Draft pundits question whether San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey will be able to continue his college production in the NFL. The NCAA's all-time leading rusher in D1 FBS history, Pumphrey checks in at 5'9", 180 pounds. He said he grew up modeling his game after someone who didn't rely on his strength to be successful in the league.
"Honestly, I watch a lot of old school guys, but I grew up watching Reggie Bush when he was in high school because I'm originally from San Diego," Pumphrey said. "That's where I kind of got my one-cut-and-go. Ever since, I've looked at all the different backs and try to add that to my game as well. I try to play as a big back even though I'm probably one of the smallest backs in the country. I have heart and I try to play big."
QB Josh Dobbs was very successful for the Tennessee Volunteers, finishing with a starting record of 23-12 including a perfect 3-0 in bowl games. An aerospace engineer major and business minor, Dobbs is constantly trying to learn both on and off the field. The Alpharetta, GA native relished the opportunity to be under the tutelage of Browns head coach Hue Jackson during Senior Bowl week.
"It's always a constant improvement," said Dobbs. "I'm always looking to add stuff to my repertoire and my tool bag. I'm looking to show my competitive nature, my football IQ and ability to learn an offense in a short week. Then go out and compete well in practice and the game on Saturday, show my adaptability, being able to do different things in the pocket. Lining up under center and in the gun and everything else that it takes to be a great quarterback."
NFL players that played college basketball don't tend to find themselves in the trenches on Sundays, but USC OT Zach Banner is hoping to change that. Banner played two years of college hoops for the Trojans before sticking with football and you can tell his days on the hardwood helped define him as a football player.
"Offensive line is all about keeping your feet in front of people," Banner said. "They think it's more physicality and it is to a degree, but when you're able to use finesse, that comes from basketball — the post work, the footwork. Playing basketball my entire life through my second year of college was amazing and it really helped."
