NFL 2009 Draft Profile: Marlon Lucky (Nebraska) RB

There is no doubt that Marlon Lucky has the athletic pedigree to warrant NFL attention come the 2009 NFL Draft. After all the 5'11" 215 lb Lucky was a High School All-American before he ever set foot at the University of Nebraska. In a prep career that spanned 3 years, Lucky gained close to 5,000 yards on the ground and score over 80 touchdowns along the way. At North Hollywood High School in California, Lucky also lettered in track, showing off the type of speed that a back would need in at the next level.

Picking up in Nebraska where he left off in Califorina, Lucky was good enough his Freshman year (2005) not to have to red shirt the season. Instead, he managed to play in 12 games gaining valuable big time college experience in the process as both a running back and a kick returner He came back his Sophomore year (2006) and cracked the starting lineup in almost half of Nebraska's games, earning All-Big 12 honors as a versatile all purpose player. His Sophomore statistics included 728 yards rushing, 383 yards receiving, and 153 yards returning kicks.

With starter Brandon Jackson leaving for the NFL in 2007, the stage was set for Lucky to have a breakthrough season. Despite being nagged by injuries and off the field problems throughout the year, Lucky was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2007. The season not only saw the gifted runner go over the 1,000 yard barrier rushing (1,019), it also served to showcase his ability to catch passes out of the backfield as his 75 catches for 705 yards led all running backs in the nation.

After two outstanding season's though, his Senior season has been a bit of a let down for Lucky, his stats dropping across the board. Through 8 games in 2008, Lucky's has average 57 yards rushing per contest, down from the 85 yards per game he averaged a year ago. Add to that the fact that he has only caught more than 3 passes in one game this year, and you may start to feel that he might have been better off had he entered last season's Draft.

Yet achievements on the field aside, it's Marlon Lucky's off the field issues that might be what eventually scares away prospective NFL scouts and GM's from making him a first day draft pick. Lucky has had issues with stress related aliments that have been severe enough to lead him to an overdose in 2007. Because of these off the field issues, look for Lucky to fall down into rounds 4-6 in the 2009 NFL Entry Draft. If he does fall that low in the Draft, whatever NFL team drafts him, might indeed be a lucky one. Blessed with the instincts and vision of the elite NFL runners, Lucky also has quick feet which allow him to work himself through traffic. Add to that the fact that he is able to catch passes out of the backfield as well as return kicks, and you have the makings of a top of the line NFL prospect. If he does fall to the latter rounds of the Draft, Marlon Lucky should be a steal for any NFL team that rolls the dice on him.