The self-confessed draftnik that I am, almost as soon as the commissioner stepped down from the podium I was back up researching for next years draft. I've decided that I'll break down the positions here as I research them. So; without further ado, I'll put in the first entry of The Focus.
Running Backs
Here's my top ten so far, of draft eligible players:
1. Harvey Unga, Brigham Young (Redshirt Sophomore)
This kid doesn't get as much hype as McCoy and Moreno, but he is just as good. He is an outstanding 6-0, 240lbs, and runs at a good 4.45 pace. In his freshman season last year he racked up 1227 Yards at an average of just over 5 yards per carry, as well as 13 TDs. On top of that he is a fantastic receiver, catching 44 balls for 655 Yards and 4 TDs.
2. Chris Wells, Ohio State (Junior)
Widely regarded as the best RB in next year's class and a main Heisman contender, Wells has great size at 6-1, 237 combined with solid 4.4-4.45 speed. His production is outstanding as well, one of my main problems with him though is that he only had 5 Receptions last year.
3. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (Redshirt Sophomore)
Moreno was one of the freshman stars of last season, putting together 1334 Yards on the ground at an average of 5.37, along with 14 TDs. He also had 20 receptions for 253 Yards. The reason I have him at #3 is his size- he is 5-11, 207, and may need to bulk up to play in the NFL. He does have better speed than Wells and Unga, however.
4. Arian Foster, Tennessee (Senior)
Foster had 1193 Yards last year at 4.86 YPA, with 12 TDs, a breakout season for him. He had great size at 6-1, 215, and legitimate 4.4-4.45 speed. I like his all-round game, as he had 39 receptions as well as being the main runner for the Volunteers.
5. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska (Senior)
Lucky is another great all-round RB. On a pretty poor Nebraska team last year he had 1019 Yards and 9 TDs rushing, with a 4.94 YPA. The thing that sets him apart, however, is his 75 receptions, 705 Yards and 3 TDs in the air. He also has good size at 6-0, 215, and solid 4.45 speed. He moves well in the open field, and takes contact well.
6. Keiland Williams, Louisiana State (Junior)
Williams has not had much production as of yet, but he has all the tools to succeed in the NFL; great size (5-11, 223), very good speed (4.4-4.45), good physicality when running, good hands and good moves in the open field. He will be getting a lot more carries now that Hester is gone.
7. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh (Redshirt Sophomore)
McCoy has been getting a lot of hype, but in reality is not as ready as fellow sophomores Unga and Moreno. He has similar size to Moreno, although runs around the 4.5 area. He had slightly less yards than Moreno last year, on more carries, although he also had 14 TDs. McCoy has shown himself to be a good asset in the passing game as well, and physically has all the tools you look for.
8. James Davis, Clemson (Senior)
Davis is one part of Clemson's dynamic RB duo and, although he is less hyped than C.J. Spiller, he grades out as the better pro prospect. Davis has nice speed and a very good burst, and has very good moves in the open field. He picked up just over 1000 yards on the ground last year, at an average of just below 5 YPA. He put together 10 TDs along with that, although was lacking slightly in the passing game, with just 12 Receptions.
9. Darrell Mack, Utah (Senior)
This guy has gone largely under the radar so far, but he is high on my list. He gained 1204 Yards on the ground last year at an average of 4.7 YPA, with 12 TDs. He also has good size at 6-0, 220. The main cons on him right now is his speed, although I see him as a 4.5ish guy, and he knows how to move as well. He hits the hole pretty quickly too, so that shouldn't be a problem IMO.
10. Charles Scott, Louisiana State (Junior)
Pretty much the same as Williams. He has very similar size, speed and running style, and is the #2 behind Williams right now which is why he is lower. They both come off as very similar prospects in a lot of ways, and will both be sharing carries at Louisiana State this year.
Other RBs On My Radar:
Kory Sheets, Purdue
Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
Reggie Arnold, Arkansas State
C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Anthony Allen, Louisville
Donald Brown, Connecticut
Mike Goodson, Texas A&M
DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
DaJuane Collins, Toledo
Damion Fletcher, Southern Mississippi
Michael Smith, Arkansas
Top Sleeper
Jay Lucas, Southeastern Louisiana (Senior)
This kid is 5-11, 220 with solid 4.5 speed IMO. Last year at D-IAA he ammassed 1239 Yards and 12 TDs, with a YPA of 7.13. Along with that he had 51 Receptions for 485 Yards and 3 TDs.
He runs well with solid speed and agility, and handles contact well. The main cons on him right now seem his speed and level of competition, although if he shows he has legitmate 4.5+ speed and if he dominates again this year, he could find himself going on the first day.
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