Top 5 NDSU Runningbacks of all-time

[Former_Hitman]

Who wants to put the first five backs up?

We could have some good arguements/insight.

[JBB]

Lamar Gordon
Tony Satter
Jake Morris
Doug Lloyd
Paul Hatchett

[Former_Hitman]

In my formulation includes several stats not only numbers.

*Reggie Scott
Tony Satter
Lamar Gordon
Paul Hatchett
Jake Morris/Chad Stark

* Only played 2 years, but the best back I played against. I played with 3 out of 6 above. Lamar and Jake had a problem playing with pain or injury during time of need. That upsets me as a player.

Shoot, Reggie didn't know where the training room was nor pain. Unfortunately, he knew about drugs.

[NDSU_grad]

Lamar Gordon
Tony Satter
Jake Morris
Chad Stark
Raul Sanchez-I think that's his name--just kidding, but man did he own the sue

[BisonMav]

8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Chad Stark
Lamar Gordon
Tony Satter
Jake Morris
Paul Hatchett

[Former_Hitman]

Lamar Gordon
Tony Satter
Jake Morris
Chad Stark
Raul Sanchez-I think that's his name--just kidding, but man did he own the sue

Raul Sanchez, ahhhh, someone out of the wood work

So far, no one has mentioned Reggie Scott? If you saw his short term highlights, unbelievable!!

[tony]

I'd put Reggie Scott and Paul Hatchett as two of the most-talented backs ever but neither would be in my top five. Gotta produce for that. I'd start a team with a guy like Satter. Tim Mjos or Ken Rota were darn good too but they played before my time.

Satter, Morris, Lloyd, Stark and Gordon.

BTW, since the NCAA is now counting postseason games, why don't they go back and recalculate the totals for prior seasons too?

[Bob_Holiday]

Reggie Scott was probably the most talented but of course ran afoul of the law and never finished at North Dakota State, but I really believe that if Chris Simdorn had played runningback instead of quarterback he would be either at the top of my list or in the top 2 or 3. There are at least a couple of runningbacks that if they had played in the current west coast offensive scheme may have also been on my list, James Molstre and Gordy Sprattler. But they played in the multiback rotation veer scheme and didn't rack up especially big stats.
1. Lamar Gordon
2. Jake Morris
3. Tony Satter
4. Chad Stark
5. Doug Lloyd

[KC7]

Pure talent top five:

1. Lamar Gordon
2. Tony Satter
3. Jake Morris
4. Doug Lloyd
5. Reggie Scott

Pure Heart top Three:

1. Marty Sieh
2. Chad Stark
3. Mike Kasowski

[ndsubison]

What ever happened with Chad Desjarlais? I don't remember him having any big stats but he currently works out at my gym and that dude is a big-time freak of nature. Very, very, VERY strong!

[BisonInTexas]

Pure talent top five:

1. *Lamar Gordon
2. *Tony Satter
3. *Jake Morris
4. *Doug Lloyd
5. *Reggie Scott

Pure Heart top Three:

1. *Marty Sieh
2. *Chad Stark
3. *Mike Kasowski

I would put Chad Stark in both categories. He was a special player, that's for sure.

Craig

[GFBison]

Along with the others,
I thought Gordy Spratler (sp?) was pretty good. Strong hard nose runner.

[Former_Hitman]

What ever happened with Chad Desjarlais? *I don't remember him having any big stats but he currently works out at my gym and that dude is a big-time freak of nature. *Very, very, VERY strong!

To be honest, Chad was never a good runningback. A big man with no running skill . They tried him at nose guard for a year, and he finally end up quiting.

I am a huge Chad Stark fan, also. The man put his heart/soul in Bison Football.

Doug Lloyd was also a tremendous back. With the veer offense it difficult to match up with stats compared with I-back formation, however I know he had many problems, Reggie, would have been best back out of NDSU. I repeat "would have been". Unfortunately, that doesn't cut it. You gotta play.

So, I agree with you Bob_Holiday with Reggie.

[JBB]

I remember Lloyd as a power runner with the ability to break it. I thought Rod Malone has looked great. He has great laterial movement, speed and a lot of moves. Ive been impressed with him since day 1. I think he lacks a high gear. Many of the 50-60 yders that used to go for TDs at Rochester didnt make it to the house in the NCC. I hope the injury doesnt slow Steffes down. He ceretainly has the potential to make that list.

