There has been a lot of debate about who the best BYU running back of all time is. Some argue that the blazing speed of Ronny Jenkins and his accomplishments with the 1996 team might trump all. While Jenkins was amazing, his career numbers are nothing compared to what Harvey Unga put up the last three years. Unga might have had the best overall career at the Y, but it is our opinion that the best season by a BYU tailback was Luke Staley's 2001 campaign. Though he does not hold the all-time rushing record (that belongs to Harvey with 3,455 yds) Luke Staley put on a show his junior year. Take a look at these stats that Luke compiled in an 11 game season
-Rushed for 1,596 yards
-24 touchdowns rushing
-Averaged a staggering 8.1 yds per carry
-Added 32 receptions for 334 yards and 4 touchdowns
-Led the nation in total touchdowns (28) and scoring (15.5 points per game)
The stat that jumps out is the 8.1 yds a carry. Every time Luke was handed the ball he gained on average 8.1 yards! One can only imagine what might have been had Luke stayed healthy in 2001 and on into his brief stint in the NFL.
Ronnnie Jenkins, Harvy Unga, and Luke Staley are the three greatest running backs in BYU history. No need to make one better than the other, Each made a contribution that the other two could not match. All three were very intertaining and I am greatful that I was able to watch these 3 great athletes perform for BYU.
ReplyDeleteLet The Hype Begin. Get the news agencies involved. Get the talk shows involved. Get the promoting of Jake Heaps started. Let the schools we are about to play, i.e. Washington, Florida State, TCU and Utah shake a little in their boots. Let the intimadation begin.
ReplyDeleteFeature Jake Heaps as the next BYU Heisman Trophy Canidate that will win.