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.

Holding
Players whose value is stagnant (for better or worse) at this time.

Darren McFadden (Arkansas 3JR) 6'2" 212 Combine Invite: Yes

The impact of some early season injuries took their toll on McFadden after a fast start. He suffered a concussion in their loss at Alabama the second game of the season and was reported to have been battling the flu and heat exhaustion in their loss to Kentucky the following week. He also revealed, while refusing to blame it for his decline in production, that he bruised his ribs pretty badly against the Wildcats. He still managed to rush for over 100 yards in easy wins over North Texas and FCS Chattanooga, including a 51-yard run against the Mean Green. However, he didn't have a run over 30 yards in four October games and averaged just 4.0 ypc in those games. Both he and 3JR Felix Jones were shutdown by in a 9-7 loss to Auburn on 10/13/07. McFadden had his worst game of the season, posting just 43 yards on 17 carries. He became the school's all-time leader in carries in an easy win against Florida International on 10/27/07. During this stretch, his ribs seemed to be impacting his ability to hang on to the ball, as well. After his injury in the Kentucky game through the October games, McFadden fumbled seven times and lost three. He also had a career-best four TD runs despite just 61 yards on 19 carries in that game. He was rested the second half after the Razorbacks ran up a big lead early. After a mostly unspectacular October, he faced #23 South Carolina, the team he had the most success against his first two seasons, on 11/3/07. McFadden blew up for 321 rushing yards, tying an SEC single-game record, including an 80-yard TD on which he joined Herschel Walker as the second player in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards in his first three seasons. He also threw his second TD pass of the season in the upset victory. The inconsistent offense disappeared the following week in a loss at #22 Tennessee. McFadden rushed for 117 yards, most of it in the second half when the team was already down big. In a win over Mississippi State on 11/17/07, he rushed for just 88 yards on 28 carries. However, he had a long TD reception when took a dump-off pass from QB Casey Dick escaping the pass rush and McFadden raced 57 yards for the score. McFadden ended the season with legendary performance in one of the biggest wins in Arkansas history against eventual National Champion LSU's vaunted defense in Baton Rogue on 11/23/07. After fumbling the opening kick-off to spot the Tigers an easy three-point lead, McFadden got rolling in the second quarter. He took the direct snap from shotgun and faked a handoff to Jones before sprinting up the middle untouched for a 16-yard TD run in the second quarter to give the Razorbacks a 7-6 lead at halftime. On a similar misdirection play where he lined up at QB early in the third quarter, McFadden ripped off a 73-yard TD run after breaking a tackle and assisted by a key block way downfield from QB Casey Dick. After LSU tied the game on the next drive, McFadden would take the snap and hand off on a draw to 4SR Peyton Hillis who would take it 65 yards for a score. McFadden completed his involvement in every one of their scores in regulation when he took another snap in shotgun, faked a QB draw, then stepped back and lobbed a 24-yard TD pass to Hillis. In the second OT, McFadden broke an off-tackle outside a nine-yard TD run before Hillis and Jones finished LSU off in the third OT. In the end, McFadden had the third 200-yard rushing game of his career, finishing with 32-206-3, as well as completing three of six passes for 34 yards and a TD. The win propelled the Razorbacks in the Top 25 at No. 25, earning them a trip to the Cotton Bowl against Missouri and fellow Heisman candidate QB Chase Daniels. McFadden rushed for 105 yards, his school-record tenth 100-yard game of the season and 22nd of his career, including three-yard TD run on a sweep. He also had a 33-yard KO return in the game. McFadden got more involved as a kick returner the second half of the season as teams avoided Jones. However, it was Missouri RB Tony Temple who stole the show, as the Tigers easily defeated Arkansas. Among the single-season records McFadden set, his 1,830 yards rushing and 2,310 all-purpose yards broke his own school-record from 2006. They were second and first, respectively, in SEC history, as well. He is the school's career leader in both categories, as well. Largely off the strength of a few huge games, McFadden was recognized as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and with first-team All-SEC, consensus first-team All-American, and the Doak Walker award all for the second consecutive year. The one repeat that was a disappointment was him finishing as the Heisman runner-up for the second straight year.

