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NFL: 10 players who will become stars in 2014

By Pete Schauer

Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) calls a play during a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) calls a play during a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) during the second half at LP Field. Arizona won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) during the second half at LP Field. Arizona won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Had it not been for Rashard Mendenhall last season, Arizona Cardinals’ running back Andre Ellington would have definitely eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie.

Instead, Ellington watched as Mendenhall received 217 carries to Ellington’s 118, but the 25-year-old RB out of Clemson still impressed, going for 652 rushing yards and three ground scores to go with 371 receiving yards and a TD on 39 receptions. What’s more is that the rookie boasted a 5.5 YPC average–one that has him primed for a breakout season here in 2014.

With Mendenhall announcing an early and unlikely retirement, Ellington will not only be Arizona’s starter, but he’ll have a chance to put his stamp on the league and be known as one of the best young running backs in the NFL.

His combination of speed, power and pass-catching abilities make him a threat every time he’s on the field, and my guess is that opposing defenses won’t stop him from surpassing 1,000 yards on the ground in 2014.

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