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The Five Best Offensive Players Notre Dame Will Face in 2016

By Bobby Norell

Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Stanford defeated Iowa 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Stanford defeated Iowa 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) carries the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) carries the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming out of high school McMillian was not that highly rated. By most recruiting sites he was just a three-star recruit, but that didn’t stop him from having a breakout freshman season in 2015. So far he’s been the perfect example of how recruiting rankings don’t really mean squat.

In 2015 he ran 1,042 yards at 5.2 yards per carry and seven touchdowns. The most impressive thing of his stats are that he didn’t become the Hokies’ main back until the second half of the season. In the first six games of the year he averaged just 7.1 carries and 53.1 yards. In the last seven games McMillian averaged 22.4 carries and 103.2 yards. It’s easy to imagine his numbers will be even better in 2016 as he’ll be the “go-to” back all year.

At 6’0″ 198 lbs. McMillian is a bigger back, but with that being said he still has a pretty good speed, not breakaway speed, but still pretty good speed. In terms of tools he is a complete package at running back with his combination of speed and power. To throw out a comparison I would say he’s like C.J. Prosise, but without the blazing speed.

McMillian is poised for an even bigger year in 2016, as he should flourish in new head coach Justin Fuente’s high power spread offense.

Next: LJ Scott

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