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2017 Senior Bowl: 5 players to watch

By John Buhler

Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) passes against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) passes against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a second quarter touchdown against the San Jose State Spartans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a second quarter touchdown against the San Jose State Spartans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donnel Pumphrey

Running Back, San Diego State Aztecs

You know it when you see it. There is something different about San Diego State Aztecs star senior running back Donnel Pumphrey. He was a Heisman contender during his final year of college ball as the greatest runner in college football history.

Pumphrey drew favorable comparisons to former Aztec great Marshall Faulk. In his final college game, Pumphrey became the all-time leading rusher in college football history with 6,290 career yards. In 13 games for the 2016 Aztec, Pumphrey rushed for 2,018 yards on 330 attempts and 16 touchdowns.

This helped Pumphrey be a first-team All-American his senior season. One can argue that Pumphrey has already punched his ticket to the College Football Hall of Fame. Though he took a ton of free carries in college, he projects as a steal in the fourth or fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Next: 20 Greatest College Running Backs In The Modern Era

While his NFL career may not be a long one, Pumphrey can at least be a productive member of a running back tandem in his first five years in the NFL. For where he is slotted, Pumphrey will be a great pick for one of 32 NFL teams. He will play for Jackson’s South team. There is a great chance Pumphrey is the MVP of the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile on Saturday.

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