Want to be a running back like LaDanian Tomlinson or Maurice Jones-Drew, or do you just want to bulldoze players out of the way? Then this is for you to help you become better.

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[edit] Steps

Skills

Develop your running first. Straight line speed, acceleration, and lateral agility is crucial to dodge defenders and get to the endzone, or even just make it to the sidelines to stop the clock. It doesn't matter how big or small you are, if you can't get away from defenders, you'll never reach where you want to be.
Ball handling is the next most important thing. Tuck the ball as close to your body as possible. Give defenders as little chance to knock the ball away as possible. And if you have to catch the ball on a screen pass or if you have to return a punt, learn to catch the ball with both hands first before you are doing one-handed grabs for the camera.
Bulk up. It doesn't matter how little you are, even if you are the fastest man on turf, you will still get tackled. You will get gang-tackled by 2 or 3 people trying to bring you down. Protecting the ball is more important, but being able to take the hits, lay a strong stiff-arm and shed tackles is just as important. You can also block people better.
Catching a ball while staying in bounds is crucial.

Work on your balance. It doesn't matter if you are trying to keep your knees from hitting the ground from the first tackle, or if you are trying to stay in bounds, you can avoid some injuries, too.

Game

Work with your offensive line and quarterback. You have to read the defense as well as your quarterback. Sometimes, you may even have to break up a supposed outside run and you must run inside (or vice versa).
Never switch off when your team is on defense. The opposing running backs may have better solutions to your mistakes. Imagine what you would do if you were that other back. Situations can't be taught thoroughly. You have to prepare yourself for every eventuality.

[edit] Tips

Be

Yes, even a running back has to throw a pass sometimes

No. 34 as a gunner, tackling for a loss against the returner.

versatile. A one-dimensional running back is too predictable. Learn to run inside (north-south) as well as out (east-west). Learn how to carry the ball with both hands, even when you are heavily right (or left) handed. If need be, learn to catch like a wide receiver, kick like a kicker, throw like a quarterback or even tackle like a linebacker if the quarterback got a pass intercepted. You may never know if you need a trick play to save a game or salvage lost yards.
Start small. Work on taking hits and falling properly before letting a big linebacker smash you.

[edit] Warnings

You could potentially be switched to other positions. Don't be offended if there are too many running backs in the team. Take it as a compliment because you have all-round skills and the physique to play other positions. If you have to end up being a corner or safety to get playing time. Anything can happen. If you have playing time, use it well. It could help you understand where the defense is coming from.
When injury happens, don't make the fear of losing your position scare you. Your main focus is to recover and be back at your best. If the other players are better than you, then think as a team that there is depth at the position.