SI: Lynch is #1 RB in the nation

Sports Illustrated, after naming Nate Longshore the #7 QB in the nation last week, has similarly honored Marshawn Lynch with the #1 spot for running backs. They write:

Lynch — who has rushed for 907 yards and eight touchdowns and averaged nearly seven yards per carry — packs excellent, all-around talent into his 5-foot-11, 223-pound frame. The junior uses his 4.4 speed to easily get around the edge, but he’s no stranger to mixing it up between the tackles, regularly delivering crushing blows to brave defenders. With three receiving TDs, he’s a dangerous target out of the backfield, too.

Lynch has taken the top spot over Heisman candidates and well-respected backs like Steve Slaton (WVA), Ray Rice (Rutgers), Mike Hart (Michigan) and more. However, Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) and Michael Bush (Louisville) are ineligible in this ranking due to their season-ending injures.