February 22, 2008

Before the season, I first took a look at the running backs headed for the 2008 NFL Draft in this a article. Once the season was underway, we revisited their progress in this update. Now the list of underclassmen who have declared is final and many seniors have shaken their draft status up in all-star games. A weak senior group was bolstered by the addition of eight outstanding underclassmen prospects. As many as five RBs may grade out as first round picks (although it's unlikely more than three will go that early), and all are likely underclassmen. The first senior may not go until the third round. The theme of this year's class is speed. I can't remember a class where so many good RB prospects predict to easily have sub-4.5 40 times. Another noteworthy feature of this year's draft class is the stellar Conference USA prospects that broke out in 2007 (and/or how horrible run defenses were in C-USA). The two top statistical rushers in FBS came out of the conference, along with the FBS all-purpose yardage leader. This list isn't an order of ranking, but rather grouping them by how their draft stock has moved as the season wrapped up.

Moving Down
Players whose draft stock has dropped.

Leon "Mike" Hart (Michigan 4SR) 5'9" 196 Combine Invite: Yes

Michigan and Hart went on a roll after their early season disaster. On a 14-yard run during Michigan's second drive against Eastern Michigan in early October, Hart passed Anthony Thomas to become the school's career rushing leader. Hart finished the victory rushing for over 200 yards for the fifth time is his career, extending his own school record. He entered their game against Purdue on 10/13/07 as the leading rusher in FBS. In the game, Hart went over 100 yards in the first half to become the only Wolverine to begin the season rushing for over 100 yards in seven consecutive games. He also ran for two TDs, his fourth multi-TD game of the year (eight of his career), including a highlight-reel 11-yard run. However, on a carry for no gain with two minutes left in the half, Hart rolled his right ankle and would not return to the game after spraining it. Michigan rode a 24-point lead Hart helped them build before the half to victory. Hart finished the game with 4,757 career rushing yards, moving past Anthony Davis to fifth in Big Ten history. Hart would miss victories at Illinois and against Minnesota the next two weeks due to his ankle injury. He returned at Michigan State on 11/3/07 and ran for 99 yards on 13 carries in the first half to help the Wolverines get out to an early 14-3 lead. However, after 21 unanswered points by the Spartans in the second half, Michigan took to the air to come from behind in the victory and take home the Paul Bunyan Trophy for the sixth straight year. Hart didn't see much more work, getting just two more carries, but finished with 110 yards, the fourth consecutive time he ran for over 100 yards against MSU. After the game, Hart left the Spartans bulletin board material for next season when he talked about laughing at the excitement on the MSU sideline when they had a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter before the comeback. He compared it to letting a "little brother" take the lead when you play him in basketball before eventually beating him, which even drew the ire of MSU HC Mark Dantonio. It wasn't the first time last season Hart made headlines with comments on opponents. He guaranteed a win over Notre Dame (which he helped deliver) and, before the season, talked about returning for his senior season to finally beat Ohio State. He would get his chance in the next game he participated in, as he didn't play in a loss at Wisconsin the following week, despite dressing for the game, to keep his right ankle healthy. Against Ohio State, Hart found little room to run in the defensive battle. He finished with just 44 yards on 18 carries as the whole offense struggled. After a month to rest his ankle, Hart wrapped up his career on a high note with an upset of #9 Florida in the Capital One Bowl. He rushed for 129 yards and two scores on 32 carries, but could have been the goat of the game if the Wolverines had not hung on for a 41-35 win. Hart twice lost fumbles inside the Gators five-yard line. It was only the second and third fumbles of his career, having not lost one since his first early his freshman year, a span of an incredible 1,005 carries. Hart finished the season as the sixth-leading rusher at just over 136 ypg. Despite missing three games, his excellent production and contributions to turning around the season for Michigan were recognized with both the second-team Big Ten All-Conference and AP All-American team honors. He finished his four years with 1,015 carries, the most among active players and a school-record, as well Michigan's all-time record for rushing yards with 5,040. His 28 career 100-yard games were another Michigan record, and the team with 24-4 when he rushed for 100 yards. Hart received an invite to the Senior Bowl, but didn't participate. If it was for injury-related reasons, he was healthy enough the following week to participate in the State Farm College Football All-Star Challenge where he won the obstacle course and hands competition.

