Brandon Bolden

In a conference blessed with plenty of NFL-caliber talent at running back, it is easy for Mississippi's Brandon Bolden to get lost in the shuffle, especially after a senior season in which Bolden and his Rebels' teammates struggled with injury and high expectations. Bolden entered the 2011 season ranked by scouts among the better all-purpose backs in the country. It is difficult to understand why considering his breakout junior campaign a year earlier in which he rushed for 976 yards, caught 32 passes for 344 yards and scored 17 touchdowns, tying former New Orleans Saints' standout Deuce McAllister for the most in school history. Bolden's senior season began poorly. He suffered a hairline fracture in his left ankle in the opener against BYU. Limited by the injury the entire season, Bolden was passed by the smaller, quicker Jeff Scott as the Rebels' top rusher in 2011, finishing with just 462 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Like former Ole Miss standout BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the fact that Bolden doesn't wow with any one elite trait could lead to a disappointing draft day experience. If given a chance, however, he could surprise as a complementary back capable of contributing as a determined interior runner and occasional receiver out of the backfield.

inside

Good size and strength as an interior runner. A bit indecisive. Will attack the hole when he sees it, but too often bounces it outside, looking for the 40 yard run when sometimes he should be satisfied with getting the four. Runs low with good knee bend through the hole, but stands up as gets to the second level, exposing himself (and the ball) to hits. Willing to lower his shoulder and shows good leg drive to get the tough yards, but doesn't always play with the physicality you're looking for. Has good vision and shows some lateral agility to elude, though he isn't a nifty back capable of making defenders miss in tight quarters.

outside

Doesn't wow you with his speed to the edge, but has sneaky speed to and around the corner, consistently beating linebackers to the spot. Can plant his foot in the ground and accelerate quickly. Capitalizes on lanes when they're there and shows more burst and the straight-line speed to pull away than you'd expect for a back of his size (LSU).

intangibles

Received the Jeff Hamm Award for Most Outstanding Offensive Player during spring (2011) drills. Served as a gunner on punt coverage in 2010. Bolden requested a grade from the NFL Advisory Committee after his junior season but elected to return for his senior season after receiving a Day Three grade. Suffered a hairline fracture in his left ankle against BYU in the season opener and did not play against Southern Illinois. Was suspended for the Alabama game for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

breaking tackles

Runs hot and cold in this area. Is a powerfully built back (especially in his upper body) who can lower his shoulder and bring the boom to run through would-be tacklers. Also has a stiff-arm and a spin move to slip past defenders. At his best when near the goal-line, as he seems to be a more determined runner and keeps his legs churning upon contact. Doesn't always seem to play with the same intensity, however, and appears to have only average balance, overall.

receiving

Among his better skills. Shows soft hands out of the backfield and the flexibility to turn his body, receive the swing/screen pass and accelerate with no wasted motion. Shows some versatility as a route-runner, including the ability to challenge down the sideline on the wheel route.

blocking

Does a serviceable job as a pass blocker. Was often asked to stay in and provide a chip block with a running threat in Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback last year. Recognizes the blitz and steps up to it, though rather than physically taking on and controlling the pass rusher, Bolden often will drive low, taking out the legs. His blocks are usually effective, but high-effort pass rushers can beat him with quick hands or simply by picking themselves up after the initial block to get back into the play.

Rushed for 866 yards and 12 TDs as a senior

Also caught 12 passes for 256 yards

Named first team All-District 5-5A as a senior

Ranked the No. 34 player in Louisiana by SuperPrep and named to the SuperPrep All-Region team

Named to The Times-Picayune Best of the Rest Preps team

Ranked the No. 21 player in Louisiana and No. 34 RB in the nation by Rivals.com

Rated the No. 32 player in Louisiana and the No. 93 RB in the nation by Scout.com

Earned second team All-District 6-4A honors as a junior

Credited with over 1,800 rushing yards and 16 TDs combined as a sophomore and junior

Coached in high school by Richard Oliver.

Son of Michael and Marva Bolden

Born: January 26, 1990.