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Each season begins with virtual unknowns at tailback that burst onto the College Football scene. This season will be no exception, with the five tailbacks mentioned below being amongst the most likely to leave a lasting impression on their teammates, coaches, fans, and opponents alike.

This list includes only tailbacks that were two years removed from high school. Therefore, redshirt sophomores or sophomores that also attended a prep school for one year after leaving high school were not eligible to make the list. In alphabetical order:

If one enjoys the proverbial home run hitter at tailback, then Jahvid Best will certainly entertain. The California tailback rushed for 221 yards (7.6 average) last season while backing up then senior tailback Justin Forsett, who led the Bears with 1,546 yards rushing. The 2008 season will offer Best the opportunity to be the feature tailback for California head coach Jeff Tedford and his potent offense.

The legend of Noel Devine began as a prep phenom at North Fort Meyers High School, and continued last season at West Virginia. Devine's game-breaking speed and electric moves make him one of College Football's most exciting players. With Steve Slaton moving to the NFL, Devine will be the feature running back for the Mountaineers. He gained 627 yards (8.6 average) rushing last season.

Unlike Best and Devine, Robert Hughes of Notre Dame brings the thunder the to the gridiron. At 5-11, 240-pounds, Hughes gains yardage by striking the blow and hitting the cut back lanes. Although Hughes saw limited action for the most of the 2007 season, he was the feature Irish tailback for the last two games of the season and ran for 110 and 136 yards respectively against Duke and Stanford. Hughes gained 294 yards (5.5 average) for the season.

There is little to say about Joe McKnight that has not already been written, at least in terms of his potential. After rushing for 540 yards (5.7 average) in a crowded Southern California backfield last season, McKnight will once again battle for carries amidst the deepest group of tailbacks in College Football. McKnight can run over or around a defender, and is adept at catching the football as well.

The most unknown tailback to make the list is Foswhitt Whittaker, the spring game star for the Texas Longhorns. Whittaker redshirted last season due to a crowded Longhorns' backfield, but seized the opportunity to make his mark in front of the Texas coaches and players this spring and is the likely starter come the beginning of the 2008 season. Coming out of Pearland High School in Texas, Whittaker demonstrated excellent quickness and moves.