Chris Markey RB 5’10 210 UCLA

After backing up Maurice Drew his first two seasons at UCLA, Markey got the opportunity to be the feature back in 2006 and he took advantage of it. He ran for 1,163 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while adding 261 yards on a team leading 35 receptions. Markey’s numbers dipped this season, as injuries only allowed him to rush for 598 yards and three touchdowns.

Markey is a back that can have an impact in many different ways. He can help as a runner, receiver, and return kicks. As a runner, he shows the ability to run between the tackles and keep the chains moving. He has the ability to make the first defender miss and pick up consistent yardage. Markey has also shown that he has to be accounted for when he leaks out of the backfield. He also has quite a bit of experience as a punt and kick returner.

Markey does not possess any standout physical trait. He is more of a north south runner, but lacks the size to be a tackle to tackle runner, and lacks the great speed and quickness to hit the corner consistently. He is a good receiver, but that lack of quickness will limit his ability to be lined up in different positions.

Chris Markey is a player who has value because of his ability to help out in a variety of ways. He may not develop into a starting quality back, but he has the skills as a runner and receiver to help out as a back up, and the ability to help out on special teams.