Running Backs

I like the group of running backs coming out in 2009. I see more than a handful of guys possessing good enough physical tools to fit into a variety of systems. The cream of this crop are sophomore Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) and junior Chris Wells (Ohio St.). Like last year, there are plenty of players who can make an impact as rookies including Rashad Jennings (Liberty), Shonn Greene (Iowa), LeSean McCoy (Pitt), James Davis (Clemson), Javon Ringer (Michigan St.), and Jeremiah Johnson (Oregon).

My favorite of these guys is Moreno. To me, he has everything you look for in a starting running back: excellent vision, hits the hole hard, plays with extreme intensity, gives maximum effort, solid blocking ability, good hands out of the backfield, superb acceleration and agility, and good run power. My only criticism is that he is not the fastest back out there. But don’t get me wrong, although his speed isn’t Adrian Peterson’s, he does have enough speed to worry opposing defenses. I would love to see him prove me wrong at the combine because then he would be the complete package!

Chris Wells is another dangerous running back. But he has way too many minor injuries for a big guy. He is a homerun hitter, but occasionally sits out of the game when his team needs him most (i.e bowl game against Texas). For a guy who weighs 237 lbs. I am always looking for more run power from him. He has the power, but it seems like he enjoys hurdling over or trying to juke his defenders instead. Nevertheless, he possesses speed and athleticism disproportionate to his immense size, and will amaze scouts at the combine with his workout numbers.

As for the rest of the backs I mentioned, LeSean McCoy has the look of a Reggie Bush, and will probably not be an every down back.

Shonn Greene, this year’s Doak Walker winner, is a workhorse back who will might be like Mike Hart (Indiannapolis Colts) in size and speed. He is a powerful north/south runner, but doesn’t move too well laterally because he is tight in the hips.

James Davis suffered from being on a poor Clemson team, but posseses big play ability and should do well in the NFL.

Liberty’s Jennings may be more of a goalline runner. I do like him a lot and hope he becomes more than a situational back.

Ringer showed he can handle being the focal point of an offense, and is very productive.  His physical tools are average, but he has more than enough heart.

And finally, Jeremiah Johnson played a similar role to that of Texans’ Steve Slaton in a spread option offense. And we all remember how pleasant  a surprise Slaton was this year!

But that’s just my take…

Who is your favorite?

Next time: Wide Receivers