Delone Carter Scouting Report

Delone Carter didn't exactly burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2006 when he rushed for 713 yards. However, for a true freshman, Syracuse knew they had a special player and Carter had the second best rushing season for a freshman in Orange history. While the numbers, including just four touchdown runs, were not spectacular, Carter set up what was to come. Unfortunately for Carter, the 2007 season was lost after he dislocated his hip in the spring. Injuries again derailed Carter's progress when he missed all but four games in the 2008 season.

It was as a junior in 2009 when Carter finally stayed healthy enough to play an entire season. After rushing for 1,021 yards and 11 touchdowns, Carter proved to all doubters that he could get the job done game in and game out. Heading into 2010 the question was whether or not Carter could stay healthy for another full season. However, those concerns were briefly overshadowed by a suspension, but Carter did not miss a game during his senior season for that reason. Through 11 games in 2010, Carter has once again eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark and has run for seven scores.

Carter and Syracuse are garnering some national attention due to their dramatic turnaround and surprisingly successful season. Carter is a big part of that success and he is turning into a sleeper in this year's draft. At 5-10 (which is probably being a little generous) and 215 pounds, Carter has the size to be an every down back, but also has the shiftiness and speed to break some big plays. By the third round, Carter will look like a really good running back.

2/10 Update: Carter followed his New Era Pinstripe Bowl MVP honors with a dominate performance in the East-West Shrine Game. Carter led all rushers with 11 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. For his efforts, he won the game's MVP award. The most impressive thing about Carter was his ability to fight through traffic and break tackles despite his diminutive stature. With another good showing at the NFL Combine, Carter could sneak into the second round and surpass a handful of other backs.