LaDainian Tomlinson is expected to be one of the first running backs chosen in the NFL draft.

3. Michael Bennett, Wisconsin -- Did a great job taking over for Ron Dayne as the Badgers' featured performer, rushing for nearly 1,700 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns last season. Bennett can go the distance with any carry, shows just enough balance in traffic and will bust through an arm tackle. At the pro level, he'll need to work on creating his own daylight and on developing into a consistent pass-receiving option. Last season, he caught just four passes. With his 4.31 speed and incredible athleticism, Bennett may force a team in need of a quality RB to reach just a little in order to bring him into the fold. Drafted by Minnesota, first round (27th)

4. Lamont Jordan, Maryland -- Produced awesome results as a sophomore and junior with the Terrapins, then was hampered by a variety of nagging injuries last season that reduced his effectiveness. He was also running behind an overmatched Terrapin offensive line. To his credit, though, Jordan still enjoyed a solid year overall. He has game-breaking speed, can make defenders miss in the hole and has proven to be a capable receiver. His electrifying 74-yard TD scamper against Florida State last season demonstrated his ability and potential. While his rating dropped some during the season, Jordan has the talent to enjoy a fine career in the NFL. Drafted by NY Jets, second round (49th)

5. Kevan Barlow, Pittsburgh -- Saved his best for last in 2000, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and going over the 200-yard mark against Boston College and West Virginia. He can beat you with his inside running ability, yet has the quickness to bounce outside and turn the corner. After being hampered some by ankle injuries during his first three years with the Panthers, Barlow was able to remain at full strength this past season. In the process, he moved into the first day of the draft. Drafted by San Francisco, third round (80th)

6. Anthony Thomas, Michigan -- Following a productive junior campaign, I viewed Thomas as a fifth- or sixth-rounder had he opted to leave the Wolverines with eligibility still remaining. But by going back to Ann Arbor, Thomas showed improved quickness and the balance necessary to finish the run. He was also more decisive, rarely going down after initial contact. His averaged per carry jumped from 4.3 yards in '99 to 5.4 yards in 2000. While he deserves second-round consideration after his impressive showing, you also have to factor in that he was running behind a phenomenal Wolverine offensive line that could produce three first-round draft choices. Drafted by Chicago, second round (38th)

7. Derrick Blaylock, Stephen F. Austin -- Electrifying all-purpose weapon, looking to follow in the footsteps of Larry Centers and KaRon Coleman as the next Lumberjack RB to make the transition to the NFL. Last season, the 5-foot-10, 192-pounder with 4.35 speed rushed for nearly 1,400 yards, averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. While he proved to be a quality feature back at the Division I-AA level, I view Blaylock as a change-of-pace type who could operate as a situational performer. Drafted by Kansas City, fifth round (150th)

8. Travis Henry, Tennessee -- The hard-working, determined, tremendously productive collegiate RB ended his career in Knoxville as the Vols' all-time leading rusher. He carried the ball over 30 times on several occasions while also proving to be effective in short-yardage situations. Henry is a true tackle-breaker, always giving maximum effort on each carry. The question now is this -- does he run into resistance against NFL defenses or is he going to continue to use his determined style to keep the chains moving? Drafted by Buffalo, second round (58th)

9. Correll Buckhalter, Nebraska -- Even though he played in the shadow of Dan Alexander this season, Buckhalter made the most of every opportunity. He accounted for 750 yards on the ground while averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. While he runs a little upright and benefited from a dominating, run-blocking Husker offensive line, you have to like his quick start out of the blocks and ability to deliver the coast-to-coast gallop. Figures to be a solid choice on day two. Drafted by Philadelphia, fourth round (121st)

10. James Jackson, Miami (Fla.) -- Proved to be a reliable contributor with the Hurricanes, displaying a hard-charging, no-nonsense style. Jackson is also extremely versatile, able to assist the pass offense. While he won't outrace defensive backs to paydirt at the pro level, his aggressive style is exactly what is needed in order to post solid rushing totals in the NFL. I would expect Jackson to be brought into the fold at a bargain point in the draft, though. The reason is his less-than-eye-catching speed. Drafted by Cleveland, third round (65th)

11. Ja'Mar Toombs, Texas A&M -- When he was on top of his game, Toombs proved to be a pile-driving runner who could stampede defenders in a style reminiscent of Earl Campbell or Jerome Bettis. The key, however, is keeping his weight at an optimal level so his skills can be maximized. Despite his press clippings and highlight-film runs, I wouldn't be surprised if Toombs dropped further down the draft board than some may expect.

