Welcome to the thick of the pre-draft process. With a little over a week until practices kick off in Mobile, Alabama, I’ll be providing a layered look into each positional group set to compete at the 2024 Senior Bowl.
The draft cycle’s premier showcase presents prospects with the opportunity to don their respective college helmets just one final time. Let’s get rolling with a peek into the headlining players set to compete at running back.
Senior Bowl 2024 RB Primer
Ray Davis, Kentucky
A transfer from Vanderbilt by way of Temple, Davis burst onto the scene this fall, rushing for more than 1,000 yards on nearly six yards per carry in the SEC. Another physical ball-carrier in a class loaded with athletes not shy about lowering their shoulders, Davis also shows the wiggle in space and the acceleration to earn touches early in his NFL career.
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
There may not be a more nuanced running back in space than Laube. An immediate boost to a passing game, he can run by less athletic linebackers and safeties while carrying a diversified game as a route-runner. His presence will force teams to add a DB on the field.
MarShawn Lloyd, USC
An early favorite among scouts to rise following the week, Lloyd’s blend of power and speed would be an excellent addition to any offense. A 210-pound prospect who has the unique ability to run around, through, and over defenders, Lloyd is a hoss to handle in the open field and he has the quickness and wiggle to churn yards with consistency. A transfer to USC after multiple seasons spent at South Carolina, Lloyd averaged 7.1 yards per carry, finishing second among 65 qualified Power Five running backs (minimum 115 carries).
Kimani Vidal, Troy
Teams in need of a fleet-footed back with experience as a bellcow will prioritize Vidal. He’s got an excellent throttle to outrun pursuit angles and the toughness to move the sticks on third-and-short.
Cody Schrader, Missouri
Schrader is the type of player all 32 teams have a spot for. He’s not the biggest, fastest, or strongest athlete in the class, but he’s the type of player that will outwork someone on a depth chart. The glue that held the Missouri offense together this fall, Schrader is much, much more than just a good story as a former walk-on. He can play ball.
Emani Bailey, TCU
I’m not sure if there’s a player in the class I’m more excited to see in Mobile than Bailey. Lightning in a bottle with fresh tread on the tires, he runs mean, has excellent footwork, and has the creativity to make defenders miss in space. In a class lacking juice and electricity, Bailey is the type of athlete who can expand a playbook. He also caught all 25 of his targets this fall.
Rasheen Ali, Marshall
I expect Ali to turn a few heads in Mobile. It wasn’t ever easy working behind the Marshall front five—the onus was often on Ali to carve out his own running lanes. He’s got NFL vision and he doesn’t waste time in getting north-south through the alley.
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Teams in need of youth-infused legs that flat-out scoot will bold Wright’s name. He’s got home-run ability every time he touches the football and an untapped game as a pass-catcher. He’ll fit nicely into an offense that prioritizes spacing and creativity.
Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Jordan rushed for more than 1,100 yards this fall, but there was room for much more. He won’t be a bellcow for an offense, but speed is priceless in today’s game and Jordan has plenty of it to change a game in a blink. He’s got a quick throttle and isn’t shy when approaching contact, also.
Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
One of the upcoming draft's most talked-about FCS talents, Davis sports an NFL frame with the blend of size (6'1", 220 lbs), speed, and explosiveness every team covets. When evaluating players from the lower levels, scouts want to see production. And lots of it. For Davis, nearly 3,000 yards on the ground and 32 touchdowns in just the last two seasons will absolutely play.
