Gil Brandt's top five college football senior running backs

In the early days of the NFL draft, particularly from the league's inaugural draft in 1939 through 1960, running backs came off the draft board very quickly. In 1938 in particular, nine of the first 10 draft picks were running backs, including Whizzer White, who went on to become an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Fast forward to the 2013 NFL Draft and not one running back was selected in the first round. It is possible that happens again in 2014.
-- Gil Brandt (follow on Twitter @gil_brandt)

1 / 6

In the early days of the NFL draft, particularly from the league's inaugural draft in 1939 through 1960, running backs came off the draft board very quickly. In 1938 in particular, nine of the first 10 draft picks were running backs, including Whizzer White, who went on to become an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Fast forward to the 2013 NFL Draft and not one running back was selected in the first round. It is possible that happens again in 2014.

-- Gil Brandt (follow on Twitter @gil_brandt)

The 6-foot-0, 213-pound running back previously played at the University of Houston, but transferred to West Virginia for his final season of eligibility (he graduated from UH in May, therefore he won't have to sit out a season). This guy can run like the wind, having run a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He should be great in the West Virginia system, and could be like St. Louis Rams first-round draft pick Tavon Austin, who played some running back against Oklahoma and rushed for a school single-game record 344 yards. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

2 / 6

1. Charles Sims, West Virginia

The 6-foot-0, 213-pound running back previously played at the University of Houston, but transferred to West Virginia for his final season of eligibility (he graduated from UH in May, therefore he won't have to sit out a season). This guy can run like the wind, having run a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He should be great in the West Virginia system, and could be like St. Louis Rams first-round draft pick Tavon Austin, who played some running back against Oklahoma and rushed for a school single-game record 344 yards. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

Brandon Wade

Last season was Grice's first at ASU after two seasons playing junior college ball. Grice (6-foot-0, 204 pounds) had 19 touchdowns as a runner (11) and receiver (8) despite sharing time with two other running backs in a rotational situation. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

3 / 6

2. Marion Grice, Arizona State

Last season was Grice's first at ASU after two seasons playing junior college ball. Grice (6-foot-0, 204 pounds) had 19 touchdowns as a runner (11) and receiver (8) despite sharing time with two other running backs in a rotational situation. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Marcio Jose Sanchez

In his first season with the Trojans following a transfer from Penn State, Redd (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) gained 905 yards and had nine rushing touchdowns despite running behind a less-than-great offensive line. Redd is a capable inside runner and a great character person. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)

4 / 6

3. Silas Redd, USC

In his first season with the Trojans following a transfer from Penn State, Redd (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) gained 905 yards and had nine rushing touchdowns despite running behind a less-than-great offensive line. Redd is a capable inside runner and a great character person. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)

Ben Liebenberg/Ben Liebenberg2012

White (5-foot-10, 197 pounds) runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and has averaged more than six yards a carry in his career in Madison. Running backs in the past have split time in the Wisconsin backfield, and that should continue this season. Though it remains to be seen how much first-year Badger coach Gary Andersen will have White split time with redshirt sophomore Melvin Gordon. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

5 / 6

4. James White, Wisconsin

White (5-foot-10, 197 pounds) runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and has averaged more than six yards a carry in his career in Madison. Running backs in the past have split time in the Wisconsin backfield, and that should continue this season. Though it remains to be seen how much first-year Badger coach Gary Andersen will have White split time with redshirt sophomore Melvin Gordon. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Andy Manis/AP2012

Millard (6-foot-2, 259 pounds) is fast for a fullback, sporting a 4.65-second 40-yard dash time. He is a big back with speed, receiving ability and is an outstanding blocker. Despite playing fullback for the Sooners, Millard has the potential to be a tailback in the NFL. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

6 / 6

5. Trey Millard, Oklahoma

Millard (6-foot-2, 259 pounds) is fast for a fullback, sporting a 4.65-second 40-yard dash time. He is a big back with speed, receiving ability and is an outstanding blocker. Despite playing fullback for the Sooners, Millard has the potential to be a tailback in the NFL. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Sue Ogrocki

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Advertising

gallery

Super Bowl LIX - Style Guide & Décor

Take a look at the photographs that served as the artistic blueprint for Super Bowl LIX, and see how they were incorporated into the numerous event spaces throughout New Orleans.