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Pac-12 running backs, high honors: Justin Davis, Dwayne Washington a lot to prove

Which Pac-12 running corps have a lot of proving to do?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

14. [Insert Washington State Cougars running back here]

CougCenter

Avinash Kunnath: When they run the football I'm almost certain it's an accident.

13. Demario Richard, Arizona State

House of Sparky

Jack Follman: Richard emerged as Arizona State's every down back to compliment Foster and ripped off nearly six yards per-carry. Expect more of the same in 2015.

12. Christian Powell, Colorado

Ralphie Report

Avinash Kunnath: It was a by-committee backfield. Powell was the best of a not so terribly productive bunch. Powell is probably the best bet to take a leap as the feature back. He's physical and is able to

11. Stanford running backs (Barry Sanders, Remound Wright, someone else)

Rule of Tree

Avinash Kunnath: Sanders, Wright, whoever else breaks the rotation this year? This is the most underwhelming group of runners for the Cardinal in a long while. Pretty sure you can plug any running back behind that offensive line and get 5 yards a carry. If David Shaw decides to get them the ball that is!

Jack Follman: Wright is pretty much a touchdown machine in the Cardinal offense as a big guy who can get a few yards when you need them, but the Cardinal are going to need him to start to turn into more of a Tyler Gaffney or Stepfan Taylor if they hope to get back to competing for the Rose Bowl in 2015.

10. Dwayne Washington, Washington

UW Dawg Pound

Avinash Kunnath: Lots of work for Washington to move his way up. The Huskies need a lot more athleticism in the running game.

Jack Follman: Washington is a bit like a 90s baseball slugger that either hits home runs or strikes out every time. He has the speed to rip off long touchdown runs and his stats show that, but I am sure the Huskies are hoping that he can turn into more of an every down back that they can rely on in 2015 instead of a pinch hitter.

9. Justin Davis, USC

Conquest Chronicles

Avinash Kunnath: He's probably going to leap up this list, but for now we'll take a wait and see approach. Davis has lethal movement in space and is getting things moving in the right way. He just needs to prove that he's an elite level back.

Jack Follman: The man who will likely have to replace Javorius Allen has been an excellent second option the past couple of years and has the potential with his size and speed to more than make up for the loss of Allen.