9. LaMichael James, Oregon
Height/Weight: 5'8/194
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.45 forty, 1.57 10-yd split, 15 x 225, 35" vertical, 10'3" broad jump, 4.12 ss
Style Comparison: Danny Woodhead
2011 Stats: 247 - 1,805 (7.3) - 18 TD; 17 - 210 (12.4) - 1 TD
Draft Prediction: Rams, No. 96 overall.
Positives/Negatives: James had the ideal skill set for Oregon's fast-paced spread offense, but put up numbers that exceed his abilities that translate to the NFL. He can take a run all the way if given a clear lane, but often gave up on runs too early by heading immediately for the sideline when faced with trash in the middle of the field. James showed a willingness to stick his nose in contact early in games and an elusive style, but injuries and jarring hits pushed him farther and farther to the boundary. If you separate James' most explosive plays, many come from beating the defense to the edge and outrunning opponents down the sideline. Those types of runs are far more difficult in the NFL.
Outlook: James will be a return asset, but his offensive impact should be limited to a third-down receiving role. He certainly has plenty of quickness and long speed with experience in space to be an interesting weapon, but James' unwillingness to take punishment between the tackles will limit him in the pros.
10. Robert Turbin, Utah State
Height/Weight: 5'10/222
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.50 forty, 1.60 10-yd split, 28 x 225, 36" vertical, 10'2" broad, 4.31 ss
Style Comparison: Marion Barber
2011 Stats: 249 - 1,517 (6.1) - 19 TD; 17 - 171 (10.1) - 4 TD
Draft Prediction: Giants, No. 94 overall.
Positives/Negatives: Turbin is muscle bound with a high posture and possesses little bend when lowering his shoulder on contact. He hesitates on every lateral movement to the left, likely due to a prior knee injury, taking multiple steps to plant and cut upfield. Turbin is the definition of a straight-line runner in short spaces, creating little on his own. But that can also be a positive since Turbin takes what the defense gives him. Turbin can move upfield with purpose in his first few steps, but if the lane is clogged he stretches runs out on the edge too far. I have yet to figure out if his slower speed behind the line of scrimmage is patience or uncertainty. For being built so thickly, it is surprising how many times he goes down on initial contact. It comes down to his lack of balance.
Outlook: Turbin sure looks good coming off the bus, but most of his weight-room abilities do not transfer to on-the-field skills. His lack of bend and flexibility limit his balance, forcing Turbin to go down frequently on low tackles. His best projection is a goal-line type back that can break high arm tackles, but Turbin needs to lower his pad level regardless of what situation he falls into.
11. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M - 4.47 at 5'10/206 ... 5.21 career YPC with 36 total TDs... 103 catches... Likely will fit best in a one-cut heavy offense... Shared time with 2013 prospect Christine Michael ... Missed significant time due to injury ... Dances in the backfield often but those cuts translate to production in space.
12. Tauren Poole, Tennessee - 4.54 at 5'10/205 ... 4.49 career YPC ... 45 catches ... Best back during Shrine Week ... Little flash to his game, but a decisive style ... 1,000-yard season as a junior, only senior on offense in 2012 ... Good footwork but no real special quality ... Limited in the open field.
13. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State - 4.65 at 5'10/219 ... 5.69 career YPC ... 30 catches ... 31 TDs in two seasons after transferring from JUCO ... Goes down on first contact too often for a bigger back ... Little outside running ability ... Flashed more elusiveness and receiving ability during the Senior Bowl.
14. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State - 4.45 at 5'9/200 ... 5.66 career YPC ... 33 catches ... Loves the jump cut/lateral hop, uses it far too often and almost on every run ... Declared after redshirt sophomore season ... Running style offers two outcomes: long runs due to creation of open space or tackles for loss ...Change-of-pace back that must improve pass pro.
15. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky - 4.51 at 5'7/205 ... 5.07 career YPC ... 80 catches ... Played behind dreadful OL but shined when given space at second level ... Compact runner tough to locate between tackles ... second in FBS in rushing yards per game... reliable receiver and carried the load often.
