Owen Schmitt FB 6'2 247 West Virginia 4.73

Schmitt was a force as a freshman running back, rushing for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns. After sitting out the 2004 season, he came back in 2005 with a different role. He was now going to be a short yardage and blocking back for Steve Slaton. He still managed to rush for 380 yards and two touchdowns on the year. As a junior last year, he ran for 351 yards and seven touchdowns. This season, Schmitt ran for 208 yards and three touchdowns, adding 12 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Schmitt is an absolute load to deal with. As a runner, receiver, or blocker he is tough to match up with. He has excellent size, is very strong, and has decent straight line speed. As a runner, he is tough to bring down not only because of his size and strength, but his unwillingness to be tackled. He continues to battle and moves the defenders. As a blocker he paves the way for two of college footballs most exciting players in Slaton and Pat White. Schmitt has also shown the ability to catch the football when called upon as well.

Schmitt lacks the quickness and change of direction ability to be anything more than a short yardage back, but he can pick up the tough yards. Those same traits may hinder his ability as a receiver, and hurt him as he tries to block NFL defenders on the move.

Teams have shied away from fullbacks for the most part, but there are some talented ones this year. Schmitt is right up there with the best, and potential as an all around fullback will entice some teams on Day Two.