College Football Week 3: NFL Draft big board rankings
Derrius Guice
RB, LSU
Life without Leonard Fournette has been no issue for LSU, as Guice continues to ascend up the big board as one of the top running back prospects in the nation.
Guice cruised in LSU’s easy 45-10 win over Chattanooga with 15 carries for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns. While the Tigers predictably overwhelmed an FCS opponent, Guice has been efficient in every game he’s played as LSU’s primary starter, and is averaging a healthy 5.3 yards per carry through two weeks.
Despite serving as Fournette’s backup when the future first round pick was healthy in 2016, Guice racked up 1,387 yards to lead the SEC on just 183 attempts with 15 touchdowns. Guice shot up every draft board near the end of the season with a 285-yard performance against Texas A&M, and he even became a weapon on special teams in the Citrus Bowl victory over Louisville.
The 5-11, 218-pound junior has ultra-quick decision making in the backfield and is tough to bring down once he reaches full speed. Saquon Barkley is ranked as a slightly better running back prospect due to his ability as a receiver out of the backfield, but Guice has emerged as one of the most explosive playmakers in college football.
Guice will have an opportunity to add to his stat sheet next week when LSU takes on a depleted Mississippi State defense.