Other RBs on the NFL draft radar - Edwin Baker (Michigan State), Terrance Ganaway (Baylor), Daniel Herron (Ohio State), Antwon Bailey (Syracuse), Adonis Thomas (Toledo), Marc Tyler (USC), Darrell Scott (USF), Davin Meggett (Maryland), Rodney Stewart (Colorado), Brandon Bolden (Ole Miss), Lennon Creer (Louisiana Tech), Derrick Coleman (UCLA), Fozzy Whittaker (Texas), Bryce Brown (Kansas State).
With just one running back selected in the first round of last year's draft, the positional value may have hit an all-time low. However, last year's weaker talent pool likely played a role, with many teams waiting to select a ball carrier until the draft's second day (seven top-73 selections).
This year's group is headlined by consensus top-five talent Trent Richardson, but questions remain as to whether value fits the price. 2012's potential three-down backs do not end with Richardson, as a handful of other talents have a legitimate chance at cracking the end of round one to complete playoff-caliber offenses. Factor in that many teams now employ zone-running schemes, and prospects with one-cut ability may be pushed back up the board. There are several of them.
Despite a drop-off in demand, the running back talent has not decreased this year. Let's take a look at the top prospects.
1. Trent Richardson, Alabama
Height/Weight: 5'9/228
College Experience: Third-year junior
Pro Day #s: 4.48 forty, 1.56 10-yd split, 25 x 225
Style Comparison: Steven Jackson
2011 Stats: 283 - 1679 (5.9) - 21 TD; 29 - 338 (11.7) - 3 TD
Draft Prediction: Browns, No. 4 overall.
Positives: He truly is the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson. Richardson has a dominant yet subtle hop step that is incredibly effective when evading tacklers near the line of scrimmage. His lateral decisions are made without hesitation after recognizing obstructed lanes. Richardson's balance and low center of gravity may be his most impressive qualities, allowing him to consistently break arm tackles and accelerate quickly after his momentum has slowed. Richardson seemed to press the issue as a sophomore, frequently rushing his opportunities, hellbent on taking every handoff to the endzone. As a junior, Richardson showed improved patience behind blockers, waiting for a lane to open slightly before bursting through it. That perseverance continues at the second level, where Richardson stays inside the numbers without veering toward the sideline to avoid contact unless necessary. For a power back, Richardson is rarely caught from behind, and the way he holds the football high and tight through contact prevents fumbling despite relentlessly fighting for extra yardage. To complete his three-down status, Richardson is balanced in pass pro and delivers solid pop while mirroring oncoming rushers. His receiving talents are sometimes overlooked, but Richardson is comfortable on the edge and in space.
Negatives: At times Richardson tries too hard in the open field, attempting multiple cuts and fakes instead of plowing through smaller defenders or working upfield on a single cut. When facing immediate pressure after the handoff, Richardson struggles to accelerate, needing at least a step or two in the backfield to get his bearings. The thickly-built ball carrier does not have blazing long speed, but Richardson consistently wins by keeping that little separation with short bursts and lateral moves. He takes what the offense gives him, sticking to his assignment, but some may confuse this as lacking "home run" ability. Richardson's postseason work has been limited due to a knee scope.
Outlook: While most believe the position has lost value, it is tough to overlook that Richardson would significantly impact how a defense prepares for his team's offense. Richardson will soon become one of the NFL's top players at his position and produce in all phases from his first pro snap. The balance, burst, and reaction skills Richardson possesses make him an undeniably elite talent.
2. Doug Martin, Boise State
Height/Weight: 5'9/223
College Experience: Fifth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.55 forty, 1.64 10-yd split, 28 x 225, 36" vertical, 10' broad jump, 4.16 ss
Style Comparison: Jonathan Stewart
2011 Stats: 263 - 1,299 (4.9) - 16 TD; 28 - 255 (9.1) - 2 TD
Draft Prediction: Broncos, No. 25 overall.
Positives: Martin possesses a power-back frame but is quite nimble. His hip and lower-body flexibility along with a strong core help Martin formulate decisive, one-step cuts to weave in and out of lanes while avoiding tacklers. When faced with contact, Martin keeps his legs churning and refuses to go down on the first hit. It's Martin's best quality; his comfort in tight spaces with patience to work behind linemen and cut off of their blocks. Martin gets skinny through creases and prevents tacklers from taking direct angles. Along with his balance, Martin has ideal ball-carrying posture with his shoulders always over his toes in trash. He is fearless one-on-one and prefers to work back inside, a trait you don't see in most college backs, who typically favor the sideline. This is a major asset on outside runs when defenders maintain their edge responsibilities. Many backs will run laterally in these situations, but Martin puts his foot in the ground and locates a lane quickly with power. His open-field wiggle is subtle, but underrated.
