By Donnie Niehaus
After seeing his projected status from the NFL draft advisory committee and 14 NFL general managers, junior tailback Eric Shelton has decided to leave the University of Louisville and declare eligibility for the NFL draft.
“The results were very satisfactory,” Shelton said. “It was very good – actually better than I expected. I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t in a good position.”
Shelton was a pivotal part of the Cardinals’ outstanding 2004 season. The team posted the school’s best-ever record at 11-1, beat Boise State in the Liberty Bowl, and finished their campaign ranked No. 6 in the country. Shelton posted an impressive 934 yards on only 146 carries and proved to be a key ingredient for the Cardinals’ success.
Shelton’s decision to enter the draft raised several eyebrows and left worries about the future of Louisville’s running back position. But the 6’3”, 248-pound Lexington native said he wouldn’t have entered the draft if he wasn’t confident of a third-round pick. Many of the running backs in the NFL can’t tip 230 pounds and don’t reach the six-foot mark, so there is no question about Shelton’s physical presence on the field.
But now the question becomes whether Shelton has the speed and agility to compete professionally. His statistics at U of L certainly prove that he has what it takes. His rushing average was the fifth-highest in U of L history, and his 30 career TDs rank No. 2 on Louisville’s all-time list.
Shelton faces some stiff competition in the draft, including Texas’ Cedric Benson, Auburn’s Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams, and Memphis’ DeAngelo Williams. While Shelton is the least-heralded of this group, his numbers stack up pretty well.
Benson, who is viewed by many as the top running back available, ran for 1,834 yards and rushed 326 times, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Shelton only ran 146 times (due to Michael Bush and Lionel Gates at back-up), yet he averaged an astonishing 6.4 yards per carry. Shelton also piled up 20 TDs to Benson’s 19.
Shelton enters the draft with Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino’s blessing. He also carries high marks from ESPN analyst Mel Kiper, who has Shelton ranked as the No. 8 back in the draft and one of the top 25 underclassmen in the league.
Many speculate whether Shelton made the right decision entering the draft as a junior. It’s not likely that he could improve his season numbers, and Louisville returns an abundance of running backs. Bush returns to the backfield, as does the underrated Kolby Smith. Petrino has also received a commitment from Illinois-transfer Brock Bolen.
Whatever happens come April, expect to see Shelton drafted on the first day.
