10 Standout NFL Draft Prospects from Smaller Programs

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Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Kareem Hunt of Toledo (33) is tackled by South squad inside linebacker Duke Riley of LSU (0) during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

This year’s class is absolutely stacked at the running back position thanks to players like Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey and countless others. A lot of guys at the top of my big board didn’t make the trip to Mobile, but Toledo’s Kareem Hunt made himself quite a bit of money at the Senior Bowl.

Hunt was named the North Most Outstanding Player at the Senior Bowl after running for 118 yards on only 15 carries. Those who followed Hunt’s career with the Rockets weren’t too surprised after he ran for 1,475 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016.

The Toledo running back wasn’t phased going against tougher competition in the Senior Bowl. Some were surprised at his measurements at the Senior Bowl (just 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds), but Hunt definitely runs like an NFL running back.

The first thing that stands out when watching Hunt is his balance, shedding tacklers and staying upright through contact to pick up extra yards. He has average speed and isn’t particularly elusive, but Hunt is an aggressive downhill runner with a strong upper body to pick up yards after contact.

Hunt isn’t going to be a workhorse at the next level, but NFL teams looking for a rotational guy who can make plays all over the field could consider taking the Toledo prospect in the middle rounds.

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