Negatives: Martin does lack outstanding burst from a standstill, one that punishes a tackler instantly after his momentum is stopped. Although Martin is a reliable receiver, he loses momentum after the catch, especially when forced to adjust to throws. Other than tough running, lower-half balance, and occasional stiff arms, Martin lacks a wide array of moves and overall flash to his game. At times Martin seems to get too patient in the backfield, especially on counter plays when he is forced to outrun backside pressure. He has return experience, but straight-line speed is not his foundation. Instead of making multiple cuts, Martin prefers to stick with instinct and vision while grinding out tough yards.
Outlook: Only one running back was selected in last year's first round, and many believe that should remain the case this season. However, I firmly believe Martin is a first-round talent, and he is the No. 18 overall player on my big board. He is the only other guaranteed three-down back in this draft, and Broncos coach John Fox has a history of preferring those types of runners. The "Muscle Hamster" is poised to produce in multiple phases as an NFL rookie.
3. Chris Polk, Washington
Height/Weight: 5'11/215
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.57 forty, 1.65 10-yd split, 31.5" vertical, 9'3" broad jump, 4.21 ss
Style Comparison: Frank Gore
2011 Stats: 293 - 1488 (5.1) - 12 TD; 31 - 332 (10.7) - 4 TD
Draft Prediction: Packers, No. 59 overall.
Positives: Richardson and Martin included, Polk possesses the best combination of patience and vision in this class. His comfort behind linemen is evident, as he hesitates in soft areas while weaving and gliding between lanes. This forces defenders off their angles, always adjusting to Polk's movements. Despite his smooth style, Polk can deliver pop, bulling through second-level tackles or in the open field. He has a power back's mentality in short yardage, keeping his eyes up to find slivers of space. Polk effectively maintains distance from defenders on long runs, rarely getting caught from behind and frequently cutting runs back inside for extra yards. He excels alongside the quarterback in the shotgun formation, with seamless cuts on draws or as an in-space receiver. Polk has reliable hands at every level and runs routes with more strength than many wideouts, staying on his line while absorbing physical defensive backs from the slot or the backfield. Even for his one-speed game, Polk breaks plenty of arm tackles while keeping a strong base and consistently falling forward.
Negatives: Polk would be a better back if he lowered his pad level. His upright style helps with vision, but his shoulders are rarely over his toes unless he is bracing for contact. Even through the hole Polk stays high, exposing the football and losing balance and strength to break more tackles. He is unable to make something out of nothing and needs space to work with. Polk's patience is largely an asset, but there are instances when it causes him to get caught from behind while waiting for his lane to appear. Despite being an excellent receiver, Polk whiffs on too many protection assignments. This was a glaring weakness at the Senior Bowl. Polk also showed up overweight in Mobile, but has since worked to change that, dropping nine pounds since January. The lighter frame may help Polk hit the edge more quickly and beat linebackers on stretch runs.
Outlook: Polk can be an NFL three-down back if he improves in pass protection. His silky-smooth running style is unique and may turn off evaluators that prefer quick-twitch runners with elite burst. But Polk makes it work. Some accused Polk of a poor Senior Bowl, but the fact is that is not the kind of situation in which he'd ever excel. The more comfortable Polk is with his blockers' timing, the more successful he will be. I expect Polk to take a bit longer to produce than other backs on this list, but his receiving skills will help him earn an early role.
4. David Wilson, Virginia Tech
Height/Weight: 5'10/206
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.49 forty, 1.57 10-yd split, 41" vertical, 11' broad jump, 4.12 ss
Style Comparison: Ahmad Bradshaw
2011 Stats: 290 - 1,709 (5.9) - 9 TD; 22 - 129 (5.9) - 1 TD
Draft Prediction: Jets, No. 47 overall.
