Small School Running Backs
by Matt Miller
By Matt Feminis
This year’s crop of small school running backs is highlighted by one of the most productive runners in NCAA history, while a handful of others could figure into the Draft’s late rounds.
Omar Cuff (5-10 195), Delaware (I-AA)
A productive defensive back-turned-running back, Cuff set a I-AA record by scoring 34 rushing touchdowns this season. Delaware advanced to the I-AA national title game, and Cuff finished his season with 398 carries for 1,945 yards to go along with 55 receptions for 554 yards. Cuff was an absolute workhorse for the Blue Hens, toting 925 times in his four-year career, despite missing several games in 2006 (ankle). He also caught 129 balls. He has a track background, and is a well-conditioned athlete with stamina. His body fat is reported to be in the neighborhood of five percent. In UD’s single-back offense he never came off the field, often times motioning out of the backfield or lining up receiver. He’s a north-south back who runs tougher than his size. He has strong legs, shows good acceleration through the hole, runs with forward lean, and protects the football. He doesn’t seek out contact, but will deliver a blow. Cuff’s vision is adequate. May be a tweener at the next level. At 195 pounds, he doesn’t have a third-down back’s skill set. Cuff is a between-the-tackles runner who doesn’t display second-level elusiveness. He’s a willing blocker, but lacks upper-body strength. Better in space than in blitz pick-up. Was bulldozed by Appalachian State free safety prospect Corey Lynch. Cuff is a theater major who has worked hard to improve his game. Adding strength while maintaining speed may be a question, but Cuff is a late-round possibility.
Xavier Omon (5-11 220), Northwest Missouri State (Division II)
One of the most intriguing small school prospects available, Omon is a mature young man who has overcome personal tragedy, and fashioned one of the finest collegiate careers by a running back in NCAA history. Xavier lost two brothers–one to suicide, and the other was killed by a drunk driver. He wears jersey number 2 in honor of his fallen brothers. Team captain by virtue of a unanimous vote, Omon is a three-time All-American, and the first player in NCAA history to rush for 1,500 yards four times. He finished as the NCAA’s third-leading rusher (7,073 yards) and third-leading scorer (590 points). This fall, he carried the Bearcats to the national championship game for the third consecutive year, posting gaudy numbers: 370 carries for 2,337 yards (6.3 per carry) and 37 touchdowns. He also added 29 receptions. Omon is a determined runner whose stock has been steadily rising all season, as teams have sent multiple scouts to evaluate him up close. Stoutly built, Omon resembles an undersized fullback, but possesses vision and reads blocks well. He is a downhill runner with a massive lower body and deceptively quick feet who runs through arm tackles. He doesn’t have home-run speed, but has several long runs to his credit, including a 98-yard scoring dash in the semi-finals in which he outran Grand Valley State cornerback prospect Brandon Carr. He doesn’t accelerate well, and is neutralized by penetration, but rarely is he brought down by the first tackler beyond the line of scrimmage. Omon exhibits nifty second-level elusiveness for a power back, and finishes runs by delivering a blow. Stamina is also an asset, as he wears down defenses, and seems to thrive on carries. Dislocated a finger against GVSU, and didn’t miss a series. Wasn’t asked to block very often, but makes hands catches out of the backfield. Omon’s production is undeniable. With a good 40 time, he could solidify himself as a late-round selection.
Danny Woodhead (5-8 200), Chadron State (Division II)
The legend of Danny Woodhead has grown over the course of his truly historic four-year collegiate career. His on-field exploits have garnered feature stories from outlets such as USATODAY and CNNSI.com, and have left more than a few Nebraska Cornhusker fans wondering why Frank Solich didn’t extend a scholarship offer to the prolific Nebraska native. Woodhead isn’t just your run-of-the-mill productive small schooler. He concluded his Chadron State (NE) career as the most prolific rusher in the history of college football. . .at any level. In addition to an mind-boggling 7,962 rushing yards, he shares the NCAA career touchdown record with 109, and his 9,480 all-purpose yards ranks second all-time. Woodhead was awarded the 2006 Harlon Hill Trophy (given annually to the Division II player of the year), and was a finalist in each of his four years.
In terms of NFL potential, Woodhead’s size is a minus, but his speed and hands are appealing. He will participate in the Hula Bowl, and if he registers an encouraging 40 time, he’ll be viewed as a potential third-down back/kick returner.
Tim Hightower (6-1 225), Richmond (I-AA)
A high-cut runner with good feet (Tim has played soccer since age six), Hightower lacks the speed of a lead back, but his size, quickness, and production are appealing. In addition to rushing for over 1,9000 yards and averaging nearly six yards per carry, Hightower also caught over 100 balls out of the backfield in his career. A team captain who loves the game, Hightower plays on multiple special teams units, and reportedly has asked to help the team as a linebacker. He’s worked hard to improve his speed, and could succeed in a one-cut zone scheme. He’s a late-round/priory free agent who could raise some eyebrows in the right situation.
Jamar Brittingham (6-0 203), Bloomsburg (Division II)
Brittingham has decent size, and has been dominant, as you’d expect of a small school prospect. He posted nearly 7,000 career all-purpose yards, and earned All-American honors as a senior. Based on his regular season, Brittingham is a late-round/priority free agent-type, and he will participate in the Cactus Bowl (Division II All-Star game) next month, but he needs to improve his speed to increase his value in the eyes of scouts.
Jerome Felton (6-0 246), Furman (I-AA)
Felton is regarded as one of the top fullback prospects in the class of 2008. He’s a well-built, physical runner with a nose for the goal line. In his four years, Felton accumulated 575 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per rush. He also scored 63 touchdowns. Additionally, Felton’s intangibles also rate highly. Born in West Germany, his mother was a professional gymnast, and he attended high school in Tennessee. Felton earned 19 college credit hours before 12th grade, and earned All-American Scholar and U.S. National Minority Leadership accolades. A physical, athletic fullback with character and intelligence, Felton could be a solid selection in the sixth round area.