With The First Pick
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2020 NFL Draft: 3 running back prospects coming off injury-plagued seasons

By Seth Steere

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 29: Running back Stephen Carr #7 of the USC Trojans warms up for the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 29: Running back Stephen Carr #7 of the USC Trojans warms up for the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 30: Rodney Smith #1 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against Ray Buford Jr. #1 of the New Mexico State Aggies during the game on August 30, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Aggies 48-10. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 30: Rodney Smith #1 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against Ray Buford Jr. #1 of the New Mexico State Aggies during the game on August 30, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Aggies 48-10. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Rodney Smith, Minnesota

After Minnesota’s first game, Smith was well on his way to becoming a top back in last year’s class. In the opener against New Mexico St., Smith put up 154 yards on 24 carries for an average of 6.5 yards-per-carry.

Last year was Smith’s senior season, but since he tore his ACL in the second game of the season, he was awarded another year of eligibility. Had Smith stayed healthy last season and entered the draft, no doubt he would have been an early-round prospect.

Smith has already totaled 651 carries over his career and will most likely add another 200 or more  this year. His workload will definitely be something to monitor.

Smith has to continue the momentum he started to build in the first game last season if he wants to make scouts and general managers forget about his injury history.

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