Positives: There is a lot to like about Wilson's punishing, old-school style. He hits to harm the tackler while pedaling his feet through contact. Wilson's burst from a standstill is among the best in this draft at any position, generating plenty of power even in the first few steps. He is always fighting, relentlessly refusing to go down while carrying multiple defenders. When a linebacker or safety is clearly blocked at the second level, Wilson surges through the lane with exceptional acceleration and has outstanding straight-line speed, especially for someone of his thickness. Wilson produced highlight-reel runs with tremendous improvisational skills when switching fields on stretch plays. All Wilson cares about is gaining extra yards, never worrying about what it takes to get them.
Negatives: As much as Wilson's game is easy to fall in love with, plenty of questions remain. He lacks instincts of a refined runner, meaning his choices on where and when to cut are often evident to defenders. These transitions are not seamless, sometimes requiring extra steps when breaking off his line or stretching runs out too far because of indecision. Wilson's improvisational skills show up in highlights, but there are just as many occasions that he loses yards due to running in an unintended lane or not trusting his blockers. With the clock winding down while trailing, Wilson tries to take every run to the house, forcing the issue rather than letting yards come to him. He frequently fails to hold the football in the proper arm, leading to fumbles. Wilson looks uncomfortable as a receiver in space without the ball and will likely be limited to quick-hitters in the passing game. He also lacks a true wiggle, utilizing a slow lateral hop but mostly winning on contact. I also worry that Wilson's battering-ram running style will wear him down more quickly than other backs. Wilson tends to drop his head on contact, and ultimately be may be too physical, if that is possible.
Outlook: I understand why some evaluators deem Wilson this year's No. 2 back. There is certainly a lot to like. However, too often I see Wilson running on his own terms, flowing to lanes of his choosing rather than where the play is designed. Wilson's decision making is not crisp, but his tremendous burst can make up for wasted steps. If Wilson can somehow improve his instincts through experience, he could be the total package of speed and brute force.
5. Lamar Miller, Miami
Height/Weight: 5'11/212
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine #s: 4.40 forty, 1.53 10-yd split, 33" vertical
Style Comparison: Clinton Portis
2011 Stats: 227 - 1,272 (5.6) - 9 TD; 17 - 85 (5.0) - 1 TD
Draft Prediction: Buccaneers, No. 36 overall.
Positives: A one-cut homerun hitter, Miller burst onto the scene as a redshirt sophomore with electrifying breakaway runs. If a crease appears, Miller is off to the races and flashes wiggle in the lane in one-on-one situations. For a younger back, Miller rarely stretches runs to the sideline longer than he should, working back inside to find lanes. He shows patience at the second level when finding soft areas in trash, even dipping his shoulder to absorb punishment. Miller possesses impressive change-field ability with more than enough speed to start on one sideline and end up on the other with little wasted movement. Some may argue that it is natural awareness, but Miller knows when to run at a defender and when to run away. Once Miller breaks from the pack, he's gone.
Negatives: Miller leaves too many yards on the field, rarely gaining yardage once his momentum is stopped in the backfield. Not only does he lose behind the line of scrimmage, but Miller fails to beat first contact versus linebackers filling the open lane. Speed is Miller's best asset in the open field, but when he attempts to make a tackler miss his lateral hop is more of a jump than a subtle step. He possesses soft hands, even occasionally adjusting to back-shoulder throws downfield, but was rarely used in the passing game at Miami. Miller cannot pass protect and lacks instant fluidity after the reception.
Outlook: I dislike comparing players who attended the same college, but Miller's frame and running style mirror fellow former Hurricane Clinton Portis'. Miller will succeed most in a zone-heavy, clear-crease scheme that will hide his lack of wiggle due to successful blocks at the second level.
6. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
Height/Weight: 5'10/197
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.47 forty, 1.55 10-yd split, 33" vertical, 9'8" broad jump, 4.32 ss
Style Comparison: Pierre Thomas
2011 Stats: 237 - 1,259 (5.3) - 12 TD; 39 - 319 (8.2) - 3 TD
Draft Prediction: Bengals, No. 83 overall.
