SI: NFL Draft: What School Is "Running Back U" (Minnesota had a brief burst of success, and then they basically disappeared off the grid)

BleedGopher

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per SI:

When it comes to running backs and powerhouse programs, look no further than Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. This trio of football factories produces real thoroughbreds -- these are the guys who continue their domination on the collegiate level to the professional gridiron.

That connection helps when evaluating the combination of a college player and their university upon entering the National Football League via the NFL Draft.

It is not to say different university's get on a hot streak every now and then. Take the Minnesota Gophers, for example. From 2021 to 2007, the school had only one running back drafted -- that was David Cobb in 2015, selected in the fifth round.

The Gophers had a mini moment of success producing productive backs in back-to-back drafts in 2005 and 2006. First came Marion Barber, selected in round four, then Laurence Maroney was taken in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Minnesota had a brief burst of success, and then they basically disappeared off the grid of draftable prospects at the position.

It appears Iowa State is on a similar trajectory as Minnesota.


Go Gophers!!
 

Anybody wanna tell him we've had four different coaches during that period. That might effect things. Mason ran the ball. Kill ran the ball. Seems like a pretty twisted premise to find or evaluate draft picks?
Anybody drafting is going to evaluate the rosters of Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame etc and look for the best players on the Top 25 teams. After the perennial top of the board teams it changes over time. Heck, sometimes Wyoming or Liberty have the top QB's.
 

Also tell him that he needs to follow the Gophers more closely along with other schools to make an intelligent analysis. As 60's Guy said, many good players elsewhere like even Wyoming or Liberty.
 




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