With the passing game inconsistent due to struggles and injuries to QB Chad Henne, Hart literally carried the team through an incredible turnaround after the first two losses. No other back in FBS had as many carries before he was missed time with an ankle sprain. The injury brought back a spotlight on questions about his durability. After a breakout season as a true freshman, he struggled through an injury-plagued 2005 season. This past season feeds more ammunition for skeptics about his durability, particularly as it relates to his size, for the next level. He is a physical runner despite his size, with outstanding leg strength giving him surprising power. He was a non-factor as a receiver, with just eight receptions on the year, but is a solid pass blocker despite his size. In addition to concerns about his size and durability, Hart lacks elite speed. His success as a runner came from an outstanding combination of agility, balance, and vision. What he lacks in straight-line speed, he makes up for in acceleration in busting through the hole and quickly getting to his top speed, while not having to sacrifice it when cutting or making moves. Great instincts complete the package, he is a natural runner and seems to always make the right choice on where to hit the hole or when to cut back. Hart appears next in the recent line of Michigan runners who were great in college to disappoint at the next level. His potential compares well to Anthony Thomas and Hart could find similar moderate success as a featured runner if given the chance, but likely won't due to his size. He shares another shortcoming with Thomas in not adding value on special teams. Hart was a feature back from almost the start of his career, and has never had to contribute on special teams or have experience as a returner, not that he couldn't learn, but impacts his draft stock in terms of the perception of immediate value he can add as a change of pace back. Hart came in to the season as one of the top RB prospects in a weak crop. A boost to his value after great production in the first half of the season was derailed by injury and even a strong performance in his final game was tempered by the unexpected appearance of ball security problems. Several top underclassmen RB prospects joining the draft and Hart's decision to skip the Senior Bowl have kept his draft stock tumbling. An outstanding Combine and Pro Day are necessary to pull him out of Day Two.

Steve Slaton (West Virginia 3JR) 5'10" 194 Combine Invite: Yes

After starting the season with four consecutive 100-yard rushing games, Slaton finished the season with inconsistent production contributed to by the emergence of blue chip freshman Noel Devine. In the fifth game of the season, WVU was upset on the road by an emerging South Florida team on 9/28/07. He was held to 54 yards on 13 carries. The following week against Syracuse, he was limited to 15 carries for 69 yards in the blowout victory. Slaton saw little work in the second half as QB Pat White was already injured in the game and HC Rich Rodriguez worked back-up QB Jarrett Brown extensively. Slaton did have four receptions for 51 yards in the game. In a homecoming win against Mississippi on 10/20/07, White was back over 100 yards again, as he had his best all-around game of the season. He posted 23-127-1 on the ground and 4-36-0 through the air, as well as returning a kick-off for 26 yards. During the game, broke the school-record for career rushing TDs. He won a big showdown at #25 Rutgers with fellow underclassmen star RB prospect Ray Rice the following week. Rice had more yards, but Slaton found the end zone three times on runs of 38, 1, and 6 yards. The 38-yard TD started as a draw to the left before Slaton cut back and In addition to 73 rushing yards on 16 carries, Slaton had a 21-yard kick return and took a screen pass 51 yards, finishing with a nice stiff arm to gain an additional eight yards. He struggled at Louisville on 11/8/07, rushing for 60 yards on 17 carries. He had a one-yard TD run in the first half, but after the team built up a 17-point lead halfway through the third quarter, Slaton had a costly fumble that let the Cardinals back in the game before QB Pat White sealed the victory. After being held under 100 yards rushing for four of the last five games, he had 103 yards on 23 carries in a win over Cincinnati. He had a 32-yard reception to set up the Mountaineers first TD and then assumed the workhorse role in the fourth quarter to seal the victory after two fumbles by QB Pat White let the Bearcats back in the game. On the first drive of the fourth quarter, Slaton rushed four times for 21 yards and a first down, then caught a 13-yard pass for another first down, before ending the drive with a one-yard TD run to put WVU up 28-10. After Cinci responded with a TD, White turned the ball over on the first play of the subsequent drive. The defense forced a three-and-out, then Slaton took over with nine yards on consecutive runs. After an illegal procedure pushed them back to a third-and-six, White lost another fumble. Another Bearcat TD, with a failed two-point conversion, closed the lead to five points when the offense took over with 2:25 left in the game. Slaton closed the game out with three runs for two first downs, forcing Cinci to burn all their timeouts and White to down the ball the last two plays for the win. The Mountaineers won the Big East with an easy victory over #20 UConn the following week. Slaton ran for a 31-yard TD in the second quarter, which put him over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season. It also made he and White just the third set of teammates in FBS history (Darren McFadden and Felix Jones of Arkansas becoming the second earlier in the season) to rush for 1,000 yards in two consecutive season. Slaton finished with just 54 yards on ten carries, including another short TD run in the fourth quarter, as he was rested much of the second half as freshmen Noel Devine and Jock Sanders got a chance to flash their skills. Things were on the upswing for WVU and Slaton when a struggling Pittsburgh team came to Morgantown for the Backyard Brawl the following week. The team was ranked #1 in the coaches poll and #2 in the BCS with a seemingly easy path to the National Championship when the Panthers arrived the first day of December. However, the offense, particularly Slaton, forgot to show up for the game. Slaton managed just 11 yards on nine carries as their national championship dreams disappeared in a 31-9 loss. The consolation prize was a Fiesta Bowl match-up with Oklahoma, where WVU ended with a big win, but Slaton faced another disappointment. For the second straight year, he bowed out of a bowl game early with injury. After just one run for a loss of two yards and a reception for two yards, he left the game with a pulled hamstring and was in street clothes after halftime. The team hardly missed him, as the game turned in to Devine's nation coming-out party. After finishing fourth in the Heisman voting in 2006, among multiple other honors, Slaton settled for second-team All-Big East honors last season.

