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RB Profiles
By: John McMullen
Running Back Update: 1/28/99
Running back is a position that has undergone a much bigger upheaval since my last update. Juniors Ron Dayne and J.R. Redmond decided to head back to the campus for their senior years leaving NFL teams without the option of drafting the two superlative backs. However, it hasn't been all bad as Miami's Edgerrin James had a great second half making himself into a certain first rounder and decided to say goodbye to the Hurricanes.
In other running back news Ricky Williams stayed safely atop the list looking like a prototypical franchise back who will not last past the second pick. Syracuse's Rob Konrad remained the drafts only legitimate can't miss fullback and West Virginia's Amos Zereoue developed two camps, one who thinks he's the next Barry Sanders and another that thinks he's too small for the big time. As usual the truth probably lies in between.
Here are the new ratings with rundowns of the new players appearing:
- Ricky Williams Texas 5-10 235
- Edgerrin James Miami 6-1 225
James has excellent size and big time natural running ability. He has above average speed , excellent acceleration, massive leg strength and the moves to make people miss. James is also a very patient runner who will let his blocks develop. He's a good pass receiver and has shown the raw skills to pick up the blitz. On the downside, at times James needs to hit the hole harder and finish his runs plus he has had a fumbling problem in the past.
- Amos Zereoue West Virginia 5-11 200
- Rob Konrad Syracuse 6-3 255
- Kevin Faulk LSU 5-8 195
- Sedric Irvin Mich. State 5-11 215
- Mike Cloud Boston College 5-10 205
Cloud is a hard working, physical tough runner who doesn't have a lot of natural ability but is very productive. He does have good vision and usually can make the first tackler miss. He should be a nice backup, move the chains type back at the next level.
- Autry Denson Notre Dame 5-9 185
Denson is another productive runner who lacks the size and long speed to be an upper echelon back. He does have good all-around skills which make him a very underrated runner. He has excellent vision, great quickness and the cutback instincts to make yardage. He has also proven himself to be very durable at Notre Dame. Denson is also an excellent receiver and has even split out to wide receiver at times. He should be a nice complimentary back at the next level.
- Sirr Parker Texas A&M 5-11 190
Parker is extremely talented and athletic. He has frightening speed and quickness but is just too small to be a feature back at the NFL level. He has the hands to split out and be an absolute headache on third downs. With his speed, Parker should also develop into an excellent kick returner.
- Anthony Gray Western New Mexico 6-0 233
For profiles on all these players check out John's last update.
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