He is five yards short of the MWC all-time leading freshman running back.

During one scrimmage recently, Johnson did not play as well as the other freshman running backs, and he left the field with his head bowed.

Clarett, 22, was considered one of the most talented players in college football when he was a freshman running back at Ohio State.

His Ohio State career began with a flourish when he was named the first freshman running back since 1943 to start the season opener.

He was also the top freshman running back in the nation in yards per game that season.

Michigan's tailback, Carlos Brown, described seeing the big freshman running by his side, and keeping up.

I want to play as a true freshman running back.

He went to Pittsburgh in 2005 and became only the fourth true freshman running back to start there.

As a freshman running back for the Buckeyes, George was an instant contributor.

Giovani Bernard became the first ever freshman running back to rush for over 100 yards in 4 straight games.