This year's running back class is another deep group that could be one of the strengths of the NFL Draft 2001 if several underclassmen declare for the pro ranks in January. Five running backs were chosen in the first round last April, and this season's crop should produce at least that many.

Mississippi's Deuce McAllister has displayed the ability to be the complete pro feature back with the talent to run inside and outside. He has outstanding hands as a receiver, making him the most versatile back in the nation.

Maryland's Lamont Jordan and TCU's LaDainian Tomlinson also returned for their senior seasons after huge performances as underclassmen. Jordan is a power tailback with fine speed, but he has struggled in the early action with every defense keying on him weekly.

Tomlinson has put up sensational numbers against weak opponents. He is a strong runner who is quick to the hole with the balance and vision to get the most of every carry. He will most likely challenge the 2000 rushing record this season against a steady diet of poor defenses.

Underclassmen Rudi Johnson of Auburn and UCLA's DeShaun Foster have been prime-time performers in the early season. Johnson has taken the SEC by storm in his first action at the Division I-A level after an All-American career in junior college. He is an explosive powerful back with the speed to go the distance, and is drawing comparisons to former Tigers star runner Bo Jackson.

Foster combines size, speed, quickness and strength that has allowed him to become the key weapon in the Bruins' big-play offense. He has produced weekly despite being a marked man every Saturday.

Moran Norris stands out in an average group of fullbacks. He is a well-developed prospect with the toughness and technique to become a fine lead blocker in the NFL. He is also a strong inside runner and shows the sure hands to consistently catch the ball.

More draft analysis

Running Backs

Mississippi's Deuce McAllister is the top running back prospect. (Allsport)

1. Deuce McAllister, Mississippi
Senior, 6-0, 215
Only a shoulder injury has curtailed this tailback the past two seasons. He has produced on a high level weekly against some of the best talent in the nation.

2. Rudi Johnson, Auburn
Junior, 5-10, 225
Power tailback might still be raw in certain areas, but has the package to develop into a talented NFL feature runner.

3. Lamont Jordan, Maryland
Senior, 5-11, 215
May have the best combination of power and speed in this class. He makes a lot of yardage after contact, displaying excellent balance and strength which has endeared him to NFL scouts.

4. LaDainian Tomlinson, Texas Christian
Senior, 5-11, 215
Strong senior tailback has thrived in the option offense. He shows excellent vision, strength and decision-making to get the most of every attempt.

5. DeShaun Foster, UCLA
Junior, 6-1, 215
Big, angular tailback has been the premier runner on the West Coast the past two seasons. He has the size and power to run inside and the speed to go the distance and hit the home run.

6. Travis Henry, Tennessee
Senior, 5-10, 220
Compact senior tailback gives an honest effort every Saturday. He has outstanding quickness, balance and strength to get the most of every attempt.

7. David Allen, Kansas State
Senior, 5-8, 190
Fast scatback is one of the premier breakaway threats in the nation. He is an awesome return specialist with the open-field running skills and speed to change any game.

8. Anthony Thomas, Michigan
Senior, 6-1, 225
Big, strong feature back has been the bread-and-butter runner for the Wolverines the past three seasons. He also has the speed to break any run the distance in addition to being a tough, durable workhorse.

9. Kevan Barlow, Pittsburgh
Senior, 6-1, 235
Athletic big back has the package the pros seek in a feature runner. He will need to show more consistency in his all-around game, though, to move up the charts.

10. James Jackson, Miami
Senior, 5-10, 210
Quick feature back has been healthy this season, which has allowed him to show his big-play ability as both a runner and receiver.

11. DeAngelo Evans, Emporia State
Senior, 5-9, 220
Powerful tailback resurfaces at the Division II level for his final season after starring at Nebraska. He has the power to run inside with the speed to go the distance.

12. Travis Minor, Florida State
Senior, 5-11, 190
Athletic tailback has the speed, cutting and receiving skills to become a top third-down back in the pros.

Fullbacks

1. Moran Norris, Kansas
Senior, 6-0, 240
Well-rounded back displays the complete package as an NFL style fullback.

Nebraska's Dan Alexander will be a fullback in the NFL. (Allsport)

2. Dan Alexander, Nebraska
Senior, 6-0, 245
Powerful tailback will probably move to fullback as a pro. He has the ability to get outside as a runner, but must improve as both a blocker and receiver.

3. Ja'Mar Toombs, Texas A&M
Junior, 6-0, 260
Huge junior is one of the strongest inside runners in college football. He is also developing nicely as a blocker and receiver.

4. Ed Wilder, Georgia Tech
Senior, 6-1, 255
Strong lead blocker has been an unheralded performer in Tech's powerful ground game. He is quick to the hole and has the power and agility to finish his blocks consistently.

5. Terry Witherspoon, Clemson
Senior, 5-11, 260
Athletic back has the package NFL scouts seek in a complimentary fullback, but must show more consistency to maintain a high grade.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 10 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL minicamps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.