In addition to a premier scrambling QB in White, Slaton had another mobile QB to contend with in the offensive game plan in back-up Jarrett Brown. Most importantly was the impact of true freshman Noel Devine on his decline in rushing yards. Slaton almost seemed to defer to Devine, at times, lacking the fire and/or necessary arrogance of a star to demand the ball. More likely, he was playing this year not to get hurt. The ease with which he left the Fiesta Bowl doing little to spurn opinions and rumors. While defenses focused on stopping Slaton and the team dealt with some growing pains of a younger offensive line, he can't only look to scapegoats to explain his rushing average dropping from just over 7 ypc to just under 5 ypc. Ball security has been a bit of problem each season and at times this season he appeared to overcompensate, hugging the ball with both hands in the open field fearing the hit was coming from a side or behind. That may have contributed to his more conservative average production, as well. Slaton's lean build belies surprising power. He is an effective short-yardage runner with an outstanding nose for the end zone. At the end of 2007, he was the leader in career rushing TDs with 50. However, he runs a bit upright and his fundamentals as an interior runner and footwork out of the conventional I-formation will need work. He frequently worked out of the shotgun, which gave him to see the blocks set up before hitting the hole. Most of his big plays came from that set. When he did run between the tackles, he also benefit from running behind FB Owen Schmitt, one of the best lead blockers in college. While Slaton's interior potential makes being a feature back a possibility, his home run ability as a runner and receiver will get him paid on Sundays. A slasher with top speed, he elusively glides by defenders in the open field. Slaton had a very good, if inconsistent, season overall. The disappointment is relative to his previous achievements. The emergence of Devine and departure of HC Rich Rodriguez to Michigan undoubtedly weighed heavily on his decision to turn pro in a class where every top underclassmen, and a lot of them, declared. Slaton reported the NFL draft advisory committee assessed him as a second round pick, which seems about right, but his value has still dipped a bit as he struggled toward the end of the season (only going over 100 yards twice in his last seven games) after looking like the next best RB prospect behind McFadden before the season began.