Positives/Negatives: Pead was good for one big play per game at Cincinnati. His special quality is the fact that those plays all started in different ways. Pead runs comfortably between the tackles with multiple cuts off the backs of downfield linemen while keeping his distance from defenders by running into open areas. However, Pead does not possess enough of a burst or refined footwork from a slower pace for it to be a foundation of his game. He frequently split out wide as a receiver at the snap in college, adjusting to poor throws while flashing toughness to challenge tacklers head-on or utilizing lateral hops in trash to switch lanes. Even as a returner, Pead has deceiving long speed with an awareness to run to unoccupied portions of the field. This vision is a great asset in space or behind blockers, where Pead showcases a knack for cutback runs.
Outlook: My biggest question is whether Pead's style will translate to NFL competition because he doesn't play with tremendous explosion. Pead's skills did stand out during Senior Bowl week, and I will admit to having similar questions about DeMarco Murray last season. Pead shows effort in blitz pickup, but his wiry frame limits him. I doubt he will be a consistent every-down player, but Pead certainly looks capable of producing in a committee-type rotation.
7. Bernard Pierce, Temple
Height/Weight: 5'11/207
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.49 forty, 1.60 10-yd split, 17 x 225, 36.5" vertical, 10'3" broad jump, 4.28 ss
Style Comparison: Ryan Grant
2011 Stats: 273 - 1,481 (5.4) - 27 TD; 3 - 52 (17.3) - 3 TD
Draft Prediction: Steelers, No. 86 overall.
Positives/Negatives: Pierce will be limited to a zone-style NFL scheme because he is a one-cut runner without agility, and requires a full head of steam before hitting the hole. Pierce's cuts are crisp and he breaks a high volume of tackles with exceptional lower-half balance, but he lacks wiggle thereafter. With the broken tackles come a lot of hits, and Pierce certainly has suffered his fair share of injuries. His cuts are sudden and he deflects off tackles even early in his runs, but there is no real burst to Pierce's game and his long runs in college came only when he reached full speed against weak competition. Low pad level certainly helps Pierce's cause and he played behind what was regarded as a fairly porous Temple offensive line, although his stat line might tell you otherwise.
Outlook: The Steelers run plenty of outside zone, so Pierce could be a middle-round fit in Pittsburgh. I was not expecting Pierce's high 4.4 forty time at the Combine, but it shows just how fast he can get after building speed. Injuries are a major question, Pierce lacks any hint of passing game value, and he is somewhat limited in his style, but he has a chance to shine in the right system.
8. Michael Smith, Utah State
Height/Weight: 5'9/207
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Pro Day #s: 4.33 forty, 1.48 10-yd split, 23 x 225, 40.5" vertical, 10'6" broad jump
Style Comparison: Kendall Hunter
2011 Stats: 114 - 870 (7.6) - 9 TD; 16 - 181 (11.3) - 2 TD
Draft Prediction: Chargers, No. 149 overall.
Positives/Negatives: For a small runner, Smith stays between the tackles with confidence and maturity. He is always moving upfield, making decisive cuts in the style of a larger, straight-ahead runner. Despite a fearless approach that is uncommon for a back his size, Smith's momentum is often stuffed on first contact, but he spins away effectively for the extra yard. Smith regularly fights off contact downfield if tackled high, and even breaks a few, which is noteworthy for his stature. The best part of Smith's game is his lateral agility off of a single cut with excellent anticipation to stay away from a would-be tackler's grasp. His multiple slight hops in the lane help avoid contact but rarely does he overuse the move. Smith is a trustworthy runner, sticking to his blocks at all levels. He has plenty of speed and reaction quickness to work around backfield penetration, and lowers his shoulder on contact when necessary.
Outlook: Smith may never be a three-down NFL back and even played second fiddle to Robert Turbin in college, but his skills are certainly electric. For a compact runner with his outstanding workout numbers, Smith has a remarkably refined style. He will be a tremendous role player on third downs and dynamic change-of-pace back. Smith has a great opportunity to be one of the surprises of the draft a few years from now by outperforming his draft selection.
9. LaMichael James, Oregon
Height/Weight: 5'8/194
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.45 forty, 1.57 10-yd split, 15 x 225, 35" vertical, 10'3" broad jump, 4.12 ss
Style Comparison: Danny Woodhead
2011 Stats: 247 - 1,805 (7.3) - 18 TD; 17 - 210 (12.4) - 1 TD
Draft Prediction: Rams, No. 96 overall.
