2009 DRAFT PROSPECTS: The Running backs

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2009 TOP RUNNING BACK PROSPECTS

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#1

Derrick Lear, Syracuse, So. (5'11", 206, age 22) - 2008 stats (did not play)
Another scholastic underachiever, Derrick Lear is the closest thing to a sure bet in the running back crop. The French major decided to pass up his remaining eligibility after sitting out last season due to poor grades. Prior to that Lear was the backup to Frank Boyer, another '09 prospect. Lear rumbled for 274 yards on 50 carries in 11 games. He's untested, but he has fresh legs without a doubt. It's highly likely that this young man will be starting for someone a couple of years down the road - Lear just doesn't have any glaring weaknesses.

AS SCOUTED (in college): 40/74
STRENGTHS: Power inside.. getting downfield.. endurance.. avoid fumbles
WEAKNESSES: Hole recognition.. third down catching.. route running
OTHER NOTES: 13th-ranked RB prospect out of high school
PROJECTION: mid-First Round potential

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#2

Roy Ramsey, Indiana, Sr. (5'10", 205, age 22) - 2008 stats (11gs, 247 att, 859 ruyards, 7 td - 39 rec, 462 reyards, 3 td - 5 fum)
Not many football players from Bobby Knight U make the transition to the pro game, but Roy Ramsey is an exception. The four year starter is the Big Ten's fifth-leading rusher in history (3,134). In addition to that he's third all-time in receptions (148). Those are big-time numbers that many hope will translate to a premier IFL back. He probably has the most potential, but many think he was used too much behind a below average line. Lear or Ramsey? Ramsey or Lear?

AS SCOUTED (in college): 77/100
STRENGTHS: Breakaway running.. speed to the outside.. third down running.. power inside
WEAKNESSES: Avoid fumbles.. endurance.. getting downfield
OTHER NOTES: Award 252 stokes during his college career
PROJECTION: Top 10 potential

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#3

Grant Hernandez, Virginia, Sr. (5'9", 214, age 22) - 2008 stats (9gs, 179 att, 833 ruyards, 7 td - 39 rec, 353, 1 td - 3 fum)
Grant Hernandez is a bruiser and a guy that can make defenders look silly at times in the backfield. The Bronx, NY native took over the half back duties for the Cavaliers straight out of high school. In his sophomore season Hernandez put up over 1,500 rushing yards along with 22 touchdowns. However, in 2007 and 2008 he played in a combined 14 games due to some lingering injuries. There's no doubt the 2006 ACC 2nd team RB can bring it, it's just a matter of him staying healthy. Rodriguez should be a late day one pick at worst.


AS SCOUTED (in college): 93/93
STRENGTHS: Power inside.. route running.. third down receiving.. elusiveness
WEAKNESSES: Breakaway running.. hole recognition.. getting downfield
OTHER NOTES: 2nd in ACC history with 41 rushing touchdowns
PROJECTION: mid-1st Round potential

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#4

Phil Garrett, Alabama, Sr. (5'10", 204, age 25) - 2008 stats (12gs, 335 att, 1634 ruyards, 15 td - 22 rec, 251 reyards, 0 td - 4 fum)
Another four year starter, Phil Garrett doesn't have much more to prove at the collegiate level. His career numbers do all the talking: 5,577 rushing yards (1st in NCAA history), 47 rushing touchdowns (4th in history), 7,761 all-purpose yards (1st in history). 'Bama has seen better years, but without Garrett they would be totally lost. Of course, the typical questions about the wear on his legs will come into play on draft day. This fan favorite is sure to bring the kitchen sink to your team if you draft him though.

AS SCOUTED (in college): 76/92
STRENGTHS: Power inside.. third down receiving.. breakaway running.. elusiveness
WEAKNESSES: Hole recognition.. third down running.. route running
OTHER NOTES: Rated the #2 back out of high school by Rivals.com
PROJECTION: Late 1st Round potential

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#5

J.C. Polanco, Florida State, Sr. (5'8", 187, age 25) - 2008 stats (11gs, 297 att, 1,104 ruyards, 6 td - 24 rec, 286 reyards, 0 td - 5 fumbles)
J.C. Polanco isn't as heralded as some of the other backs in this class, but he has shown glimpses of a skilled and very determined back. Named the starter in his sophomore year, he didn't really get the ball much until his junior year. Polanco was named ACC 1st Team in a conference known for its elite halfbacks after racking up 1,738 yards and 13 touchdowns. His number of carries and production dropped a bit in his senior season perhaps due to the loss of a few key linemen. You could do a lot worse than having J.C. Polanco in your backfield.

AS SCOUTED (in college): 76/79
STRENGTHS: Endurance.. avoid fumbles.. power inside.. third down receiving
WEAKNESSES: Breakaway running.. hole recognition.. getting downfield
OTHER NOTES: Born in Wewahitchka, Florida
PROJECTION: 2nd Round potential