What seemingly was a mildly disappointing year for McFadden at the mid-point of the season resulted in a record-breaking season and another trophy case full of awards. It was the product of how ridiculously high he set the bar in his sophomore season. Expectations are hard to exceed when every carry is expected to an ESPN SportsCenter highlight. It is worth noting a gimmick offense that included the presence of fellow NFL prospects Jones and Hillis contributed significantly to McFadden's numbers. The Wildcat packages that one-and-done OC Gus Malzahn incorporated in 2006 utilizing McFadden's ability to be a threat throwing the ball was replaced by the Wild Hog formation by OC David Lee. The latter succeeded to the extent of setting several school records for yards and points despite yielding on of the worst passing games in the nation (112 out of 119 FBS teams). Some of the success of the formation came from the legitimate threat of McFadden as a passer. He finished his career completing 14 of 22 passes for 205 yards and seven TDs. It's important to note a good number of his 15 fumbles came out of the Wild Hog package on things like aborted exchanges, where they might have been asking him to do too much with the ball too often. He needs to learn to switch the ball to the outside arm when running, he heavily favors carrying the ball with his left hand. Working in such an unconventional offense for most of his college career means McFadden will need some development in fundamentals and have more of a learning curve, but his phenomenal ability should overcome that deficit quickly. He does have some questions about maturity, particularly in lieu of a few incidents since the end of the regular season, but it doesn't appear like anything to be overly concerned with. Prior to the Cotton Bowl, a story came out of a potentially inappropriate relationship with an agent in the purchase of a vehicle that briefly appeared to threaten his eligibility for the game. In early January there was a fight at a bar involving McFadden and/or his brother that resulted in police temporarily restraining him. No charges resulted, but you would have thought McFadden, who is still a minor, would have learned his lesson about the dangers of nightlife in the summer of 2006. He was involved in another fight at a club after someone tried to steal his brother's car and almost lost one of his toes. Most recently, a Little Rock woman filed a paternity suit claiming McFadden is the father of her four-month old daughter. While none of these incidents in a vacuum are cause for particular alarm, the aggregation of them will at least cause a player who will represent a significant financial investment for a team to face some grilling from front offices at the Combine. Last year I said Adrian Peterson was the most exciting combination of size, speed and raw natural talent since Bo Jackson. Not much more needs to be said about his talent than Run DMC is as much the prospect that AD was. A triple threat on offense who could be an elite kick returner if asked to, with ideal size and elite speed, the only question that remains is how high in the first round he goes. He was already recognized as the top RB in the land coming in to the season and while I'm tempted to overvalue the effect of his performance at LSU, the few bumps in the road during the season and the off-field incidents after it tend to make say his draft stock is pretty much where it has always been, high first-round lock.

Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech 5SR) 5'11" 210 Combine Invite: Yes