Allen Patrick (Oklahoma 5SR) 6'0" 195 Combine Invite: Yes

After a right ankle sprain slowed his start to the season, Patrick put a couple of back-to-back 100-yard games before starting the conference schedule. At Colorado, he came up just short, rushing for 96 yards and 2 scores in a surprising loss. In their big win over Texas, he missed almost half the game for the second time this year (Miami was the first) with cramping problems. Patrick rushed for ten yards on 11 carries before leaving after the first play of the third quarter. Redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray once again took advantage of the opportunity for more carries, rushing for 128 yards on just 17 carries, including a dazzling 65-yard TD run. Patrick had modest performances in a wins against Missouri (11-44-0) and at Iowa State (13-57-0), as well as lost a fumble in a close win over the Cyclones. He put the ball down on the Sooners 20-yard line on the second possession of the game, which put them behind by a TD early. Sophomore Chris Brown has seen just as much work, and is stealing all the TDs. Brown had 13-67-3 against Missouri and 13-50-2 at Iowa State. Patrick and Murray had almost identical performances (71 and 70 yards, respectively, both on 15 carries), with Murray also scoring a short TD run, in a win over Texas A&M. In another easy win over Baylor, Murray (98 yards and 3 TDs) was significantly more productive (98 yards and 3 TDs) than Patrick (46 yards) on the same number of carries (13). Murray also had a 91-yard KO return TD. On the first play from scrimmage at Texas Tech the following week on 11/17/07, Patrick fumbled and it set the tone for an upset that ultimately knocked them out of the national title picture. Patrick just got one carry in the game after that. Patrick may have been in danger of losing his starting job, but Murray dislocated his knee cap in the game, so Patrick remained the starter for their regular season finale against in-state rival Oklahoma State. Patrick responded to his worst game of the year the previous week by rushing for a career-high 202 yards on 29 carries in an easy win against one of the worst rushing defenses in the country. He rushed for two short TDs and caught an 11-yard TD pass. Patrick started and had a solid 13-88-1 in their upset of Missouri in the Big 12 Championship, but the game also featured a heavy does of Brown (23 carries), who scored the first two Sooner TDs. The team ended the season with a loss to WVU in the Fiesta Bowl where Patrick (14-82-0) and Brown (16-50-1) split carries. Patrick also had a 73-yard KO return. Patrick got an invite to the Shrine Game and his efforts in practice got him the start for the West in the game. Unfortunately, he suffered a mild knee sprain on the first drive on his only carry (three yards), and did not return.

Coming off his big debut filling in for Adrian Peterson as a junior, Patrick was considered one of the top senior prospects at RB prospects heading in to the 2007 season. While there were some highlights, the emergence of DeMarco Murray was the bigger backfield story in Norman. Patrick has a chiseled upper body, but thin legs. His physique leads to an unusually low body fat (low 4s), which has been attributed to his frequent cramping problems. His tremendous physical abilities contribute to his appeal as a prospect and his stock should rise at the Combine. Patrick reportedly has sub-4.5 speed and the best vertical (37.5) on the team. He has the frame to add weight, and he will need it at the next level, because while he is a physical runner and blocker, he won't last long trying to do it under 195 pounds. While he runs hard and breaks arm tackles, he doesn't show great agility or vision. Focus is an issue, getting unnecessary penalties, as well as likely contributing to his vision, durability, and fumbling problems. Durability and fumbling are major issues. After taking over for Peterson in 2006, Patrick carried the load for just three games before a sprained ankle knocked him out of two. Ankle problems resurfaced to start 2007 and then his cramping became a recurring issue, while a knee sprain ended his Shrine Game appearance. While his low body fat combined with the heat and humidity in the games cramping surfaced are offered as explanations, they either impact him more than most players or demonstrate his lack of focus and mental toughness. Most players leave briefly or get an I.V. and return when inflicted with cramping, Patrick repeatedly had to completely leave a game due to them. Ball security has also been a recurring problem. He hasn't shown much as a receiver, but was never asked to do much in that role at Oklahoma. He has explosion and the speed to hit the home once he gets to the second level, which he also displayed giving him great potential as a kick returner in the few opportunities he had in taking over the role after Murray went down. Patrick's greatest value on special teams may be in punt coverage, where he excelled. His upside is great and potential is obvious, but his inability to produce consistently and durability left the door open for a RBBC in 2007. Along with the entry of several top underclassmen, Patrick's draft outlook has fallen to Day Two. He should be a Combine star, however, and be rising back up draft boards when it is over.

