Marlon Lucky - Stay A Cornhusker Or Go In the NFL Draft?

by Jon Johnston on Dec 15, 2007 10:00 AM CST in Nebraska Husker Basketball

Nebraska junior running back Marlon Lucky is considering entering the NFL draft. His consideration shouldn't take him very far unless he gets some bad advice or he figures that he'll lose his starting spot next year.

Lucky came into 2007 having a reputation of not having lived up to the hype surrounding him when he was recruited. He had an excellent 2007 season, rushing for 1,019 yards with a 4.95 average. He shined in receiving, finishing the season with as the nation's top running back receiver with 75 receptions and 705 yards for a 9.40 average.

The 75 receptions shattered Johnny Rodger's old record of 55 receptions in a season, 705 yards is the most by any Husker running back in a single season, and his 13 receptions against Texas A&M set a record for the most receptions in a single game.

NFL Draft

Brandon Jackson came out early last season, drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers. He went in a higher round than he would have normally as last year's draft didn't have a lot of depth at running backs. Here are the first ten that were selected, with Jackson going sixth amongst running backs:

Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
Marshawn Lynch, Cal
Kenny Irons, Auburn
Chris Henry, Arizona
Brian Leonard, Rutgers
Brandon Jackson, Nebraska
Lorenzo Booker, Florida State
Tony Hunt, Penn State
Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois

Compare that list to this year's (potentially) available in this year's NFL draft, courtesy of SB Nation's NFL Draft blog, Mocking the Draft:

Seniors:

Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech, 6'1, 205
Mike Hart, RB, Michigan, 5'9, 196
Rafael Little, RB, Kentucky, 5'10, 195
Matt Forte, RB, Tulane, 6'2, 225
Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma, 6'0, 191
Calvin Dawson, RB, Louisiana-Monroe, 5'10, 207
Yvenson Bernard, RB, Oregon State , 5'9, 202
Albert Young, RB, Iowa, 5'10, 209
Corey Boyd, RB, South Carolina, 6'1, 214
Chris Johnson, RB, ECU, 5'11, 200
Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State, 6'1, 213
Tony Temple, RB, Missouri, 5'9, 200
Justin Forsett, RB, California, 5'8, 186
Omar Cuff, RB, Delaware, 5'10, 195
Dantrell Savage, RB, Oklahoma State, 5'9, 195

Top Underclassmen:

Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas, 6'2, 205
Rashad Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon, 5'11, 230
Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
James Davis, RB, Clemson, 5'11, 205
Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida, 6'1, 211
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia, 5'10, 195
Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
Arian Foster, RB, Tennessee
Marlon Lucky, RB, Nebraska, 6'0, 210

No question Darren McFadden is coming out early as he'll be a high first-round draft pick. Ray Rice, Steve Slaton, and Jamaal Charles are other big name guys that'll probably come out early.

Do you see Lucky going within the top ten on that list? Potentially, yes, if he has a great NFL combine because NFL GM's are complete idiots when it comes to the combine. Do you see Lucky moving up if he has another year like he had this year? No question.

Staying At Nebraska

Is there much doubt that Lucky will be the starting running back next season? He has the experience, he has proven that he can run, catch, and provide blitz pick-up. Returning running backs include Cody Glenn, Quentin Castille, and Roy Helu Jr, all whom saw some action on the field last season. Kenny Wilson will return after sitting out 2007 and Marcus Mendoza will be available.

If Lucky stays, that's a nice set of running backs. Without him we're lacking depth, unless you're one of those guys who think running backs are plug-n-play.

Conclusion

Most likely Lucky is checking out this season's draft and getting a projection on where he'd go if he came out, which is probably around the fourth or fifth round. Given that, I'd be surprised if he left but it's wise of him to check.

NCAA Football Highlights on Veoh.com

Cornhusker fans have always had an affinity for the 'next guy' to be the greatest. Watch the highlights and tell me you don't want Lucky back next season and I'll have to wonder about your mental stability.

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Comments

There's no harm in asking...

Find out where you stand. Nothing wrong with that.

But I have to admit that I'm intrigued with the possibilities of trying to exploiting Lucky's abilities in a multiple offense as a true all-purpose back, as opposed to being a traditional I-back. Which he simply ain't. If he chooses to return, I'd like to see more of Helu and Castile as the I-back, and lining up Lucky all over the field and exploiting his talents.

by Husker Mike on Dec 15, 2007 11:58 AM CST reply actions

I think Lucky..

is a very good back, maybe not so much between the tackles, but especially good as a receiver. Think he should come back and get better--he won't be a 1st or even 2nd round pick this year. Maybe 4th round.

Bo says don't go unless you're 1st round.

--'za blang thang-- --"don't TAZE me, bro"--

by Ze Robertinho on Dec 15, 2007 5:41 PM CST reply actions