Football fans are always on the lookout for the next great running back to emerge from the college ranks. In the 2020 season, two players in particular caught the attention of fans and analysts alike: Breece Hall of Iowa State and Michael Carter of North Carolina. Both had breakout seasons and helped lead their teams to successful campaigns. But which of these talented backs is truly the better player? Let’s take a closer look.
Breece Hall’s Breakout Season
Breece Hall burst onto the scene in 2020, rushing for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 12 games. He led the nation in rushing yards per game and became the first Iowa State player to earn First-Team All-Big 12 honors at running back. Hall also showed his versatility as a receiver, catching 23 passes for 180 yards and another touchdown.
One of Hall’s biggest strengths is his vision and patience as a runner. He has a great feel for finding the right hole to run through and is able to make quick cuts to avoid defenders. Hall is also a powerful runner who can break tackles and pick up tough yards after contact.
However, some critics point out that Hall benefited from a strong offensive line and a favorable schedule in 2020. He faced only two ranked opponents all season and had some of his biggest games against weaker defenses. There are also concerns about his top-end speed and agility, as he may struggle to break away for long runs against faster defenses.
Michael Carter’s Versatility
While Michael Carter may not have put up quite the same gaudy numbers as Hall in 2020, he still had an incredibly productive season. Carter rushed for 1,245 yards and 9 touchdowns while also catching 25 passes for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was named to the First-Team All-ACC and helped lead the Tar Heels to a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Carter’s biggest strength is his versatility as a runner and receiver. He has great hands and can be a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Carter is also a very shifty runner who can make defenders miss in space. He may not have Hall’s raw power, but he more than makes up for it with his agility and elusiveness.
Some critics have questioned Carter’s ability to run between the tackles and his durability over the course of a full season. He may struggle against bigger defenses that can clog up running lanes, and he has dealt with injuries in the past.
So, Who is the Better Running Back?
Ultimately, the answer to this question may depend on what you value most in a running back. If you prefer a powerful, downhill runner who can pick up tough yards in short yardage situations, then Breece Hall may be the better choice. However, if you value versatility and agility, then Michael Carter may be the more appealing option.
It’s worth noting that both players have areas where they could improve. Hall may need to work on his speed and agility to become a more complete back, while Carter may need to prove that he can stay healthy and consistently produce against top-level defenses.
In the end, both Breece Hall and Michael Carter are incredibly talented running backs who have bright futures at the next level. It will be fascinating to see how their careers unfold and whether they can continue to live up to the hype they generated in their breakout 2020 seasons.