[Former_Hitman]

I remember Lloyd as a power runner with the ability to break it. *I thought Rod Malone has looked great. *He has great laterial movement, speed and a lot of moves. *Ive been impressed with him since day 1. *I think he lacks a high gear. *Many of the 50-60 yders that used to go for TDs at Rochester didnt make it to the house in the NCC. *I hope the injury doesnt slow Steffes down. *He ceretainly has the potential to make that list.

I believe steffes has a chance, however that injury is pretty serious for a runningback. I hope he doesn't decide to come back early like Perkins.

[WYOBISONMAN]

I would like to see Molstre and Stark as top 5. Probably I am thinking with my heart rather than my head on that, but those guys along with Jeff Bentrim were the foundation of the dynasty in the 80's.

[Former_Hitman]

wyobisonman

I agree with you, it's tough to overlook those great backs. They definitely were the foundation.

[C-Student]

Top 5:

Stark - 3 Championships
Molstre - 3 Championships
Satter - 2 Championships
Gordon - Made average teams very good.
Lloyd - 3 Championships


Morris, Hatchett and Scott could've been roommates at Penn State.....or was it State Pen?

[JBB]

What rouble did Morris get into?

[runtheoption]

I think Morris had some sticky fingers at a local Fargo retailer.

[Former_Hitman]

Morris, also, was kicked out of pharmacy school for cheating. Later, he returned.

[DB_Crew]

If Reggie Scott is not in the top 5 you're sick. I played with Reggie, Jake, Raul, and I know Lamar personally. I won't attempt to rank any of them or the other backs people have mentioned. All of them were warriors and are worthy of being talked about. Let me just say that beyond the issues, Reggie was the best first-year college football player at any position I have ever played with period. People forget that he was also a very unselfish player...matter of fact the play i remember most about Reggie was not of him running the ball, but rather of him throwing the best block I've ever seen by a running back in a game against Northern Colorado that sprung Jake for a touchdown.

[ndsubison]

Speaking to Reggie, did he ever do much down at Pitt State after he left 'SU? I saw that Lateef Walker was their starting QB for a couple of years but I never heard from Reggie again. I saw the talent that Reggie had and if he could have stayed out of trouble he would have been awesome to watch for the next 4 yrs. Was he ever recruited by any DI schools out of HS?

[DB_Crew]

Reggie had some issues at Pitt and i don't think he ever really stepped on the field minus spring practice. If my memory serves me right, out of highschool he was recruited by some D1's, but he was, like many Bison, 2 or 3 on the wish list and was unfortunately looked over. He actually played in a number of Georgia all-star games as a senior and did very well but nothing materialized. I have no idea what Reg is doing now.

[C-Student]

50 to life..............?

[rocky]

Remeber Russ Hackle (sorry if the spelling is incorrect). he was a big quick guy that just couldn't stay healthy. In the few game that he did play I was impressed.

[GFBison]

Russ Hackel was a class act. My son sent a letter to Russ and received a nice letter in return. They exchanged a couple of emails after that.

[wfduck]

if your talking class act you've got to put Pete Erickson in that sentance....one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet

[lakesbison]

#1 with a bullet, TYLER ROEHL, (D1 competition & ESPN!)
1. Lamar Gordon
2. Jake Morris
3. Tony Satter
4. Reggie Scott
5. Pat Paschall
6. Chad Stark
7. Doug Lloyd

[steelbison]

huh? Roehl ran OVER & away from guys in 5 FBS games, look at the level of competition, satter & lamar and others played D2, give me a break.


Lakes, so the reason Lamar was drafted in the second round was because he was no good and played against Div II competition?

Your smarter than that.

Here is my list

T Satter
L Gordon
T Roehl
K Steffes
D Lloyd
C. Stark
J Morris

In my book the top two are set in stone. The rest are up for debate IMHO

[westnodak93bison]

imho, you guys are really really under estimating Tyler Roehl.

[Herd]

I think that Stark, Lloyd and Satter are being underestimated on this list. Were any of these other backs getting their carries reduced by Bentrim & Simdorn? These players won championships and excelled under that spotlight.

Roehl is not being underestimated IMO.

[Herd]

The . . .

Best up the middle: PP & Lamar (wizards in tight spaces) Steffes (honorable mention)
Best off Tackle: Stark, Lloyd (all day long their comin, another pitch, another 15 yards, you better bring friends if you want to stop me)
Best on the edge: Satter (get me early or its to the house, I'll break your ankles 30 yards downfield)
Best in your Face: Scott, Roehl (do you really want to tackle me, I didn't think so)
Best carrying the load: Morris, Scott, Gordon, PP (Getting stronger, I see 200 yards today; You can't hurt me)

I'll take them all, but I'd use them all a little differently. I'm not saying who is the best, they are all the best IMO.

