It is no surprise to anyone who follows college football and the transfer portal that the FCS has become somewhat of a minor league for FBS programs. Over the last couple of years, countless numbers of top FCS players have made the leap and have become key contributors at their new school.
Now that FCS Preseason All-American teams are being announced, it is a good time to take a look at a few running backs who could become FBS priorities in only a couple of months. The focus is on players who are non-seniors.
RB Adam Jones, RS Soph – Montana State
6-foot-1, 200-pounds
Missoula, Montana
The skinny: Jones’ redshirt freshman season was a memorable one in 2024. The Big Sky Freshman of the Year rushed for 1,172 yards and 14 touchdowns, which were both program records for a frosh. Bigger things are expected in 2025, as proven by his recent inclusion on the Walter Payton Award watch list and being named the Big Sky preseason offensive MVP. He also proved himself against FBS competition in 2024 when he rushed for 167 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries at New Mexico. In 2025 he will be able to showcase his skills on an even bigger stage when the Bobcats travel to Oregon on August 30th.
RB Charles Pierre Jr., RS Junior – South Dakota
5-foot-10, 210-pounds
Orlando, Florida
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The skinny: Pierre is coming off an All-American season that saw him rush for 1,244 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also added 19 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. At Wisconsin last season he impressed with 83 yards on only 12 carries, and he will have an other opportunity against FBS competition this season when the Coyotes visit Iowa State on August 30th.
RB Eli Gillman Jr., RS Junior – Montana
6-foot-0, 208-pounds
Dassel, Minnesota
The skinny: It is impressive that the Grizzlies were able to keep the redshirt junior for another season. Gillman was productive in 2023 but then took his game to another level last season with 1,104 yards and 15 touchdowns. Most impressive was his increase in yards per carry from 5.0 to 6.6.
RB David Avit, Sophomore – Villanova
6-foot-0, 225-pounds
Frederick, Maryland
The skinny: Avit impressed as a true freshman in 2024, enough to be named as a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, which is annually given to the top FCS frosh in the country. He rushed for 923 yards and nine touchdowns, while also grabbing 11 receptions for 175 yards. If anyone wants to see him against top-level FBS competition, Avit will have a huge test on September 13th at Penn State.