After being limited by a strained right hamstring against Boston College and at Virginia, Choice was back to his workhorse 2006 form as he rattled off thee-straight games over 100 yards (at least 135 in each) in which he had at least 30 carries in each. The string culminated in a career day at Miami on 10/13/07, with career highs of 37 carries and 204 yards. Tech was down 7-0 at halftime before coming out and feeding Choice the ball. Choice led them to scores on three consecutive drives, featuring a 54-yard run on the first drive that resulted in a TD. Out of an I-formation, Choice went right up the gut untouched and threw a strong stiff arm in to CB Glenn Sharpe to gain an extra seven of his 54 yards on the run. Choice's resurgence was derailed against Army on 10/20/07. On his ninth carry, already having scored a TD on the day to give Tech at 10-7 lead, Choice bounced a play outside and twisted his right leg awkwardly as he went down. He had surgery a minor arthroscopic procedure on his right knee on 10/23/07 to clean it up and began practicing after their bye week, but also missed their loss to Virginia Tech in a Thursday night game on 11/1/07. At Duke on 11/10/07, Choice picked up where he left off in Miami. He posted 24-170-2, despite the still being bothered by his right knee and hamstring. However, he did lose a fumble that was returned for a TD. Choice kept rolling against North Carolina in the next game. He rushed for 142 yards on a season-high 33 carries, including four straight carries for 23 yards on their last four offensive plays to set up the game-winning FG for the Yellow Jackets. He also attempted his first career pass in the game, and completed it for a 17-yard throwback TD to QB Taylor Bennett. Choice finished his career winless against rival Georgia, as they lost to the #6 Bulldogs at home on 11/24/07. He did his part, rushing for 134 yards on 25 carries, including a 12-yard TD run. Georgia Tech lost to Fresno State in the Humanitarian Bowl on New Year's Eve and Choice had to leave the game early when he aggravated his knee. Choice left in the third quarter after rushing 12 times for 69 yards, including a 22-yard run on their first drive of the game that led to a TD. Choice was healthy for the Senior Bowl and had an impressive week of practice. His toughness and hard work, as well as his ability, sounds like it stood out to coaches. In the game, he rushed seven times for 29 yards and caught a pass for 23 yards. He led the ACC in rushing, ypg and total yards, for the second straight season despite missing a game and parts of three others. He was recognized with first-team All-ACC honors for the second straight year.

In lieu of his injury problems this year, it is worth recalling again that he had a school-record 297 carries in 2006, fourth in FBS, his first season as a feature runner. Whether or not that workload caught up with him, the fact is he battled two significant injuries last season. His toughness and dedication were evident in the effort he put in, and production he still achieved, while battling the hamstring problem the entire season. He spent hours every day in the training room most of the season getting treatment for the hamstring to make sure he could play each week. The timing of his knee injury was poor as Choice was starting to really heat up, but had to miss a marquee match-up with the Hokies. However, he also bounced back fast, and strong, from the surgery. Choice isn't flashy and lacks home run speed, but has a good toolbox of running skills. Good size with big legs, though his upper body could use some more definition. An instinctive runner, he has good natural forward lean and ends runs strong, putting his helmet down and delivering the blow while continuing to drive his legs. He breaks arm tackles and packs a punch with his stiff arm. What impressed me most in watching Choice is his outstanding cutting ability. He has a stutter step that absolutely freezes defenders. His toughness and leadership add to the package. Choice was my top-rated senior RB heading in to the season and ends it that way. Unfortunately the addition of several top underclassmen has pushed him down, perhaps even to Day Two. If he falls that far, he will be a huge steal.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Mississippi 5SR) 5'11" 221 Combine Invite: Yes

After being the leading rusher at Indiana for two years, the New Orleans native transferred to Mississippi to be closer to home. He rushed for 1,000 yards (exactly 1,000, as a matter of fact) his first season as a Rebel in 2006 and earned All-SEC recognition. He cemented his reputation as a tough player when his two front teeth were knocked in the Georgia game that year and, after getting stitched up at halftime, returned to the game to rush for 135 yards in the near-upset before an official made him leave for good because of the bleeding. This past season, he became the only Rebel to run for 1K twice. He finished the season with 1,137 rushing yards, second most in Ole Miss history, on 230 carries and scored six TDs. Green-Ellis had five 100-yard games, including career highs of 33 carries and 226 yards when they played Missouri tough despite ultimately losing on 9/8/07. He had another banner day when the Rebels almost knocked off Alabama on 10/13/07. Green-Ellis rushed for 131 yards on 20 carries. He was invited to the Shrine Game where his performance was a mixed bag during practice and in the game. He had just five carries for 17 yards and caught nine-yard pass in the game.