Ryan Torain (Arizona State 4SR) 6'0" 213 Combine Invite: Yes (injured)

After knocking out back-to-back 100-yard rushing games in road victories since we last checked on Torain's progress, his final season came to an early end. In the first quarter of their win against Washington on 10/13/07, Torain suffered a tear in the ligament of the Lisfranc joint connecting his left big toe, as well as some separation of the bone. He had surgery on 10/19/07 and missed the rest of the season. His value to the team can be seen in their struggles after losing him. The Sun Devils began the season 7-0 with Torain (although he also missed a win over SDSU on 9/15/07 with an ankle sprain) and led the nation in time of possession. They finished 3-3 without him, including rushing for just 22 yards and having the ball for under 24 minutes, a season-low, in their loss to Texas at the Holiday Bowl.

His recovery from the notoriously unpredictable Lisfranc injury has gone according to schedule, but that still makes it unlikely he'll be 100% for the Combine. He came out of a cast he had on since the surgery in early December. The optimistic rehab time from there was two to three months. He sounded positive in a December interview with The Arizona Republic, commenting he was just proceeding with caution in his rehab, not risking re-injury in pushing himself to be ready for the Combine, and still working on his upper body regularly.

The injury is a setback, but I've been impressed with Torain over the last two years. With attributes like his great measurables and receiving ability, I believe he has more NFL potential than some of the more heralded RB names. He is a slasher who is a good fit for a one-cut zone blocking scheme. He hits the hole hard with good size to run between the tackles, but doesn't have superior agility to make people miss in the open field at the next level. Out of sight and out of mind for several months due to the injury, while several strong juniors have declared, Torain has slipped down charts. However, he remains a major sleeper and could be a steal if he slips out of Day One. Even if he isn't 100% for the Combine, his medical reports will be highly sought after.

Rafael Little (Kentucky 4SR) 5'9" 194 Combine Invite: Yes (injured)

Little bounced back from his thigh bruise in their win at Arkansas on 9/22/07 and got right back on track. He went over 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games, their win against Florida Atlantic and their first lost of the season at South Carolina. He had a crucial fumble against the Gamecocks on a third-and-goal where he looked to be on his way to a TD. He finished with 135 yards on a season-high 25 carries, as well as three catches for 23 yards, but also aggravated his thigh injury in the game. He missed their huge upset of LSU, as well as losses to Florida and MSU in a shocking upset, after complications with calcium deposits building up on the deep bruise. After rushing for over 100 yards in five of their first six games, he missed the next three. While he was, the success of redshirt junior Tony Dixon and true freshman Derrick Lock in his placed undermined some perception of his value. It was no longer Little and top QB prospect Andre Woodson both driving the team's explosive offense and success, but Woodson and his supporting cast, including who ever they plugged in at RB. Little returned for a win at Vanderbilt on 11/10/07, but had to leave the game early. After posting 15-70-0 on the ground and 4-49-0 through the air, he hurt his back on the first drive of the second half and didn't return to the game. Little was back for one of the best games of the year, a quadruple OT loss against Tennessee in their regular season finale. He rushed for 77 tough yards on 24 carries and caught 11 passes for a career-high 108 yards in the thriller. With a month to get, and stay, healthy, Little had his best game of the year in their Music City Bowl win over Florida State. He rushed for season highs of 28 carries and 152 yards (although he had two fumbles) and caught eight passes for 50 yards, including a two-yard slant for a TD to put the Wildcats up for good in the third quarter. Little went to the Senior Bowl and reportedly showed some flashes in practice, but generally didn't stand out. In the game, he had three carries for 14 yards and returned a punt for 11 yards before the injury bug bit him again. On his final touch, a four-yard carry off-tackle just before half time, Little went down with an injury to his left knee. Originally diagnosed as a sprained MCL, he was expected to be ready for the Combine and Kentucky's Pro Day in March. However, a recent rumors have surfaced that it was a significant knee injury requiring major surgery and he will miss the Combine.

In my last update, I talked about the key for Little is just to stay healthy. Unfortunately, that once again isn't the case. His durability was a major concern in his draft evaluation before his injury in the Senior Bowl, but the latest one is potentially devastating to it. Little has excellent quickness and agility, but doesn't have home run speed. Excellent stop-and-go speed, including in running routes as a receiver. He is the ideal candidate for a change of pace back, bringing solid running skills with excellent receiving and return ability.

