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NFL Draft 2017: 10 biggest sleepers from non-Power Five schools

By Zach Bigalke

Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Damontae Kazee runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Damontae Kazee runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) is defended by Houston Cougars safety Garrett Davis (1) during the second quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) is defended by Houston Cougars safety Garrett Davis (1) during the second quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

No player has rushed for more yards in FBS history than Donnel Pumphrey, who broke Ron Dayne’s record in his final college game and capped a 2000-yard season. He also surpassed all of Marshall Faulk’s school rushing records during his senior year as San Diego State won the MWC title for the second straight season.

The problem for Pumphrey is size. NFL teams might think twice about taking a 5-foot-8 back who weighs just 175 pounds.

Teams that follow this logic will miss out on a prolific talent. Pumphrey ranked in the top seven in rushing yards each of the past three seasons and rushed for at least 100 yards in 33 of his 54 career games. He will need to bulk up a bit to sustain the punishment of NFL play, but height has never been a prerequisite to succeed as an NFL tailback. The franchise that picks up Pumphrey will be getting a proven performer at his position.

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