The nation’s top college football programs are often known to produce stars at certain positions. Washington has its long cover cornerbacks, Iowa boasts huge, athletic offensive linemen. Penn State has manufactured a lot of excellent running backs, even if they haven’t always panned out in the NFL.
Last year’s No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley appears to have broken the mold and will now set the standard for all Penn State backs to come. He already looks like the top running back in the league despite competing with at least five brilliant dual threat contenders for the crown.
Who will be the next great running back to come out of the school? 2019 draft prospect Miles Sanders hopes it’s him and he’s getting plenty of interest. According to a report by Aaron Wilson at the Houston Chronicle, Sanders is meeting with the Falcons in addition to a dozen other teams.
Sanders (5-foot-11, 211 pounds) had a strong junior season in 2018 with Barkley out of the way. He posted 1,274 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 220 carries.
At the scouting combine, Sanders showcased his strength and agility, posting 20 bench press reps and a 4.19-second short shuttle time.
Let’s take a look at the tape.
Sanders vs. Wisconsin
Sanders vs. Michigan
Sanders vs. Kentucky
If the Falcons’ interest in Sanders is legitimate, they may see him as a potential successor to Devonta Freeman, who was limited by injuries this past year.
Sanders is projected to be a third or fourth-round pick, which is right in the area where GM Thomas Dimitroff has preferred to pick his running backs. Freeman and Ito Smith were fourth-rounders, while Tevin Coleman was a third-round pick.
