Running Backs
1st Yvenson Bernard Oregan State 5'9" 202 4.52 est: For all of the hype around the battalion of HS All-Americans at the position at USC and the deserved attention Torain at ASU and Markey at UCLA have received, my money is on Bernard to lead the PAC 10 in rushing. Like Mike Hart, Ray Rice and Ian Johnson, Yveson Bernard is a standout back who does not stand out in any obvious and measurable way. His size and long speed and not eye-popping, however his balance, vision, and quickness are truly exceptional. In his career the durable and productive runner has put up in 82 career games 601 rushes 2,648 yards for 4.4 ypa 25TDs and 611 catches for 7.5 ypc and 2TDs. Think of a quicker Rueben Droughns.
2nd Cory Byrd, South Carolina 40 Time: 4.48 est
Senior Cory Byrd is the ideal tailback in Spurrier's offense. He's over 6 feet and weighs 214 pounds, is sneaky fast and catches the ball of the backfield extremely well; Byrd caught 35 passes for 406 receiving yards in 2006. He is a tough runner who can get the extra yard and has just enough cutting ability to shake defenders and make him very tough to bring down. His career stats are not terribly impressive-in 34 games he accounted for 284 rushes 1,364 yards 4.8 ypa 14TDs 81 catches for 898yards and 4 TDS. I think this will be a breakout year for the former standout prep safety and not unlike Marcus Allen another deceptively powerful, lanky former safety Boyd is very pro ready and could come close to equaling his previous stats this year. Think of a less high kneed Roger Craig.
3rd Dantrell Savage Oklahoma State Estimated 40 Time: 4.41 est
At just less than 5'9" and about 194 is far from the biggest back in the Big 12, but he might be the fastest and is one of the best. And speaking of the best, he had some his best games against some of their best competition totalling more tha 100 rushing yards against Texas A&M, Nebraska, Baylor, Texas Tech and Alabama. Savage's 2006 totals in 11 he had 126Atts 820yards 6.5ypa 8TDs 8 receptions for 48 yards. Dantrell Savage may double those totals this year. Think a tougher Trung Candidate.
Kalvin McRae Ohio U Estimated 40 Time: 4.51
At about 5-11 and 208 McRae has a good size speed mix. McRae rushed for 1,252 yards and 15 TDs, while catching 29 passes in 2006. With another year under Frank Solich and an ever-improving cast surrounding him, McRae may be a Doak Walker dark horse, he has 1,700 yard+ potential his career totals 36 games 609 rushes for 2,964yards 4.9 ypa 26TDs and 55 receptions 549 yards and 3 TDs
Amir Pinnix 5'11 204 Estimated 40 Time: 4.53
Pinnix rushed for 1,272 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006 despite not being the starter until Week 4. Though not as powerful as Moroney or Barber he can break tackles. If he is the starter all year 1,500+ yards is possible. Career totals- 35 games 356 rushes 1,876 yards 5.3 ypa 13 TDs 16catches and 138 yards.
