2013 College Football Predictions: Top 5 All-Purpose Backs – De’Anthony Thomas the Best

2013 College Football Predictions: Top 5 All-Purpose Backs – De’Anthony Thomas the Best: Whether it is the spread-option, read-option, pistol formation or something else entirely, there certainly isn’t a shortage of innovative offenses in college football these days. As a result of these new systems, there is also a bigger need for speedy-versatile players than ever before. Prior to recent years, these players would be limited to simply kick return duty on special teams, and while some return specialists still make an impact playing exclusively on special teams, many of the top return men have become all-purpose backs that contribute in a variety of ways. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the best all-purpose players in the country heading into the 2013 college football season.

1.      De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon Ducks

Thomas is the definition of an all-purpose back, and he might just be the most explosive player in the country. As a running back and receiver, he has scored a combined 32 touchdowns in his first two seasons at Oregon, averaging a ridiculous 9.9 yards every time he touches the ball. He has also scored a combined four touchdowns in the return game, taking both a kickoff and a punt to the house last year. Whenever and however the Ducks get him the ball, Thomas has a chance to put six points on the board.

2.      Stefon Diggs, Maryland Terrapins

After flashing his potential in an impressive freshman campaign, Diggs is set for an expanded role in 2013. Diggs had 962 yards from scrimmage last season and six scores, and he added more than 900 yards and two scores in the return game, as well. Whether he lines up at running back, receiver or on special teams, Diggs is a touchdown waiting to happen. If anything, he was underutilized last season as the Terrapins suffered injuries to multiple quarterbacks. The coaching staff won’t make that mistake again.

3.      Marcus Murphy, Missouri Tigers

While he doesn’t have the all-around impact of some of the other players on the list, his ability to put points on the board in the return game is undeniable. Murphy had four total return touchdowns for the Tigers last season, taking a kickoff and three punts to the house. Not to mention the fact that his 13.9 yards per return average on punts was one of the best in the country last year. Murphy probably won’t ever see a lot of time on the field, but when he gets his hands on the ball on special teams, he can make a major impact.

4.      Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State Cowboys

In addition to being one of the most consistent kickoff returners in the country, Gilbert is also a quality cornerback. He has five kickoff return touchdowns in his three years with the Cowboys, and he has scored at least one touchdown in every season. Meanwhile, he followed a 2011 campaign that featured a career-high five interceptions with a junior season that included a career-high 63 tackles. Whether he is taking kickoffs to the house or creating turnovers on defense, Gilbert is a playmaker for Oklahoma State.

5.      Tyler Lockett, Kansas State Wildcats

Lockett possesses blazing speed, and it allows him to make an impact as both a receiver and a return man. In his two years with the Wildcats, he has accounted for seven touchdowns in the passing game. He has also returned four kickoffs for scores. Meanwhile, he has been consistently among the most efficient kickoff returners in the country. He led the nation with a 35.2 average as a freshman, and he barely tailed off last season, finishing with a 32.8 average. Speed is Lockett’s best weapon, and he knows how to use it in the return game and as a receiver.

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