McFadden, Hart lead list of red-hot RB prospects

Arkansas' Darren McFadden ran for 321 yards in a win over South Carolina last Saturday. Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

It was a great weekend for a number of top NFL prospects at running back as several turned in great performances and elevated their draft stock. On the other hand a few cornerbacks and offensive tackles watched their draft grade slide.

Risers

Darren McFadden/RB/Arkansas: This is the second time McFadden has appeared on the risers list and it's well deserved. The big ball carrier tied an SEC record when he finished with 321 rushing yards on 34 carries and also set a school mark of 357 all-purpose yards in the victory over South Carolina. McFadden became the second player in SEC history to run for 1,000 yards during his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons. Expected to enter the draft, there's no doubt McFadden will be a top-three selection.

Mike Hart/RB/Michigan: Playing with a badly sprained right ankle, Hart totaled 110 rushing yards to help spark the Wolverines' comeback victory over rival Michigan State. It was the eighth consecutive game Hart topped the century mark carrying the ball, a Michigan record. A hard-working back with a complete game, Hart is considered the nation's top senior running back.

Matt Forte/RB/Tulane: A sleeper of sorts, Forte has been on fire this season and is soaring up draft boards. Totaling more than 1,100 rushing yards the past five games, Forte is on pace to break the 2,000-yard mark this season. Possessing good size (6-feet-2 inches and 220 pounds), Forte favorably compares to Brian Leonard, a second-round choice of the St. Louis Rams last April.

Rashard Mendenhall/RB/Illinois: Mendenhall has played a large role in the resurgence of Illinois football this season. The bruising ball carrier has rushed for more than 1,500 yards this season with 14 touchdowns. Just a junior, Mendenhall has openly talked about entering the draft, where he'd be a top-75 selection.

Mike Pollack/C/Arizona State: Another sleeper improving his draft grade, Pollack has been dominant in the middle of the Sun Devils line this year. Pollack's ability to block on the move has caught the attention of NFL scouts who now list him as the number two senior center.

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