Lew Nichols III Is Making His Mark As One Of The Nation's Top Backs

The emergence of the running back movement in college football this season, is one that hasn't been seen in years.

When we think of the top backs in the nation, the name Kenneth Walker III out of Michigan State is generally mentioned. Alongside Walker III, the emergence of Syracuse's Sean Tucker and Tyler Allgeier out of BYU have garnered much of the nation's attention.

In the last five weeks, one running back has been climbing the ranks as arguably the most productive in the nation. Rarely, have we backs from the Mid-American Conference made the type of impression Lew Nichols III out of Central Michigan has made this season. In his last five games, Nichols has averaged 178 rushing yards per game, while registering nine touchdowns. In their victory Wednesday over Kent State, Nichols III carried the Chippewas offense with a career-high 215 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Nichols III rise began last season, when he led his 508 rushing yards and four touchdowns in six games. His performance in 2020 earned him Mid-American Conference Rookie Of The Year honors, as well as All-MAC team recognition from both Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus.

This season, not only does he sit second in the nation in rushing yards, his 11 rushing touchdowns leads all running backs in Mid-American Conference. No longer college football's best keep secret, Nichols III has molded himself into an elite level player that should have the nation's full attention very soon.