Since the days of Walter Payton, Franco Harris, and Barry Sanders, the Running Back has evolved into one of the best if not the best athlete on the field today. A combination of speed, power, and agility are characteristics of the best running backs on the professional and college level today. Some of the most prolific players in football history excelled as Heisman Trophy winners and NFL MVPs, without them, football would be a much different sport than we know it as today. Here are five of the best Running Backs in College Football who will leave defenses in the dust in 2014: Honorable Mentions: Travis Greene, Bowling Green (279 carries, 1,594 yards, 11 TDs) -The former Wide Receiver found his calling in the backfield for the Falcons in 2013, rushing for 1,594 yards, good for 11th nationally and 2nd in the Mid American Conference this year. Greene shined during Conference Play this year, rushing for over 95 yards in each Conference game this year. After the Falcons won their first Conference Championship in 21 seasons in 2013, can Greene keep powering the Bowling Green offense next year? Alex Collins, Arkansas (190 carries, 1,026 yards, 4 TDs) -The former Five-star recruit from Miami, Florida gave Arkansas a star at Running Back that they desperately needed. Most thought it would be two to three years before Collins became a constant producer for the Razorbacks offense, but he exploded out of the gate with three straight 100-yard performances, albeit against lesser opponents. Collins wasn't the only back defenses had to worry about, Sophomore Jonathan Williams matched his teammates three straight 100-yard performances and nearly broke 1,000 yards rushing himself. If Arkansas find a solid QB who can lead the offense and get the ball to Williams and Collins, can they get back in the SEC West saddle? Jeremy Langford, Michigan State (292 carries, 1,492 yards, 18 TDs) -One of the reasons the Spartans were able to succeed so much in 2013 was behind the running of Sophomore Jeremy Langford, who led the MSU offense to a Rose Bowl victory behind his power running style of play. In 2014, Langford returns along with Quarterback Connor Cook, making Michigan State one of the scariest teams to deal with next year. The defense may lose several leaders including All-American Darqueze Dennard, but can the Spartans find success behind Langford's running instead?
5. Mike Davis, South Carolina (280 carries, 1,183 yards, 11 TDs)
The Sophomore from Lithonia, Georgia stepped up as one of the best producers for the Gamecocks offense in 2013, racking up over 1,000 yards rushing and 11 TDs. Davis had big shoes with former Running Back Marcus Lattimore leaving for the NFL the year before, and didn't disappoint, eclipsing 100 yards seven times this year, including a career-best performance against Central Florida, where he rushed for 167 yards and 3 TDs in South Carolina's 3-point win. He's among the best returning Running Backs in the SEC, and will give the Gamecocks the punch they need on offense in 2014. Although long time Starting QB Connor Shaw is leaving Columbia, SC after graduating, things are still looking up for Hall of Fame Coach Steve Spurrier and South Carolina.