Mike Hart RB 5'9 206 Michigan 4.67

Hart seemingly came out of nowhere to have an amazing freshman season. He was named the Big 10 Freshman of the Year after rushing for 1,455 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 26 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. As a sophomore, his numbers dipped as he was hampered by injury, but he still ran for 662 yards and four touchdowns, in just eight starts. He also added 154 yards on 16 receptions. Hart bounced back as a junior, having his best season to date. He ran for 1,562 yards and 14 touchdowns, to go along with 17 receptions for 125 yards through the air on his way to various All American honors.

You can’t be a star running back in the Big 10 without toughness, and Hart has plenty of it. He is fearless running up the middle, and will put his head down to fight for extra yardage. He also has the quickness to make a quick cut, and make the first defender miss and big up big chunks of yardage. Although he has been used less as a receiver, he has shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well.

Hart has the production of a superstar, but the numbers do not tell the whole story. He is not as highly regarded a prospect as his press clippings would indicate. His size is at best average for a back, especially when you consider he makes his living between the tackles. There are legitimate questions about his ability to handle the load in the NFL because of his size. He also may not have the blazing speed most backs his size have to be successful despite the lack of tremendous size.

Hart is a player that will give his all, and he can play in the NFL. On what level is where the question marks pop up. His size is going to play a big role in where he goes in the draft. He is built well, but is maxed out and simply lacks the overall size for the ideal feature back. He showed up at the combine and ran a subpar 40 which could push him down draft boards. Hart is a guy who could outperform his draft stock if he slides far enough. He is a worthy fourth round pick even if he is never a feature back in the NFL.