Oakland Raiders: Top Ten Running Backs In Team History
No. 6: Clarence Davis
Al Davis once coached at USC so he’s always had a place in his heart for players coming out of there and it often didn’t work out. In 1971, Davis chose his school and his namesake when he picked running back Clarence Davis in the fourth round, and it did work out.
At 5’10” and 195 pounds, Davis wasn’t the biggest running back but he was a slashing type of runner with speed and he ran hard.
Why he’s this high
Davis is the ninth-leading rusher and fifth in rushing touchdowns in Raiders’ history while averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
He was also clutch as while he wasn’t known for having good hands, he made the catch in the famous “Sea of Hands” game in the playoffs following the 1974 season against the Miami Dolphins.
He also should have been co-MVP with Fred Biletnikoff in Super Bowl XI as he rushed for 137 yards on 16 carries.
Why he’s not higher
Davis was really talented, but too much like current Raiders running back Darren McFadden—he just couldn’t stay healthy. He also didn’t catch the ball well out of the backfield as he was known as “hands of wood” and wasn’t the greatest blocker.
Raiders’ running backs are traditionally known as guys that can do a multitude of jobs and Davis wasn’t good enough as just a runner to be higher.