I think I would also be very very tempted to have Barry on this list. Defenses trained specifically to stop him all week in practice. They adjusted game plans, scemes, players/positions to prepare a vain attempt to contain him.

Yes, all the players on there have that quality. But there is one difference between (I think all) them and Barry....

The Lions had NO line. They were not at all a powerhouse program during barry's career. When Barry was considering retirement, I remember a comparison made of great RBs.

They studied months worth of film to gather the needed components..... I could not find the numbers ANYWHERE, which is annoying me greatly. But if I remember correctly, it was Payton, Smith, and Sanders (this is around the same time when THE record being broken by who first was a big debate)

It looked at average location of first defensive contact from scrimmage, and average yards after initial contact.

Smith's was something like +2.5 yards from scrimmage.
Payton +2
Sanders -2 from scrimmage....

ON AVERAGE Sanders was touched 2 yard deep in the backfield.

After that first contact, the average yards gained after that contact was something around....

Smith 2.5
Payton 3
Sanders 4.5

Again... this is from my best memory of something several years ago, if anyone has or can find the actual study/numbers Please post them or a link!

However, that study really made up my mind that Sanders is owed an enormous amount of applause for his speed, balance, and skill.... Enough that he would definitely make my All Time Great's list.