It's never too early to start thinking about the 2009 NFL draft. While
plenty can -- and likely will -- change between now and April, here's a
look at the best college running backs.
10. Corey Lewis, Northern Iowa
Lewis projects as one of the top small-school prospects in the 2009
draft class. At 6-1, 200 pounds, Lewis led the Gateway Conference with
1,513 rushing yards last season. Adding bulk while maintaining his
adequate top-end speed (4.5 in the 40) will be critical to Lewis' draft
stock next April.
9. Ian Johnson, Boise State
Although Johnson is looking to rebound from an injury-riddled 2007
campaign, it's hard to ignore his career production to date (3,418
yards of total offense and 46 scores in 37 games). Johnson is plenty
fast, but size and durability concerns will ultimately hurt his draft
stock.
8. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon
A knee injury sidelined Johnson for the final six games of the 2007
season. Prior to the injury, Johnson carved out a niche as one of the
nation's most versatile and productive backup running backs. With
Jonathan Stewart playing for the Carolina Panthers now, Johnson's
opportunity to own the spotlight has arrived. Only time will tell if
his knee is strong enough to capitalize on it this fall.
7. Keegan Herring, Arizona State
This undersized speedster played a complementary role to power-back
Ryan Torain a year ago. With Torain gone to the NFL, Herring should see
his touches increase sizably in 2008. Herring averaged 5.3 yards per
carry a year ago and he's also a weapon as a receiver and return
specialist.
6. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
Sutton is a pint-sized jitterbug with lightening-quick feet and
excellent hands. Much like Darren Sproles of the San Diego Chargers,
Sutton is suited to fit a versatile role as a third-down back and
return specialist in the NFL. He needs to avoid the injury bug as a
senior and run in the 4.4's during postseason workouts in order to
cement a spot in the middle rounds.
5. Andre Brown, North Carolina State
Brown is a big, strong, north-south runner with pedestrian speed and
history of fumbling problems. He needs a healthy and productive senior
season in order land a spot in the mid to late rounds of the 2009 draft.
4. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska
Lucky's draft ceiling will always be limited by his lack of
explosiveness and some durability issues. However, he has matured both
on and off the field the past couple of years and has the size, hands
and versatility to contribute in the NFL.
3. Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Ringer has led the Spartans in rushing the past three seasons,
including his 1,447 yards as a junior in 2007. At 5-9, 200 pounds, he's
a bit undersized, and NFL scouts will closely monitor a shoulder injury
that limited his participation in the spring. However, Ringer is one of
the true home run threats in this year's senior class, making him a
good complement to a more powerful runner in a NFL backfield.
2. Arian Foster, Tennessee
Foster, who led the Vols with 1,193 rushing yards in 2007, is just 683
yards shy of becoming the school's all-time career rushing leader. He
underwent knee surgery in January and was limited during spring ball.
The physical, 6-foot-1, 220-pound back is expected to be at full
strength when the 2008 season kicks off, though.
1. James Davis, Clemson
After initially saying he was entering the 2008 NFL draft in January,
Davis wisely took advantage of the 72-hour grace period for an
underclassman to rescind his decision to leave school early and now
returns for his senior season. Despite a pair of 1,000-yard rushing
seasons and 38 career touchdowns, Davis was understandably frustrated
with his role in the offense a year ago (12 touches or fewer in six of
13 games). While he will still share the spotlight with talented junior
C.J. Spiller this fall, Davis is expected to carry a much heavier load.
Now he must live up to expectations in order to become the first senior
running back selected in the 2009 draft.
Is anyone here a Marine Biologist?