Amir Pinnix (Minnesota 5SR) 5'11" 204 Combine Invite: No

The Gophers co-captain lost his starting job because of fumble problems early in the season. True freshman Duane Bennett took over as the starter against Ohio State on 9/29/07, ending a string of fourteen consecutive starts for Pinnix. Although Bennett was unspectacular, Pinnix saw just four carries and got all of four yards with them in the loss. Bennett started again at Indiana the following week, but sprained his right ankle in the first quarter and didn't return. Redshirt sophomore Jay Thomas got the start at Northwestern the following week and rushed for over 100 yards. Bennett was inactive and Pinnix was productive, on limited touches, in the game. On just four carries, Pinnix rushed for 56 yards, including a 37-yard TD, his team-leading fourth of the season. It seemed the turf toe problem in his right foot that Pinnix had battled all season was beginning to improve, but then injury problems struck again against in the game. Pinnix pulled up lame on a 37-yard run in the third quarter, suffering a pulled left quad. He wouldn't return in what ended up another loss for Minnesota. In an embarrassing loss to D-I FCS North Dakota State on 10/20/07, Bennett returned as the starter, but Pinnix returned and was involved early when Jay Thomas went down with a knee injury early in the second quarter. Pinnix took over that drive, rushing six times for 26 yards, including a one-yard TD to tie the game. However, he saw only two more carries the rest of the game after he pulled a hip muscle and couldn't return again. Although Thomas was done for the season, Pinnix couldn't capitalize the following week in another loss at Michigan. Pinnix saw just two carries for two yards, limited by turf toe and his pulled quad, while Bennett ran for over 100 yards in the Big House. Including the Michigan game, Pinnix had just five carries for three yards in the final four games as the Gophers lost ten straight in a horrible season. The Gophers went from a team that couldn't win a big game in the Big Ten under Glen Mason, to a team that doesn't win any games under HC Tim Brewster. For the first time in nine years they did not have a 1K rusher or rush for 2K as a team.

Pinnix finished the season second on the team (behind QB Adam Weber) with 563 yards rushing, but most of it came in the first three games before ball security and injury problems derailed his season. However, Pinnix, a team captain, showed maintained a positive attitude and was noted for being a team leader on the sidelines when hurt, despite the team and his draft value spiraling downward. He still got an invite to the Hula Bowl, but showed little for the Kai (West) team as a runner, as the Kai fell behind early and went to the air. Pinnix had four carries for nine yards and two receptions for four yards in the game, but did a nice job in pass protection.

After the 2006 season, Pinnix looked to be next great runner off the assembly line at the Minnesota RB factory. While none of his injuries should have a long-term impact, he only has one year of success on his resume and his durability is now a major concern. He slid from Day One potential to a UDFA possibility. On the plus side, he does bring solid size and tremendous character to the table. His workouts will be critical because he does not have elite speed, and it will be even more challenging without a Combine invite, but he has sleeper upside as late pick or UDFA.

Keon Lattimore (Maryland 4SR) 5'11" 218 Combine Invite: No

After a strong start to the season where he appeared to be gaining some separation from backfield mate 5SR Lance Ball, Lattimore had his best game of the season in a huge upset at Rutgers on 9/29/07. Lattimore rushed for career highs of 34 carries and 124 yards, including a TD, while Ball had 90 yards and two TDs on just 12 carries, including a 14-yard TD run after a turnover with less than two minutes to play to seal the victory. Both Lattimore and Ball outshone the more highly-regarded Rutgers junior RB Ray Rice with their performances. However, Lattimore struggled the rest of the season. After rushing over 100 yards and having over 20 carries in four of the first five games, he wouldn't have over 18 carries or 72 yards in the final eight games. He had just 16 yards on seven carries in a loss to Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl, his final collegiate game. Multiple injuries on the offensive line contributed to their struggles in the running game, particularly at LT, where they were down to third-string walk-on 2FR Paul Pinegar by the mid-point of the ACC schedule.

