Allen Bradford

With NFL teams increasingly preferring a committee of running backs, having a power option who can carry the load in short-yardage situations remain a high priority. Bradford has quick enough feet to elude defenders and is a pounder between the tackles with a history of playing well when given the opportunity. If he can prove reliable as an outlet receiver, he could surprise as a late-round selection.

positives

Rugged downhill runner. Quickly presses the line. Lowers his shoulders and secures the ball with both hands as he enters traffic. Runs with good forward lean. Keeps his legs churning to grind out tough yards. Often able to break through the initial defender's tackle. Good vision and shows surprisingly light, quick feet and balance to step through the trash. Unlike many bigger backs, doesn't get carried away with being physical. Can get skinny through the line and isn't opposed to letting his underrated agility and speed beat the defender, rather than relying solely on his power. Saw time at fullback at USC and demonstrates a willingness to lower his shoulder to dictate the action as a lead blocker.

negatives

Only marginal top-end speed. Might not be able to consistently beat NFL linebackers to the edge. Gets himself in trouble when he runs high, exposing himself (and the ball) to big hits. Has to do a better job of keeping his hands inside the pads of defenders when blocking in pass protection. Appears to have only average hands for the reception. Only caught four pass in over the past two seasons (for 76 yards) and has only 14 receptions over his career (176 yards, four touchdowns).

His 2005 honors included Parade All-American (he was the all-purpose MVP), USA Today All-USA first team, EA Sports All-American first team, Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Dream Team, ESPN 150, Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, U.S. Army All-American Game participant, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-Western, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Southern Section Defensive MVP, All-CIF Division I Defensive MVP, Riverside Press-Enterprise All-San Bernardino MVP, Ken Hubbs Award (as the San Bernardino area’s top athlete) and All-Citrus Belt League as a senior running back and linebacker at Colton (Calif.) High. Ran for 1,869 yards on 143 carries (13.1 avg.) with 29 TDs and caught 20 passes for 429 yards (21.5 avg.) with 6 TDs, plus recorded 157 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery in 2005. As a junior in 2004, he was named Cal- Hi Sports All-State Underclass first team, All-CIF Division I, Los Angeles Times All- Inland Empire and Riverside Press-Enterprise All-San Bernardino. He rushed for 1,525 yards (8.7 avg.) with 15 TDs and caught 15 passes for 275 yards (18.3 avg.) with 3 scores, and also made 129 tackles, 11 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries and 1 interception in 2004. He made the 2003 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore and All-CIF Division V squads as a sophomore while running for 1,100-plus yards with 19 TDs and making 90 tackles, 3 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. He played on the varsity for 4 years. Current Trojan Shareece Wright also prepped at Colton.

He's an American studies and ethnicity major at USC.