Green-Ellis has found consistent success in both the Big Ten and SEC despite playing on one of the worst teams in each conference and being the focus of opposing defenses as the main offensive threat on each team. A technically strong runner, with good footwork and pad level, he has ideal size and a chiseled physique. Definitely passes the eyeball test. However, with his size, quickness and speed are lacking. A willing blocker in the passing game, but he is a non-factor as a receiver, with just two receptions in 2007. Very durable, never missed a game in his collegiate career and started every game since his sophomore season. An underrated performer, his stock was pushed down by the slew of underclassmen talent who entered the draft. However, he still remains one of the top bigger backs (over 215) available.

Peyton Hillis (Arkansas 4SR) 6'1" 240 Combine Invite: Yes

While the plans to use him as a punt returner were aborted, Hillis became significantly more involved in the offense than in 2006. With 3JR Felix Jones hurting, Hillis saw extra work and finished with 65 rushing yards on 11 carries and two catches for 14 yards in a win over Mississippi State on 11/17/07. Hillis saved his best for his last regular season game the following week. In a huge upset at LSU, he flashed his array of multi-purpose skills in his best all-around statistical performance of his career. Just a few plays after LSU tied the game halfway through the third quarter, Hillis took the handoff from 3JR Darren McFadden on a draw and raced untouched 65 yards up the middle for his first rushing TD of the season. Again with the game tied in the fourth quarter, Hillis took a 24-yard pass from McFadden for a TD. Then in overtime, Hillis would really shine. With the game on the line down seven in the first OT, Hillis caught a 13-yard pass on fourth-and-ten to preserve the drive. Two plays later, he grabbed a ten-yard pass for a TD. The catch showcased his ability as a receiver with a nice grab out of the air in stride with the defender right on him. Hillis would then rush for a three-yard TD in the third OT to set up the eventual game-winning two-point conversion by Jones. Hillis finished with his best all-purpose numbers as a Razorback, 11-89-2 on the ground and 5-62-2 through the air. He was the top target in an otherwise impotent passing gaming, finishing the season leading the team across the board with career highs of 49 receptions, 537 yards and 5 TDs. Hillis received an invite to the Senior Bowl as a fullback. During practice, he impressed with his versatility and inside running inability. He led the South with nine carries on which he gained 44 yards (4.9 ypc), highlighted by an 18-yard burst through the middle.

While his role wasn't to post numbers with the dynamic duo of juniors McFadden and Felix Jones, Hillis was more involved than expected thanks to a record-setting offense under new OC David Lee. As the team's leading receiver, he wasn't kept in as a pass blocker much, but he has developed in to a solid lead blocker since the arrival of McFadden and Jones. Hillis is a true multi-purpose threat who can line up at any skill position but QB. FB, H-Back, or TE seems his likely NFL calling. While comparisons to Mike Alstott and Brian Leonard seem obvious, his strengths and weaknesses differ significantly. He lacks the speed of either, but unlike both, Hillis is an outstanding blocker who can be a true FB. Like both, Hillis is an outstanding receiver for a big man and, like Leonard, he can do it running routes and not just out of the backfield. Hillis has Alstott's size, bigger than Leonard, but isn't the short-yardage hammer as a runner that Alstott was. Durability has been a bit of a problem in the past, so staying healthy all season was important. He should be one of the few fullbacks taken in the draft.

Chauncey Washington (Southern California 5SR) 5'11" 216 Combine Invite: Yes

After a shoulder sprain in their final preseason scrimmage, Washington missed their season-opening win over Idaho. He returned at Nebraska and scored twice in the win, then took over as the starter in their third game against Washington State and would start the rest of the season. He rushed for a TD and posted a 100-yard game. 2SO C.J. Gable, who started the first two games, was done for the season after their win over the Cougars. However, 2SO Stefan Johnson (when not bothered by a lingering foot sprain) and stud 1FR Joe McKnight would remain heavily involved with the running game, each seeing about half as many carries as Washington. By far the highlight of his season came on a rainy night at #24 Cal on 11/10/07. With Johnson and McKnight struggling, Washington would pound out yards like a mudder race horse and have the performance the Trojans have been waiting five years for him to have. Washington got USC their first lead in the game in the second quarter, when went over the left guard for a 36-yard TD. He would finish with career highs of 29 carries and 220 yards. He was invited to the Senior Bowl were he reportedly had a solid, but unspectacular, week of practice. In the game, he led the North with 38 yards on five carries.

