900 yards. He won’t repeat those numbers running into nine-man fronts all season, but a drop from even those lofty heights would still work out well for fantasy owners.

Also:

Marquell Colston, New Mexico State: So long as you don’t mind the stigma of drafting an NMSU player, Colston might be good for some tough yards.

Robbie Turbin, Utah State: Borel’s security blanket out of the backfield and a tough runner, Turbin had his moments last fall.

Deonte Jackson, Idaho: The Vandals’ soft schedule coupled with the miracle of good health could mean big numbers for the U of I star.

Harding and Miller, Fresno State: If Mathews goes down, one of these runners will go up.

Lippincott, Nevada: He’s karma’s pick for a big season.

Not:

Leon Wright-Jackson, Hawaii: Holes in the offensive line plus an offense that loves to pass makes it tough for Jackson to even crack 500 yards.

***Kevan Lee writes full-time about Boise State football over at One Bronco Nation Under God. This might explain the overt biases in his fantasy projections.

Related posts:

1. Touching Down with Your Top 5 WAC Quarterbacks
2. Boise State Ranked as Top WAC Defense for 2009
3. Your Top 5 WAC Tight Ends
4. WAC Preview: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
5. 2009 WAC ALL-FANTASY TEAM

Tags: WAC