A Hula Bowl invite brought Lattimore as a player to a venue he'd been at as a fan before. He'd been to Aloha Stadium before to support his stepbrother, Ray Lewis, at the Pro Bowl. Ironically, Lattimore is a criminal justice major, but I digress. He had just six yards on five carries in the game, but did have a nice fourth-and-one conversion despite being first hit behind the line of scrimmage. After a surge in his stock at the beginning of the season, he has had a slow decline through the second half and in to the post-season so far.

Durability is a concern as a right shoulder injury has plagued his collegiate career. He dislocated it as a freshman and missed four games. After taking over the starting role a few games in to his sophomore season and starting to break out, he missed most of the second half of the season after aggravating the shoulder. He missed spring practice his junior year while continuing rehab on the shoulder, but played in every game. He also missed spring practice his senior year with a back injury and missed the BC game on 11/10/07 with a hamstring injury.

Lattimore is a nice size for the position, but runs upright and isn't very instinctual. While strong with excellent leg drive, his leverage isn't very good and won't be able to overpower players the same way at the next level. He has some initial burst, but takes a while to get up to full speed if he's in the open field. One problem is he is prone to losing yards from not hitting the hole right away or trying to cut back too often. It will be a huge problem at the next level if he doesn't commit with authority. After being involved in the passing game early, Lattimore was ignored as a receiver in the middle of the season, before seeing sporadic work in that facet late in the season. He led the team in all-purpose ypg. While he has shown flashes of talent and had sporadic success at the collegiate level, he doesn't project as a feature back in the NFL. His blocking is solid and could be converted to a multi-purpose fullback at the next level.

Kregg Lumpkin (Georgia 5SR) 6'0" 222 Combine Invite: Yes

After breaking his right thumb in the season opener, Lumpkin missed two games before being eased back in with special teams work and then a limited role on offense, due to a special pad he wore to protect the thumb. He finally got four carries in their loss at Tennessee. The following week at Vanderbilt on 10/13/07, Georgia's running game and Lumpkin's NFL hopes took another hit. On his second carry, Lumpkin was stood up and then hit low. He tried to get taped up and limber up on the sidelines for a return, but his left knee wasn't stable. He suffered a torn lateral meniscus and a sprained posterior lateral complex, for which he had surgery the following week. After just nine carries for 37 yards, Lumpkin was done for the regular season. He returned for the Sugar Bowl, but was buried behind 2FR Knowshon Moreno and fellow 2008 RB prospect 4SR Thomas Brown. Lumpkin had three carries for seven yards.

Durability was already a huge concern, but after two more injuries this year, Lumpkin's draft value is plummeting. I was surprised by his Combine invite. He does not have good speed, but has good size and is well-built, so he could be looked at as a fullback at the next level and why he received consideration.

Chris Markey (UCLA 4SR) 5'11" 204 Combine Invite: No

After filling the void left by the departure of Maurice Drew in 2006 with a 1K season, Markey looked to take his performance to the next level in 2007. However, junior Kahlil Bell was more productive early in the season and soon took over the starting role. The two still split carries, but Markey continued to get in his own way as he battled turf toe and missed their loss to Notre Dame on 10/6/07. When Bell blew his right ACL at Washington State on 10/27/07, the door opened for Markey to finish his career strong. However, injury problems returned when he sprained his ankle in a loss at Arizona the following week. He played sparingly against Arizona State on 11/10/07, their fifth straight loss. He started the last three games and average just over 85 ypg, but failed to reach the end zone as the team went 1-2 to close the season.

I liked Markey's potential after the 2006 season. He had excellent game speed and flashed some talent as a runner, but he is off the grid after a disappointing final year. He still has potential as a returner if he gets a chance as an UDFA.

Lennox "L.V." Whitworth (Boston College 5SR) 5'11" 216 Combine Invite: No

After leading the RBBC with 5SR backfield-mate Andre Callender for all of both their collegiate careers, Whitworth was passed by him in their final season at BC. A hamstring injury in fall camp was the genesis of what would be Whitworth's worst year. He missed the season opener and it would plague him early in the season, missing another game in September and limiting him in several others. Callender took hold of the starting job and never looked back. Whitworth never had more than seven carries after their sixth game, resulting in the biggest disparity of carries between the two (218 for Callender to just 84 for Whitworth) in what was a full-fledged RBBC the rest of their time at BC.