12. Rudi Johnson, Auburn -- The addition of Johnson from the junior-college ranks provided just the boost that Tommy Tuberville was looking for. He was consistent from week to week, while saving his best for the fourth quarter. Even with his impressive productivity, keep in mind that Johnson averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry in games against LSU, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Michigan. Drafted by Cincinnati, fourth round (100th)

13. Travis Minor, Florida State -- Gliding-type runner who has the patience to allow the hole to open up late. He can change direction and has the hands to contribute as a receiver, but his play since '97 did level off some. While he's dependable and provides the versatility to operate as a No. 2 back, Minor seemed to peak early on with the Seminoles when he averaged a career-high 5.6 yards per carry as a true freshman. Drafted by Miami, third round (85th)

14. Dan Alexander, Nebraska -- Could figure as either a big back or FB in the NFL, showing exceptional straight-line speed for a 255-pounder. The concern with Alexander is that he's not going to make defenders miss on a consistent basis and is also inexperienced as a receiver.

15. Derek Homer, Kentucky -- Worked at halfback, FB and some at WR with the Wildcats. Homer figures to make the grade in the NFL as a very serviceable backup who can help a team in a number of ways. Homer could be a nice addition in the later rounds.

Others worth noting:
Reggie White, Oklahoma State
Chris Barnes, New Mexico State (Drafted by Baltimore, fifth round (161st))
Derek Combs, Ohio State
Dominic Rhodes, Midwestern State
Jeff Chaney, Florida State
David Allen, Kansas State
Corey Crume, Eastern Kentucky
Marcel Shipp, Massachusetts
Cedric Washington, Boston College
Kevin Brown, UNLV

Fullbacks
1. Heath Evans, Auburn -- Very solid all-around FB with the versatility and experience to garner some serious interest late in the first day or early in the second. He's a hard-working blocker, a threat carrying the football due to his quickness and has the receiving skills to figure as a contributor catching the football as well. Drafted by Seattle, third round (82nd)

2. Moran Norris, Kansas -- Following an impressive junior campaign that saw him average 5.0 yards per carry and score eight touchdowns, Norris wasn't able to produce the results expected as a senior. With defenses geared to stop the run, Norris averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, scored only three TDs and wasn't much of a factor as a pass receiver, finishing with just three catches. Keep in mind, though, that in late October he suffered a high ankle sprain that prevented him from contributing over the last four games of the season. Drafted by New Orleans, fourth round (115th)

3. Darvell Bivens, Northwestern State (La.) -- Super-tough 5-foot-10¼, 255-pounder who has the all-around skills to make the successful transition from Division I-AA. He can clear the way as a lead blocker, can bounce away from traffic on just enough occasions to make you take notice and also proved against Troy State (three receptions) that with more experience, he has some potential catching the football.

4. George Layne, TCU -- Unsung standout with the Horned Frogs, excelling as lead blocker for LaDainian Tomlinson. His experience and ability in this area should provide Layne with an opportunity to push for playing time in the NFL in the right situation. By the way, he also contributed as a running option, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring six touchdowns. Drafted by Kansas City, fourth round (108th)

5. R.J. Bowers, Grove City -- After spending six years in the Houston Astros organization, the 26-year-old Bowers will go down as one of the top players ever at the Division III level, with his productivity and stamina the real attention-getters. Against Waynesburg this past season, he carried the ball 47 times for 266 yards and three TDs. With his focused, hard-working approach, Bowers has a chance to make the transition to FB in the NFL.