Nebraska Football: Top 5 running backs of the 2000s

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMPER 6: Running back Ameer Abdullah #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs past defensive back Brent Spikes #6 and the McNeese State Cowboys during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Abdullah broke off a 58 yard touchdown run with 20 seconds remaining in a tie game. Nebraska defeated McNeese State 31-24. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Corey Ross #4 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers dodges Sam Bryant #46 of the Pittsburgh Panthers on September 17, 2005 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska won 7-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Corey Ross

Corey Ross is the last one on this list, but that’s not a slight to him. Nebraska has had its share of good running backs since 2000, and Ross is certainly one of them.

He didn’t break onto the scene until 2004. That would be the best year of his Nebraska football career. As a junior, he rushed the ball 207 times for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns. After not recording over 600 yards in his freshman and sophomore seasons, he concluded his Nebraska career with two great seasons in 2004 and 2005.

For his Nebraska career, he would rush for 2, 743 yards, and 17 touchdowns. He also proved to be a great receiving back, recording 71 receptions for 729 yards and five touchdowns.

With Nebraska employing a West Coast attack, Ross had a great year in 2004. He averaged 100.2 rushing yards per game. This ranked fifth in the Big 12 and 23rd nationally. The Alamo Bowl had to be one of the best games of his career. He rushed the ball 37 times for 138 yards.

All in all, he had a great Nebraska career. He is undoubtedly worthy of a spot on this list, and he truly was a spark to the offense in every sense of the word.

Home/Nebraska Football