Whitworth has decent size and good hands for a big man, but pedestrian quickness and speed. He was a marginal prospect even when he was ahead of Callender, now he is completely off the radar. As expected, he doesn't have a Combine invite, so BC's Pro Day will be his opportunity to generate interest as even a UDFA.

Albert Young (Iowa 5SR) 5'8" 209

Blew his knee out as a redshirt freshman in 2004, the came back with a huge year in 2005, finishing with 249-1,334-8 and 24-244-0. Hit another bump in 2006 when injury problems returned and he fell in to a RBBC with Damian Sims that continued last season. Finished 2007 with better production, but no where near what he did as one of ten Doak Walker semi-finalists in 2005.

Young looked promising as a multi-purpose back with some explosion not long ago, but failed to meet his potential the last two seasons. With questionable durability and sub-par measurables, he is an UDFA at best.

Lynell Hamilton (San Diego State 5SR) 6'0" 225 Combine Invite: No

One of the more promising RB prospects as a freshman in 2003 had his career derailed by injuries. There was hope he could revive his career as a fullback, but swelling in his surgically-repaired left knee continued to give him problems this year. He was active for most of their games, but even the most remote glimmer of hope is followed by more disappointment. On just his second touch of the entire season, Hamilton got a seven-yard TD reception against Cincinnati on 9/29/07. On the play, he hurt his rotator cuff and missed the following game. Unbelievable. He returned the following week, but didn't see another touch until his final collegiate game, when he had two receptions for seven yards and a TD in a loss to BHYU. He had one carry for no yards on the season. Hamilton is no longer a viable candidate to be drafted.

Alley Broussard (Missouri Southern State 5SR) 6'0" 240 Combine Invite: No

After a tumultuous career at LSU where he previously thought about quitting, Broussard appeared done with football in July 2007. He indicated he was going to focus on getting his degree, which he was expected to complete last December. However, by August he was reportedly headed to D-II North Alabama to continue playing. Then Missouri Southern DC Daryl Daye, a former LSU player, convinced Broussard to become a Lion. He wasn't expected to start the season because of more injury problems, this time a quad strain, but he has played in every game but one and faired well against DII competition. He finished the season with 165-892-12, an average of 89.2 ypg and 5.4 ypc, while splitting carries with redshirt freshman Renard Johnson. He participated in Texas vs Nation All-Star Game with an unimpressive effort overall. He rushed five times for six yards, including a one-yard TD run, for the Lone Star squad.

It's a nice story for Broussard that his college football career had a happy ending. However, between his health and weight problems, questions about his commitment, and moving down to D-II competition, he is off the grid as far as consideration for the next level.

Austin Scott (Penn State 5SR) 5'11" 222 Combine Invite: No

As fumble problems were already derailing his final season on the field, Scott's disappointing collegiate career came to an early close. When he didn't suit up against Iowa on 10/6/07, the explanation from Joe Paterno was the standard line of it being an undisclosed violation of team rules. While sources reported it was just a seemingly innocent broken curfew, Paterno went on to say his future status was "very much in doubt" and Scott's mother reported he had cleaned out his locker and returned home. The gravity of the situation was revealed when Scott was charged with rape a week later, stemming from an encounter the night before the Iowa game. Scott has pleaded not guilty, and some of the associated felony charges were withdrawn due to lack of evidence, but his trial for felony rape is underway.

Regardless of the veracity of the charges, Scott has admitted to at least consensual sex with the woman he did not know well. At best, he is still guilty of some poor decision-making the night before a game and in the tone of some his comments during questioning that have been released. While his peers are preparing for workouts, he's preparing for trial, and no team is going to touch him until this issue is resolved. Even if he is ultimately absolved, in the iron-fisted Roger Goodell Era, this is not the type of baggage a team is going to welcome on a player who wouldn't be a top prospect under different circumstances. When you consider his injury-plagued underperformance since his freshman year and that the former blue-chip recruit has not shown any consistency on the field this year, except in fumbling regularly, he was looking at the UDFA route if the charges never occurred.