[BisonNeil]

#1 with a bullet, TYLER ROEHL, (D1 competition & ESPN!)
1. Lamar Gordon
2. Jake Morris
3. Tony Satter
4. Reggie Scott
5. Pat Paschall
6. Chad Stark
7. Doug Lloyd

Morris doesn't make my top 10 solely because he didn't block in pass protection and he wouldn't block for another back, like Reggie. He was a terribly lazy player, self-centered, it was all about him. I know OL who blocked for him and they never remember getting any nod from him for a great block.

If ESPN spots are a criterium, than being a team player should also be one, which means Morris doesn't qualify for elite status. It isn't just about how a RB ran, obviously you know that since you opened the ESPN deal, but it should be how he played the entire game and what kind of a teammate he was.

[lakesbison]

Lets go ask Minnesota, Ball State, Central Michigan about Tyler Roehl.

Lets go ask Morningside, Augustana, und about the other RB's.

[Herd]

Lets go ask Minnesota, Ball State, Central Michigan about Tyler Roehl.

Lets go ask Morningside, Augustana, und about the other RB's.

Let's talk to the teams that Stark, Lloyd and Satter dominiated in playoff and title games on espn. A lot of these other games were played before lunchtime on Saturday's in Sep & Oct.

Hey, I agree, those were great wins. But these guys that made title runs should never be discounted in any era, at any level. If you think that the '86 team was not as capable as the '07 team (regardless of competition), you need to look harder.

[02Bison]

Just some stats for relative comparison, qualitative factors not considered...

Player l Games l Attempts l Yards l TD l Yards/Attempt l TD/Game
Gordon 41 783 4700 62 6.00 1.51
Steffes 40 800 3952 43 4.94 1.08
Morris 35 559 3688 32 6.60 0.91
Simdorn * 33 599 3313 53 5.53 1.61
Satter 38 430 3212 31 7.47 0.82
Bentrim * 35 603 2945 64 4.88 1.83
Stark 39 406 2837 30 6.99 0.77
Roehl 43 388 2512 35 6.47 0.81
Feeney * 41 558 2473 46 4.43 1.12
Lloyd 41 340 2410 14 7.09 0.34
Hatchett 27 387 2309 35 5.97 1.30
Speral * 38 596 2264 38 3.80 1.00
Rota 29 474 2219 33 4.68 1.14
Mjos 27 423 2143 25 5.07 0.93
Kaskowski 40 401 2100 16 5.24 0.40

*played QB

[rutlandbison]

To young to comment here.

[MHDBisonfan]

Tony Satter. He had IT. If he would have been a feature back like Gordon or Steffes and had those type of number of touches, he would have rushed for 5500+ yards.

[BisoninNWMN]

Tony Satter. He had IT. If he would have been a feature back like Gordon or Steffes and had those type of number of touches, he would have rushed for 5500+ yards.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This

My 2$:

1. Satter
2. Roehl
3. Gordon
4. Stark
5. PP

[sambini]

Reggie had some issues at Pitt and i don't think he ever really stepped on the field minus spring practice. If my memory serves me right, out of highschool he was recruited by some D1's, but he was, like many Bison, 2 or 3 on the wish list and was unfortunately looked over. He actually played in a number of Georgia all-star games as a senior and did very well but nothing materialized. I have no idea what Reg is doing now.

The Forum had an article on Reggie. He was murdered in Florida. Does anyone else remember seeing the article?

[Fightin' Bison]

Best ever, in order:
1 Voigtlander
2 McNorton
3 Sigers
4 Buehner
5 Ojuri
:hide:

[02Bison]

The Forum had an article on Reggie. He was murdered in Florida. Does anyone else remember seeing the article?

You mean this (http://m.inforum.com/article.cfm?id=265372&tag=Sports)

[sambini]

You mean this (http://m.inforum.com/article.cfm?id=265372&tag=Sports) Thanks O2 good I thought there was something.

[westnodak93bison]

Just some stats for relative comparison, qualitative factors not considered...

