It isn't exactly a revelation that Rutgers running backs Robert Martin and Josh Hicks had strong sophomore seasons last fall. A simple look at the stats reveals that, as Martin averaged 5.4 yards per carry and Hicks averaged 5.2 yards per carry.
But an examination of advanced stats by ESPN shows just how impressive Martin and Hicks were last season.
Martin led the Big Ten with 2.84 average yards after contact, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That number ranked Martin 12th nationally among Power 5 running backs.
Martin's 5.4 yards per carry average ranked ninth in the Big Ten, so over half of his yardage came after he was hit by a defender.