March 21
Due to injury concerns, Deuce McAllister has lost some ground recently, but I still believe he has the ability to rank as a top-drawer, all-purpose feature back in the NFL.

	Deuce McAllister was slowed by injuries his senior year, but expect him to be a top feature back in the NFL.

Feb. 28
Didn't run at the combine, but he enjoyed a solid overall workout. But some questions are arising as to whether McAllister belongs among the elite prospects at the top of Round 1. Durability is the primary concern. Obviously, it will be critical for McAllister to deliver an eye-catching performance during his individual workout.

Feb. 7
While he suffered an injury-plagued senior season with the Rebels, McAllister proved throughout his career that he's a big-league talent who is as competitive as any player in the draft. With a strong individual workout, McAllister could become this year's Jamal Lewis.

Jan. 12
People question his durability due to a college career slowed by injuries. But his productivity before he was hurt, his competitiveness and physical ability elevate him to this level. If his workout numbers approximate those of Jamal Lewis, look for the Cleveland Browns to tab him, knowing how desperately they need a running back to complement Tim Couch.

Jan. 4
Struggled to pick up yardage in the Music City Bowl, but he's a tremendous all-around talent who has "feature back" written all over him. In the end, though, it's possible that McAllister will have a few skeptics out there as the draft approaches, like those who questioned the potential of Jamal Lewis after his injury-plagued final two seasons at Tennessee.

Dec. 31
Clearly the top true senior available, holding a significantly higher grade than the players rated just below on my current board. Sure, he was hampered by shoulder and ankle injuries this season, but that doesn't detract in any way from what he accomplished at full strength during his outstanding career. In addition to his impressive skills and the fact that he's one of the top pass-receiving backs you will ever come across, what sets McAllister apart is his burning desire to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Jamal Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens' first year dynamo, was also held back by injuries over his final two seasons at Tennessee, yet because of his tremendous natural talent and superior work ethic, he has established himself as the potential Rookie of the Year on the offensive side of the ball along with Denver's Mike Anderson.

Dec. 7
Has been at the top of my senior list all year. While he's a tremendously versatile and talented football player, McAllister did suffer through an injury-plagued final campaign with the Rebels. Like former Tennessee star Jamal Lewis, who wowed the NFL brass with his awesome size-speed ratio, workouts prior to the draft will ultimately determine if McAllister remains at or near the top of the draft board.

Nov. 29
Despite the fact that he was limited by the lingering effects of his ankle injury, McAllister came through with quite an effort against Mississippi State on Thanksgiving night in Oxford. He rushed for 121 yards on 24 carries, accounting for three TDs on the ground. He also threw a 20-yard TD pass to QB Romaro Miller. On special teams, McAllister returned three kickoffs for 61 yards. In addition to his impressive skills running with the football, McAllister's competitiveness and desire are why I kept him at the top spot throughout the time he was hampered by injuries.

Nov. 22
Some may say Deuce is dropping down the draft board, but I'm not going to move him off the top spot. He's been hampered by shoulder/ankle injuries throughout the season, causing him to operate at far less than 100 percent in a number of games. Then, this past week, his brother passed away suddenly. Our condolences go out to Deuce and the McAllister family. After not practicing at all last week, Deuce still strapped on the pads against Georgia and tried to contribute as best he could. He was limited to six carries for just 16 yards, while returning six kickoffs for 80 yards. He also had a punt return for six yards.

Nov. 15
Due to the ankle injury, McAllister wasn't able to cut to his left against LSU, lacking the necessary shiftiness and change of direction. The Bayou Bengals also set out to contain McAllister, making sure that every gap was accounted for. Also, LSU has exceptional team speed on defense. McAllister finished with just 48 yards on 24 carries, while also hauling in four receptions out of the backfield. One thing you can count on with a competitive, dedicated performer like McAllister -- he won't make any excuses. McAllister is a class act who will be a huge credit to the NFL organization that brings him into the fold.

Nov. 8

McAllister is a class act who will be a huge credit to the NFL organization that brings him into the fold.

Played the entire game last week against Arkansas, operating at about 90 percent. In his first extensive action since the Arkansas State game Oct. 7, McAllister finished with 131 rushing yards on 20 carries. Included were TD scampers covering eight and 57 yards. On the 57-yarder, McAllister swept left, using his speed to turn the corner, then actually carried defenders the last 10 yards to paydirt. This week against LSU, McAllister figures to be at about 95 percent.

Nov. 1
Despite missing all four quarters of action against UNLV last week, McAllister managed to key the victory in overtime, converting several first downs when he went up and over the top. He also scored the game-winning TD in overtime. He's still bothered by the ankle injury, but he did practice on Tuesday and figures to see a great deal of action against Arkansas this week.

Oct. 26
The shoulder is fine, but he's still bothered by the high ankle sprain that sidelined him early in the game against Alabama two weeks ago. McAllister is viewed as very doubtful for the Rebels' game this week against UNLV. They figure to be cautious with McAllister, hoping to have him ready for the final four games of the regular season against Arkansas, LSU, Georgia and Mississippi State.

Oct. 12
The play of the offensive line obviously impacts the yardage totals super blue-chip RB Deuce McAllister will be able to post. Versus Arkansas State last week, McAllister only saw action into the middle portion of the third quarter, still working his way back from the painful sprained right shoulder injury he sustained earlier in the year. Two weeks ago against Kentucky, not wanting him to lift his arm above his shoulder, Ole Miss stayed away from involving him in the pass offense. Last week, though, he finished with three receptions, including a 33-yard swing pass that he turned into six points. He'll continue to play through the pain against Alabama on Saturday, figuring to be at about 90 percent.

Sept. 18
On the injury front, X-rays were negative on McAllister's sprained right shoulder and his practice status is currently listed as day-to-day. The Rebels' open date couldn't have come at a better time. They are off this week, allowing McAllister the necessary time to work his way back to 100 percent in preparation for their battle with Kentucky on Sept. 30.