RB's of our Youth.

I was talking to Brian tonight and started discussing the incredible run of RB's in college from mid 70 to early 80's.
He is 38 and didn't get a chance to see all of the freaks that came through during at that time.

Dates Born.
1954- Dorsett and Payton
1955- Campbell and Sims
1960- Eric Dickerson --- As much as I hated to admit it, he may have been better than Walker.
1962- Walker and Bo Jackson. -  Stronger and Faster than any before or since.
                                                     Bo was a 20 year old Freshman at Auburn.  No wonder he was a man amongst boys.
1963- Marcus Dupree --- What do I say?  Eric Dickerson with natural muscle mass.

We heard about Walter Payton in 74 and he did little to disappoint, but we didn't see him on a national stage.
Archie Griffin and his non impressive physical attributes were getting all the press.   And Then!

Things changed with Tony Dorsett with 1973-76. He was a Pruitt and Rodgers combo.  76 Heisman.
Imaginations ran wild seeing someone this elusive and fast.   Pre Cursor to Sanders.
First team all American 3 times, 2nd team in 74.

Next Up.
1977-78 Earl Campbell.  77 Heisman.
The most brutal runner with speed we had ever seen. ( Still to this day for actually. )
Still the most dominant back I have ever seen for a couple of years in the NFL.

1978-79 Billy Sims.  78 Heisman-  A cross between Dorsett and Campbell.
Superstar high flyer that had career shortened in NFL.

1980 - 82 Hershell Walker showed up and nothing was ever the same in what type of person could play running back.
225lbs of pure power and speed we had not seen nor may ever see again.
Marcus Allen was lost in the freak athletes and proved how special he was through out his career.

And at SMU the Pony Express was running wild with Dickerson and James.

Then came " Bo Knows"

Barry Sanders is oustide this strectch and 5 years younger than Bo and Hershel.  But what the hecks lets call him the greatest of all.
j.