RB Kendall Hunter: Oklahoma State,  5-8/197

At today's Pro Day, Hunter improved upon his combine forty time.  He ran a 4.43 today, beating his Combine time of 4.53 by a full tenth of a second. (outside in the wind on a 38-degree day)  Hunter made his first appearance on NFL.com's  Mike Mayock updated his top five lists of prospects per position this week.

Once considered a third or fourth round pick, Hunter is moving up the charts. NFL Draft Scout via CBS Sports has him listed as a second rounder now.

ESPN's Todd Mcshay calls Kendall Hunter “one of the draft’s most underrated players, but hands and pass protection are questions."

YEAR   GP    CAR    YDS    YPG    TDS

2010     13     271    1548     119        16

2009      8        89      382     47           1

2008     13     241    1555     119        17

2007     12     107     696      58.0        5

A foot injury cost him much of the 2009 season, but he came back in his senior campaign, matching nearly all of his outstanding 2008 numbers.

www.DRAFTBIBLE.com  : It’s been obvious that Hunter is a pro back, but he really struggled with injuries last year and had to learn a new offense coming into this season. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgerson’s offensive attack couldn’t have been a better fit for Hunter, resulting in one of his best years running and catching the football as the centerpiece of the Oklahoma State offense. In 2010 Hunter was named to the All-Big 12 first team, the AP All-American first team, and was also a Doak Walker Award Finalist.  Hunter has a low center of gravity with legitimate 4.4 speed and the explosiveness to match. He just seems to string big plays together by either evading defenders or running right by them. He’s very similar to the NFL’s Maurice Jones-Drew with his elusiveness in the open field and receiving skills out of the backfield.

www.DRAFTINSIDER.NET : Amazingly creative runner who eludes defenders and consistently makes something out of nothing. Terrific pass catcher out of the backfield and gives effort blocking. Lacks great measurables yet plays big. Rebounded well from injuries and was dominant this season.

www.NATIONALFOOTBALLPOST.COM  : A short, compact running back who possesses decent thickness throughout his lower half, does a nice job running behind his pads and rarely exposes his frame to the big hit.  Exhibits an explosive first step, impressive change-of-direction skills and is fluid inside.  Isn’t a real physical blocker and doesn’t have the type of lower body power to consistently anchor in blitz pick-up. However, does have the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield...can be a threat in the pass game.

Listed as a Senior Bowl "riser" by Adam Caplan http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/senior-bowl-stock-rise-and-fall-012911

Personnel evaluators were wondering if Hunter will be anything more than a scatback, but he proved he’s much more. Hunter, for being a bit smaller (5-7, 199)  was willing to run inside and he did a nice job of getting to the second level on many of his carries. He also did a decent job in protection during passing plays.

Conclusion:  By Doug Farrar, Yahoo! Sports http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ys-murrayvshunter012511

Kendall Hunter  has the well-rounded résumé we’ve recently seen from Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew.  Because he has such great decision-making abilities and quickness through the hole, Hunter would be a great fit with any team who run a lot of shotgun draws, play action, and counter/trap runs.  Looks like a guy who can be a threat both in space and between the tackles at the next level,  and looks like a nice change of pace guy at the next level.