South Dakota St. RB Zach Zenner a Sleeper In Deep Class

When you talk about the strength of the 2015 NFL Draft class, the conversation has to start with the running back position. We already have two backs in the Big Ten alone with 2,000 or more rushing yards this season. From top to bottom, this is a big time class of running backs but the numbers they’ve put up throughout their careers almost seem to pale in comparison to what South Dakota State’s Zach Zenner has done.

Zenner, who accepted an invitation to play in the Shrine Game this year as a collegiate All-Star, has already rushed for over 2,000 yards in two straight seasons and with games yet to play, he’s just under the 1,900 yard mark in 2014. Zenner’s production has been incredible, be it as a runner or receiver, even as a kick returner. He has already set career marks in 2014 in receiving yards and touchdowns, and is giving NFL scouts a look at the full package of what you want to see in an NFL running back.

At 6-feet, 220 pounds, Zenner is a bruising back who has deceptively good speed in the open field. He’s a great north-south runner but he’s athletic and able to make people miss in the open field. Even though it’s against lesser competition, he seems to have a good second and third gear to get past the back level of defense and burn people for big gains while wearing them down between the tackles.

This guy has been an absolute machine and with some recognition from a major college All-Star game, his stock could see a bit of a rise. One of the hidden gems of this draft class, Zenner’s suitors would like to have a shot at him as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent, but with some exposure like this, he could improve his stock significantly.

I’m most interested to see how he responds to the incredible increase in the speed of the game. He’s a good, patient runner who allows holes to open up for him to run through, but he’s going to have to make those decisions a bit quicker in the NFL.

At any rate, this is a name you’re going to want to keep in the archives.