Studs, Duds, and Sleepers: Running Backs
By Thomas Welte
![NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Rodney Anderson #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners breaks through the Florida Atlantic Owls defense at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Rodney Anderson #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners breaks through the Florida Atlantic Owls defense at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/68ffd803a38f49efcfbaaf9bb7505fdd40e48ab62c0be33c877aadcb0bdab5fe.jpg)
Stud: David Montgomery, Iowa State
Some have question Montgomery’s athleticism, and while he is no Saquan Barkley, Montgomery has a place in the NFL. Montgomery has an excellent jump cut and is a threat in the open field. He is a better pass blocker than most college backs at this point in his career, and has legitimate three down potential. Montgomery can be inconsistent with his hands, but is more reliable than not. Montgomery has excellent contact balance and gets defenders turned around with a variety of moves. He may not possess elite speed or quickness, especially when trying to get to the perimeter, but in the right situation Montgomery could be a top 15 back in the NFL.