Washington came to USC with Reggie Bush and LenDale White and finally leaves after academic ineligibility derailed his career for two seasons. When he has played, he has dealt with a number of minor injuries, so his durability is a question. He was the nominal starter most of the last two seasons, and led the team in rushing for both, but everyone knows about the crowded situation in the USC backfield. Washington made the best of it, being a team player and leader. However, for a player whose looks the role of a workhorse, he never had over 200 carries in a season. He isn't a home run hitter, so it took a game like his career-high 29 carries at Cal for him to put together a noteworthy performance. Definitely passes the eyeball test with ideal size and build. He is a true power runner with a natural forward lean and good balance, breaking tackles and dragging defenders with him for extra yards. However, he has pedestrian speed and unreliable hands. A decent blocker, he is a good candidate to be converted to FB and serve in short-yardage situations. He's unlikely to impress at the Combine and will hope he has overcome his baggage to get a call on Day Two. If not, he'll be a priority UDFA.

Lance Ball (Maryland 5SR) 5'9" 223 Combine Invite: No

Part of a Thunder and Thunder backfield duo with 4SR teammate Keon Lattimore last year, Ball was the team's leading rusher the previous two seasons before Lattimore started to take over as RB1a early in 2007. It returned to a RBBC by mid-season, as Lattimore's performance hit a plateau and Ball was more productive while the team dealt with injuries on the offensive line. He had his biggest games against a couple of quality opponents in 2007. In an upset of the Scarlet Knight as Rutgers on 9/29/07, Ball had 90 yards and two TD runs on just 12 carries as both he and Lattimore outperformed the more highly-regarded Rutgers junior RB Ray Rice. With Lattimore out with a hamstring injury against BC on 11/10/07, Ball had his best game of the year as the feature back. Ball grinded out season-highs of 32 carries and 109 rushing yards, including a five-yard TD run, in another upset for the Terrapins. He also had a three-TD day in a win against GaTech and was more productive (17-72-1) than Lattimore in a one-point lost to Virginia and their lose to Clemson (10-53-1). He finished the season with a career-high 12 TDs, one less than Lattimore.

Although he had a career-high 12 TDs in 2007 (one less than Lattimore), Ball's rushing production has slightly declined each season since he led the team (and was third in the ACC) with 903 yards on a 4.8 ypc average as a redshirt sophomore in 2005. An early season surge by Lattimore that gave him the better aggregate numbers, but Ball was again the superior back by the second half (although both disappeared in the Emerald Bowl). Despite this, most pundits and draftniks seem to perceive Lattimore as a significantly superior NFL prospect and I disagree. Ball's weight is distributed well, he doesn't appear "squatty" despite his height/weight combo. He generates good initial explosion through his massive thighs that also give him solid speed for a bigger back. He has good vision and quick feet for a big man, but those also contribute to the biggest weakness I see in him for the next level. Despite his size, he regularly looked to bounce runs outside or looks for the cut-back lanes. He isn't elusive enough to succeed like that at the next level and this is a pretty significant issue because it requires changing the instincts of a runner, as opposed to some technical flaw. That isn't to say he can't run with authority between the tackles, he uses his strength to deliver a blow at the end of a run and packs a nice stiff arm in the open field. While he didn't have many opportunities as a receiver in space, he does a great job of both setting up and executing screens, with soft hands for a big back. He is also a decent blocker and, like Lattimore, could be converted to a multi-purpose fullback at the next level. While not the typical build of a change of pace back, I think he could really surprise in that role, where his natural running style is a better fit.

