Dallas Cowboys: 5 Big 12 Running Backs For Future

Sep 27, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; Baylor Bears running back Shock Linwood (32) celebrates his touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Shock Linwood (Jr) – Baylor University (5’9″  195)

To this point, Shock Linwood plays on the best team on this list. Only one other surpasses his roster and we’ll get to that shortly.

Linwood stands to get the lion’s share of carries in possibly the best offense in the country, although replacing quarterback Bryce Petty will be a task. Obviously Seth Russell will have his work cut out for him, but many believe that this transition will be literally seemless – Linwood’s presence is a major reason why.

Linwood was huge for Baylor last year as he ran for 1,252 yards on 251 carries. That’s a micro-fraction of under five yards per carry and he scored 16 touchdowns out of the backfield.

Linwood is described as a smart, versatile and talented running back who should bring an early to mid round grade into the pre-draft process next winter. It’s quite possible that he’s witnessed carrying the load for the Bears into the college football playoff tournament, a distinction that he just missed year ago as Baylor was snubbed.

Linwood is a quick back that brings deceptive power to his game and gives whatever necessary to protect the quarterback. He’s as dangerous as just about anybody in college football in the open field.

I’m not sure that this particular ball-carrier ends up the first runner chosen in the draft – keep in mind that we’re only covering Big 12 possibilities here. But I have a feeling he’ll be in the top three chosen next April, and possibly because of the program he comes from.

Nonetheless, the measurements suggest that Linwood will probably take part in a crowded backfield at the next level. A cut above the previously mentioned Washington from Texas Tech, Linwood could be a solid backup running back or a downright frightening change of pace runner, much Dunbar is now for Dallas.

Playing in Waco this year for No.4 Baylor will keep Linwood zoomed in on Cowboys scouts. If not in the market for a new featured back, Dallas will likely be replacing Dunbar anyway.

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