Player l Games l Attempts l Yards l TD l Yards/Attempt l TD/Game
Gordon 41 783 4700 62 6.00 1.51
Steffes 40 800 3952 43 4.94 1.08
Morris 35 559 3688 32 6.60 0.91
Simdorn * 33 599 3313 53 5.53 1.61
Satter 38 430 3212 31 7.47 0.82
Bentrim * 35 603 2945 64 4.88 1.83
Stark 39 406 2837 30 6.99 0.77
Roehl 43 388 2512 35 6.47 0.81
Feeney * 41 558 2473 46 4.43 1.12
Lloyd 41 340 2410 14 7.09 0.34
Hatchett 27 387 2309 35 5.97 1.30
Speral * 38 596 2264 38 3.80 1.00
Rota 29 474 2219 33 4.68 1.14
Mjos 27 423 2143 25 5.07 0.93
Kaskowski 40 401 2100 16 5.24 0.40

*played QB

more proof imho that Roehl is one of the best. He played against the toughest competition. Opposing defenses didnt know Satter was gonna get the ball with all the options they had but the D had a decent idea that Roehl was gonna get it. Who was faster in their prime, Satter or Roehl?

[semobison]

I have been lucky enough to have seen almost all these talented backs, at least since the early 80's. Tony Satter was the guy, whenever he touched the ball, everyone would stand up, cause you didnt want to miss something special. Was he the best?, I dont know, but he was the most fun to watch!

[GoRams]

I am biased towards Roehl because I can't really compare him to any of those other guys on the list except Steffes, but he was a physical force on the field who would intimidate other teams, along with a combination of deceptive speed and athleticism.

[bisondad]

Roehl if only for the monster destruction game against the Gophers. The whole country got to see him run over the maroon and gold on SportsCenter and he even got the helmet sticker!!! It was too good to be true!!!

[SDbison]

Roehl if only for the monster destruction game against the Gophers. The whole country got to see him run over the maroon and gold on SportsCenter and he even got the helmet sticker!!! It was too good to be true!!!
I agree with this. Roehl got to shine on the biggest stage in the biggest upset to date. We also got to enjoy watching him have a bunch of other big games too.
It's always tough to compare runningbacks past and present given all the variables. I say the list of 15 or so great RB's since 1965 shows NDSU had some outstanding backs that were fun to watch and also made NDSU football really successful. All I really care about now is who is going to leapfrog Paschalls' legacy and will it happen soon?

[ndsubison1]

1. Gordon
2. Satter
3. Roehl
4. Steffes
5. (Fill in blank)

[bisonmike2]

Best ever, in order:
1 Voigtlander
2 McNorton
3 Sigers
4 Buehner
5 Ojuri
:hide:

I hope this comes true.

[79FCourt]

Look at Satter's yards per carry. Remember he split carries with Simdorn. Make him the featured guy, and we would be top on the list. Plus, he has two rings in his trophy case. #1 in my book.

[LifeLongBison]

Satter definitely #1
Gordon/Roehl/Lloyd a 3 way tie.


Satter was the best Bison running back i saw live.

Somewhat tough to compare with the different offensive styles, but i do remember Satter running between the tackles quite often and doing so quite well. He had moves that just seemed to be part of his natural motion and he wouldn't lose speed while executing his moves and he also ran over quite a few would-be tacklers.


Gordon obviously had some skills, and had a better NFL career than any of the other Bison running backs.


I guess you could say Lloyd benefited from having Bentrim as QB,
Satter benefited from Simdorn
Gordon from Feeney
and Roehl's best years were with another fine QB in Steve Walker.
When Walker was done, Roehl struggled somewhat compared to his previous years - as did the entire offense.

[Greenie]

I am not saying he's the best, but Pat Paschall was very, very good despite having no passing game.

Could you imagine the veer with Roehl and Paschall as the backs? My oh my.

[CaBisonFan]

Chad
Tony
Chad
Tony
Kyle

[onbison09]

I am not saying he's the best, but Pat Paschall was very, very good despite having no passing game.

Could you imagine the veer with Roehl and Paschall as the backs? My oh my.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLnWf1sQkjY

[02Bison]

Satter definitely #1
Gordon/Roehl/Lloyd a 3 way tie.


Satter was the best Bison running back i saw live.

Somewhat tough to compare with the different offensive styles, but i do remember Satter running between the tackles quite often and doing so quite well. He had moves that just seemed to be part of his natural motion and he wouldn't lose speed while executing his moves and he also ran over quite a few would-be tacklers.


Gordon obviously had some skills, and had a better NFL career than any of the other Bison running backs.


I guess you could say Lloyd benefited from having Bentrim as QB,
Satter benefited from Simdorn
Gordon from Feeney
and Roehl's best years were with another fine QB in Steve Walker.
When Walker was done, Roehl struggled somewhat compared to his previous years - as did the entire offense.

