Hershel Dennis RB 5'11 200 USC

Dennis was a reserve as a freshman, but took the starting job over as a sophomore. Despite playing alongside freshmen Reggie Bush and LenDale White, Dennis ran for 661 yards and four touchdowns. Things went downhill after that. Dennis was suspended for the first four games of his junior year for sexual assault charges(that were later thrown out for lack of evidence), which allowed Bush and White to establish themselves as an elite tandem. Dennis only managed 109 yards in mop up duty. Before the Orange Bowl that year, Dennis injured his knee, which caused him to redshirt his senior season. Coming back for a fifth season last year, he re-injured the knee. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Unfortunately for Dennis, USC has a slew of talented backs so he did not get a chance to crack the rotation this year. He received only 17 carries for 59 yards, along with two catches for five yards.

Hershel Dennis is a versatile running back. He has good quickness and balance, and does not give up until the whistle blows. He has good cutback ability, and accelerates quickly. He has the patience to let a hole open up, and quickly gets through it. He is a willing interior runner, and runs bigger than this size suggests. Dennis has always been a real threat as a receiver out of the backfield.

The knee injuries obviously have caused a lot of doubt about Dennis’ future in college and the NFL. Coming back after missing two straight seasons because of a knee injury is not something very many people have done. He will have to convince everyone he is healthy, and that he can move on. As a runner even when healthy, Dennis has had problems maintaining his weight. His size is only average maxed out, so he will have to show that his body can handle a beating and keep the weight on.

There is still doubt about his knee, but Dennis has taken the steps to prove he is back. In the spring, he was very impressive. He ran with authority and showed no ill effects of the knee injury. With a crowded USC backfield, Dennis did not get a chance to truly show he was recovered from the knee injuries. Dennis may find it difficult to hear his name called in April, but he is a player worth watching. If he is fully healthy, he has the talent and versatility to help an NFL team.