Positives/Negatives: James had the ideal skill set for Oregon's fast-paced spread offense, but put up numbers that exceed his abilities that translate to the NFL. He can take a run all the way if given a clear lane, but often gave up on runs too early by heading immediately for the sideline when faced with trash in the middle of the field. James showed a willingness to stick his nose in contact early in games and an elusive style, but injuries and jarring hits pushed him farther and farther to the boundary. If you separate James' most explosive plays, many come from beating the defense to the edge and outrunning opponents down the sideline. Those types of runs are far more difficult in the NFL.
Outlook: James will be a return asset, but his offensive impact should be limited to a third-down receiving role. He certainly has plenty of quickness and long speed with experience in space to be an interesting weapon, but James' unwillingness to take punishment between the tackles will limit him in the pros.
10. Robert Turbin, Utah State
Height/Weight: 5'10/222
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.50 forty, 1.60 10-yd split, 28 x 225, 36" vertical, 10'2" broad, 4.31 ss
Style Comparison: Marion Barber
2011 Stats: 249 - 1,517 (6.1) - 19 TD; 17 - 171 (10.1) - 4 TD
Draft Prediction: Giants, No. 94 overall.
Positives/Negatives: Turbin is muscle bound with a high posture and possesses little bend when lowering his shoulder on contact. He hesitates on every lateral movement to the left, likely due to a prior knee injury, taking multiple steps to plant and cut upfield. Turbin is the definition of a straight-line runner in short spaces, creating little on his own. But that can also be a positive since Turbin takes what the defense gives him. Turbin can move upfield with purpose in his first few steps, but if the lane is clogged he stretches runs out on the edge too far. I have yet to figure out if his slower speed behind the line of scrimmage is patience or uncertainty. For being built so thickly, it is surprising how many times he goes down on initial contact. It comes down to his lack of balance.
Outlook: Turbin sure looks good coming off the bus, but most of his weight-room abilities do not transfer to on-the-field skills. His lack of bend and flexibility limit his balance, forcing Turbin to go down frequently on low tackles. His best projection is a goal-line type back that can break high arm tackles, but Turbin needs to lower his pad level regardless of what situation he falls into.
11. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M - 4.47 at 5'10/206 ... 5.21 career YPC with 36 total TDs... 103 catches... Likely will fit best in a one-cut heavy offense... Shared time with 2013 prospect Christine Michael ... Missed significant time due to injury ... Dances in the backfield often but those cuts translate to production in space.
12. Tauren Poole, Tennessee - 4.54 at 5'10/205 ... 4.49 career YPC ... 45 catches ... Best back during Shrine Week ... Little flash to his game, but a decisive style ... 1,000-yard season as a junior, only senior on offense in 2012 ... Good footwork but no real special quality ... Limited in the open field.
13. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State - 4.65 at 5'10/219 ... 5.69 career YPC ... 30 catches ... 31 TDs in two seasons after transferring from JUCO ... Goes down on first contact too often for a bigger back ... Little outside running ability ... Flashed more elusiveness and receiving ability during the Senior Bowl.
14. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State - 4.45 at 5'9/200 ... 5.66 career YPC ... 33 catches ... Loves the jump cut/lateral hop, uses it far too often and almost on every run ... Declared after redshirt sophomore season ... Running style offers two outcomes: long runs due to creation of open space or tackles for loss ...Change-of-pace back that must improve pass pro.
15. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky - 4.51 at 5'7/205 ... 5.07 career YPC ... 80 catches ... Played behind dreadful OL but shined when given space at second level ... Compact runner tough to locate between tackles ... second in FBS in rushing yards per game... reliable receiver and carried the load often.
Other RBs on the NFL draft radar - Edwin Baker (Michigan State), Terrance Ganaway (Baylor), Daniel Herron (Ohio State), Antwon Bailey (Syracuse), Adonis Thomas (Toledo), Marc Tyler (USC), Darrell Scott (USF), Davin Meggett (Maryland), Rodney Stewart (Colorado), Brandon Bolden (Ole Miss), Lennon Creer (Louisiana Tech), Derrick Coleman (UCLA), Fozzy Whittaker (Texas), Bryce Brown (Kansas State).