Judging by below, Gordon benefited more from Johnson and Gorder than he did from Feeney....If he hadn't been hurt and had his off the field incident (with DeShawn), who knows what he could have done in 2001.

Year l Carries l Yards l YPC l Primary QB
1998 139 698 5.02 Feeney
1999 259 1495 5.77 Johnson
2000 255 1723 6.76 Johnson
2001 129 780 6.05 Gorder

[HandoEX]

Chad
Tony
Chad
Tony
Kyle

Kyle Steffes was better than Lamar Gordon? Seriously?

[ndsubison1]

Lamar Gordon = 3rd round pick... Not bad

[Twentysix]

Mertens
Mertens
Mertens
Mertens
Mertens

Check and mate.

[EndZoneQB]

You guys can pose whatever argument you want, Lamar Gordon was the best RB in NDSU history. Like I said before, he had EVERY tool you look for in a RB: Size, Speed, and Quickness. The guy was ready for a homerun in any play. It was evident in his NFL career...he looked like an NFL back. Obviously various issues changed all that, but I don't think theres a question he would have had a successful career.

[CaBisonFan]

Kyle Steffes was better than Lamar Gordon? Seriously?

No...but I liked his style & heart. He is the reason that we beat Montana in Missoula. He turned the momentum of the game. He helped to set the stage for the great teams of 06 & 07. A leader.

Lamar was an outstanding player...without question.

[NorthernBison]

After considerable debate with myself:

1. Tony Satter
2. Lamar Gordon
3. Chad Stark
4. Kyle Steffes
5. Tyler Roehl

A. I don't really think you can be considered for the "Best Ever" if you weren't the "main guy" for four years. The best ever shows it as a Freshman and doesn't have to sit and wait his turn.

B. Satter vs Gordon is basically a tie for me. Came down to who was more of a threat to score ever play and that was Tony. He didn't have much of a pro shot but was hurt. So was Lamar and he did have more of a pro career.

C. Chad Stark was incredible speed, power, elusiveness. And he played in FOUR Title games. Enough said.

D. Kyle was It during his entire career. Don't forget that he put up about 140 tough yards against a better Gopher team than we played in 2007. He kept Tyler on the bench too.

E. Roehl is where I break my rule about the 4 year thing. He really only had one big year (played hurt as a Senior). The fact that #4 on my list kept him from coming into his own earlier gives him the nod for #5 in addition to his character and leadership. No, I didn't get swayed by the 230 or so yards against MN (Some fluky things happened to allow yards into the rushing column there). I think he had better games than that game at the Metrodome.

F. Honorable mention - Jake Morris, Reggie Scott, James Molstre. Reggie might have been one of the most talented backs to ever hit the field for the Bison. He and Feeney punked the Sioux like 45-10 in a playoff game in GF. Now, that was fun to watch.


BEST BACKFIELD EVER - No question Bentrim, Stark, Molstre.

[Notorious]

Satter had two years where the team had 3 "1,000 yard rushers"....plus, there was typically a 3-5 back rotation back then. Granted Satter was on the field the most of any in the rotation, but his stats are amazing considering the system. He was never designated as the feature back. It just seemed that way.

Had he been a feature back like Gordon, Roehl, etc., he would've had 3 or 4 "2,000 yard" seasons....seriously.

Like I've said before, it's difficult to compare these guys from different eras, but I'm sticking with Satter.

EDIT: TransAmBison isn't funny.

[EndZoneQB]

I think what you guys are forgetting is that Roehl was a Fullback his first years in the program...he moved to HB as a need and he exploded.

[NorthernBison]

I think what you guys are forgetting is that Roehl was a Fullback his first years in the program...he moved to HB as a need and he exploded.

Not forgotten. I'm giving him extra credit for that in a way. I don't get your point. We're talking about Best EVER here. I might expect to be criticized for putting Tyler into the top 5. Why? If he's so great, why didn't he outshine Steffes? Why wasn't he the #1 rusher on his high school team?

Tyler had one glorious year as a HB for the Bison (Sr year marred by ankle injury). You said he moved to HB due to a need there. Does that mean he wouldn't have ever had a 2006 like he had if we were blessed with more talent at the position? He'd have still been a FB?

Do you think I have him too high on the list? Or should he be higher?

[EndZoneQB]

Wasn't necessarily directed at you, some people may not remember that so I felt it was relevant to the thread.