NFL 2010 Draft Profile: C.J. Spiller (Clemson) Running Back

Nicknamed "Lightning', Clemson's C.J. Spiller enters the 2009 college football season as one of the best running back prospect available for the 2010 NFL Draft. A bit undersized at 5-11, 195 lbs, Spiller nevertheless has the quickness, speed and catch passing ability out of the backfield to play at the next level.

A high school All-American who enjoyed a fabulous prep career at Union Country High School in Lake Butler Florida, Spiller was the number one rated running back prospect in the state (by Rivals.com) by the end of his Senior season. It's a prep career that saw him gain 5,511 yards on 541 carries, and make the PARADE magazine All-American First-Team his last year. Along the way Spiller won two Florida 2A track and field titles for the 100 and 200 meter sprints. After his Senior season, Spiller shocked most experts by choosing to attend Clemson over in-state programs at Florida and Florida State.

At Clemson, as a true Freshman in 2006, the highly recruited runner got off to an amazing start, gaining 938 yards on just 129 carries (a 7.3 yards per carry average) and scoring 10 rushing touchdowns. Not to be seen as a one dimensional player, Spiller's first college touchdown came on an 82 yard run after a pass reception. Over the years, Spiller has also shown tremendous explosiveness as a kick returner, versatility which will add value to him at the next level (http://clemson.fandome.com/video/106315/CJ-Spiller---Clemson-Football).

Statistically, his Junior year amounted to a bit of a late down, as Spiller's rushing totals sank to 768 yards with 3 touchdowns, however his all-around game continued to improve, and he added 271 yards on receptions. Perhaps saving his best effort of the season for last, Spiller rushed for 112 yards on only 8 carries in a Chick-fil-A Bowl loss to Auburn. Last year, in the midst of a terrible Clemson season (7-6), and sharing the backfield once again with teammate James Davis, Spiller's rushing totals dropped again (629 yards), though by season' end he had upped his all purpose yards to 1,770 yards. Spiller also managed to score 11 all purpose touchdowns including an electrifying 96 yard kickoff return against Alabama. Equally impressive off the filed, Spiller recorded a world class time of 10.29 seconds in the 100 meters during Clemson's track season.

After the season, Spiller thrilled Clemson fans by saying that he would be staying for his Senior season, a season which will see him be the featured player in a Clemson backfield that will be losing running back James Davis and quarterback Cullen Harper. Though he passed up being a 1^st or 2^nd round selection this year, by staying Spiller becomes a legitimate candidate for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. Should he produce a season that's up to his vast potential, look for Spiller to go in the first day of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Sources:

www.clemson.fandome.com

"Spiller will return to Clemens," January 15, www.independentmail.com

http://clemsontigers.cstv.com