Jamar Brittingham (Bloomsburg 4SR) 6'0" 208 Combine Invite: No

The former Rutgers recruit was thriving again last season after battling injury problems, particularly a left knee, in 2006. After a career-high 257 yard (his ninth career 200-yard game) and four TD rushing day on 10/22/07, he went over 1,000 yards (at 6.1 ypc) for the season. He had an 81-yard TD run among the four, his second 80+ yard TD of the season. He finished the game with 5,129 career rushing yards, passing former Harlon Hill winner Irv Sigler as the school's all-time leader. That also moved him to second on the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) all-time career list. He ran for 190 yards and a score in a come-from-behind win at East Stroudsburg the following week, then put up 160 yards in a rout of Cheyney on 11/3/07. He finished his collegiate career with 120 yards in a win against IUP, his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the season, and passed Wesley Cales of California to be the PSAC all-time career rushing leader.

A Harlon Hill Award finalist as the nation's top Division II player, Brittingham was the 2007 PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Year for the second time in his career. He led the conference this past season with 1,435 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns and all-time with 5,689 yards rushing yards, 516 points scored and 6,867 all-purpose yards. He ran for 100+ yards in 29 games in his career, including 10 of those for 200+ yards. In all, Brittingham holds 28 school and conference records. He is fifth all-time in Division II history in career scoring and 14th in total rushing yards. He got an invite to Cactus Bowl (DII all-star game) where he led all rushers in the game with 84 yards on 12 carries for the East in a convincing win.

While the fact his success has come in DII, Brittingham has completely dominated the competition and has decent NFL measurables. He also is solid as a receiver and a returner. I thought Brittingham was the most intriguing small school RB prospect and I was surprised he didn't get a Combine invite. At least the Saints will definitely be familiar with him, as they should have seen plenty of film on Brittingham since they drafted his former teammate, OT Jahri Evans in the fourth round last year.

Yvenson Bernard (Oregon State 5SR) 5'9" 202 Combine Invite: Yes

Bernard bounced back from a couple tough non-conference performances early last season to put together four-straight 100-yard rushing days to start the PAC-10 schedule. The highlight of his season was leading the Beavers to an upset at California for the second time in his career on 10/13/07. With #1 LSU having already lost that day, the second-ranked Golden Bears were in line for the top spot with the first cut of BSC rankings about to come out. A one-yard TD leap by Bernard on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter helped end Cal's quest to be ranked No.1 for the first time in 56 years. Bernard had another one-yard TD run in the third quarter after touching the ball on nine of 12 plays as the team leaned on their workhorse in the second half. He finished with 33 carries for 110 yards, as well as catching eight of the 18 passes OSU completed for 53 more yards. After a bye, Stanford came to Covallis and things were looking good for Bernard to keep his 100-yard game steak alive at five. He had 62 yards and a TD on just nine carries when he hurt his left shoulder in the second quarter. The impact of his absence was seen in that the Beavers were three-for-three on third down conversions with him in the game, but only one of 12 after he left. The team also gave up four sacks after he left. An MRI indicated the injury was a sprain, not a separation, but he was still not available for their loss at USC on 11/3/07. Bernard returned in a wild win against the Washington the following week, where the Huskies QB was taken off the field in an ambulance and several players were ejected as personal fouls escalated on both sides. Bernard had his helmet knocked off at one point during a post-whistle skirmish. Bernard rushed for a career-high 36 yards for 149 yards and caught three passes for 26 yards. However, he almost cost them the game when he coughed up the ball on what appeared to be a TD with less than three minutes left in the game. However, the Beavers defense held in their own territory for a 29-23 win. Next at Washington State on 11/17/07, Bernard rushed for 74 yards and two TDs on 17 carries in the first half on the way to a rout of the Cougars. Bernard had to leave after the first half suffering a right knee injury. He had the knee scoped to clean it up a few days after and, despite a bye, was unavailable for their win in the Civil War at Oregon. Well rested for their Emerald Bowl match-up with Maryland, Bernard pounded out 38-177-1, the most rushing yards he had since his sophomore year, in the rain in San Francisco. After the Terrapins went up 14-7 in the first quarter, Bernard tied it on a two-yard run in the second. On his way in for the go-heard TD late in the third quarter, Bernard lost the ball, but WR James Rodgers recovered it in the end zone for the decisive score. Bernard was recognized on the PAC-10 All-Conference second team. He was invited to the Hula Bowl, where he rushed for 23 yards on six carries, before getting a call half way through the week to participate in the Senior Bowl as an injury replacement. He only practiced in the walk-through on Friday, but got eight carries fro 35 yards in the game.

