The NFL Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis from Feb. 24 through Mar. 3. On-field workouts commence on Thursday and offer 2025 NFL Draft prospects an opportunity to increase their value in front of general managers. April’s class possesses a loaded group of running back prospects. Arguably the deepest position in the draft, the running backs will participate in athletic testing drills on Saturday.
The NFL Scouting Combine is the final crucial event in the process. We've identified five running backs who can improve their pre-draft stock via a successful workout in front of scouts and decision-makers.
Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware
Marcus Yarns was a dynamic weapon for Delaware in 2023 and 2024, averaging 6.3 and 7.0 yards per carry. The Salisbury, Maryland native totaled nearly 2,400 total yards of offense these past two seasons as a dual-threat playmaker, scoring 29 touchdowns in the process. A former high school basketball point guard, Yarns previously reached a top speed of 22.9 mph and has also vertical-jumped 38.5 inches, according to Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. He has three-down potential at the next level.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
Auburn's Jarquez Hunter completely broke out of his shell this campaign. The Tigers standout recorded career highs in rushing yards (1,201), touchdowns (8), and yards per carry (6.4, minimum qualifiers) while dominating the SEC. Hunter possesses an incredibly powerful lower half, squatting 635 pounds in high school, something that's evident on tape in the way he keeps his legs churning through contact. The Mississippi native has surpassed 22 mph on the GPS, and 4.45 remains a possibility in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis.
Bhayahul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Bhayahul Tuten was arguably the most underrated performer at his position at this year's Senior Bowl. He spent the past two seasons proving he could play at the highest level after transferring to Virginia Tech from North Carolina A&T. Tuten rushed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. Feldman's Freaks List has the explosive 208-pounder at 4.32 in the 40, reaching a max velocity of 23.15 mph. He's also bench-pressed 400 pounds (a position-topper in Indy?) and leaped 39 inches in the vertical while training, per Feldman.
LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Syracuse's LeQuint Allen will be among the most versatile running backs at the NFL Combine. Allen recorded a productive 64 receptions for 521 yards and four touchdowns while averaging over 8.0 yards per catch. He's a candidate to look the smoothest of any running back in the gauntlet drill, showcasing true three-down potential while displaying lateral ability and effortless change of direction.
Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Georgia's Trevor Etienne belongs in the top-64 conversation and the NFL Combine will provide him with an opportunity to elevate his pre-draft stock. A combination of short-area quickness and lateral agility should be evident throughout his on-field testing portion. Etienne is also a smooth pass catcher, having hauled in 32 receptions for the Bulldogs this past season. The former Florida standout is a top-five back in the 2025 class.