After missing last year's upset of the top-ranked Trojans, Bernard got to participate in the Beavers inspired upset performance of the season this year at Cal, but unfortunately missed not only the USC game for the second straight year, but his final Civil War meeting with state rival Oregon. In the Cal game, his ability to allow OSU to control the ball with his season-high 33 carries helped increase the visibility he gets from the big win. His eight receptions in the game also showcased his added value as a receiving threat out of the backfield. With QB Sean Canfield dialing down the picks and the OLine beginning to mesh, the rest of the season went well for Bernard when he was healthy. Although he missed two games and parts of two others, he posted ridiculously consistent rushing numbers for the third consecutive year. Despite his success, the undersized Bernard isn't expected to have the measurables to merit much consideration as a feature back prospect. The squatty Bernard has lined up at FB in some sets in a sort of option to capitalize on his strong interior running or as a diversion when they run outside with some of their speedier backs. While he doesn't project as a likely convert to FB at the next level (unless perhaps a Mike Shanahan gets his hands on him), it is an example of the versatility he can bring. A great college player whose game likely doesn't translate to the next level.

Owen Schmitt (WVU 5SR) 6'2" 247 Combine Invite: Yes

A walk-on after transferring from DIII Wisconsin-River Falls, Schmitt developed in to one of the more devastating lead blockers in college while showing surprising ball skills for a big man. He even executed the patented Brian Leonard Leap on a 15-yard reception at Cincinnati. He was impressing at practice for the Senior Bowl before suffering a minor knee injury that shut him down. He should be fine for the Combine. I expected his tested bench strength could disappoint a bit at the Combine, but it shouldn't be a concern. He is naturally strong with a thick frame, if one that can support more definition, and brings a fierce tenacity needed to succeed in the role. The cult legend in Wisconsin and West Virginia should battle Peyton Hillis to be the first true fullback (i.e. not including Jacob Hester) off the board when they start going on Day Two and should be an immediate fan favorite again where ever he lands.

Jehuu Caulcrick (Michigan State 5SR) 6'0" 258 Combine Invite: Yes

Caulcrick was the Thunder to junior Javon Ringer's lightning what was an outstanding running game for MSU last season. He posted career bests of 222 carries for 872 yards, including a school-record 21 rushing TDs, while splitting carries with Ringer. As the complimentary back most of his career, Caulcrick never had more than 113 carries or 619 yards prior to 2007. He declined an invite to the Hula Bowl to begin immediately preparing for the Combine after the team's loss to BC in the Champs Sports Bowl. He is the latest in a series of recent super-sized runners trying to prove they are more than candidates for conversion to FB, following in the footsteps of Greg Jones, Brandon Jacobs, and Michael Bush. However, Caulcrick is no where near the same level of prospect at RB as any of those three. He lacks the speed to be a RB and does not have the skills of a true blocking FB, but is a monster at the goal line, hence the Combine invite.

Archibong "Xavier" Omon (Northwest Missouri State 5SR) 5'10" 220 Combine Invite: Yes

Omon capped his extremely consistent and successful career with his best season. He led DII in rushing yards (2,337) and rushing TDs (37) as he led the Bearcats to the DII National Championship game for the third straight season. Participated in Texas vs the Nation All-Star Challenge and won the MVP of the game, leading Lone Star side with nine carries and 95 yards. He is the first player in NCAA history (all divisions) to rush for 1,500 yards in four seasons. His success and size earned him a trip to the Combine to see how he stacks up.

Hugh Charles (Colorado 4SR) 5'8" 190 Combine Invite: No

A pulled left hamstring slowed his start to the season, but after a tune up against Miami (Ohio), Charles has exploded to begin the Big XII season. Starting with Miami (Ohio), Charles ran off four straight 100-yard games. He had their lone score, a 25-yard run, in the first half against Oklahoma that helped give them enough confidence they could score on the Sooners to pull a shocking upset with an incredible fourth quarter. Charles finished the game with 110 yards on 24 carries and led the team in receiving with five receptions for 48 yards. He became the first RB to go over 100 yards against Kansas State this year as he put up a career-high 171 yards in a loss. His string of 100-yard games was snapped in their loss against Kansas. Charles managed just 39 yards on 11 carries and lost a huge fumble in the red zone, his first of the season, which bought him some time on the bench as per HC Dan Hawkins policy. Charles bounced back with 20-121-1 on the ground and 5-26-1 through the air in a win at Texas Tech on 10/27/07, but had only 55 yards on 14 carries in a loss to Missouri the following week. The Tigers talked after the game about being able to game plan to contain Charles by forcing everything inside and restricting his ability to get the corner and use his speed for big gains. However, he was installed as the primary kick returner in the game, a move with would prove quite productive over the final four games. Charles failed to break 100 yards again in a loss at Iowa State on 11/10/07, but returned six kicks for 161 yards. After a bye, Charles saved his career day for his final Big 12 game in a thrilling 65-52 defeat of Nebraska on 11/23/07. He scored on runs of 9, 1, and 2 yards in a second half comeback, finishing with 169 yards on 33 carries against a poor Cornhusker run defense. He also returned five kicks for 125 yards and caught a 33-yard pass. The Buffalos returned to the post-season after a one-year hiatus and faced Alabama in the Independence Bowl. Charles was limited to 69 yards on 14 carries in the loss, but returned six kicks for 126 yards. Surprisingly, Charles didn't participate in an all-star game.

One of the big hurdles he overcame was establishing trust and a rapport with HC Dan Hawkins. Charles has admitted the coaching change was rough and contributed to his disappointing 2006 season. However, both Charles and the team were on the same page with Hawkins last season and both improved. He had a few nice games, but hasn't produced consistently over his career. A standout on the track team, he is a superb, if small, physical specimen. He can't pack much more weight on his frame, but has outstanding strength for his size. His primary attribute as a runner, and only outstanding one, is his elite speed. However, he tries to bounce everything outside. His impressive late audition as a kick return gives him a bit more appeal, but without a Combine invite, he'll only have an opportunity to impress scouts and front office personnel at Colorado's Pro Day and in individual workouts. He looks like an UDFA.

Tony Temple II (Missouri 4SR) 5'9" 200 Combine Invite: No

Former blue chip recruit broke out in 2006 with his first 1K season. He started last season with two 100-yard games in his first four before suffering an ankle sprain early in a win over Nebraska on 10/6/07. He would miss the next two games and have unspectacular performances in two more before having his best game of the season. He put up a season-high 141 yards rushing in a win over Texas A&M on 11/10/07. After missing their regular season match-up with Oklahoma due to injury, he disappeared, figuratively this time, against the Sooners in Missouri's Big 12 Championship loss. With their national championship aspirations dashed, Missouri met Arkansas, and their stellar RBs, in the Cotton Bowl. However, it was Temple who stole the show. He rushed for a Cotton Bowl record, and career-high, 281 yards. The record came on his final carry of the game, a 40-yard TD run.

Temple sought to avoid moving on this year by petitioning for an extra year of eligibility. He was originally redshirt as a freshman in 2004, until needs at RB dictated he suit up towards the end of the season. Unfortunately, six carries in to his first game, an ankle injury ended his season. Instead, he dropped his appeal and is headed to the draft. Temple is a fragile underachiever who sprinkled some flashes of potential in with too much mediocrity over his career.