Montario Hardesty

Possessing obvious talent but a troubling inability to remain healthy, Hardesty entered his senior campaign with only six starts in 36 career games and having never carried the ball more than 107 times in a season. He needed a healthy, breakout senior campaign to emerge as a legitimate NFL prospect. A breakout campaign is exactly what he produced. Quickly impressing Lane Kiffin and his staff with his work ethic and toughness, Hardesty emerged as the starter over highly touted freshmen Bryce Brown. Averaging 21 carries per game, Hardesty rushed for 1,345 yards, the fourth highest total in Tennessee's history and only 119 yards short of Travis Stephens' record. NFL teams will proceed cautiously with Hardesty. He has already undergone three knee surgeries, so his medical report will be as closely scrutinized as any prospect this year. When healthy, Hardesty has proven to be a legitimate workhorse with rare agility for a back his size. He leaves Tennessee with 560 career carries, the second highest total in school history.

inside

Classic one-cut runner who presses the line of scrimmage and attacks the hole when it is there. Runs a bit upright, but lowers his pad level when in traffic and keeps his feet churning to generate as much positive yardage as possible. Good forward lean. Good vision and has the burst to take advantage of cutback lanes.

outside

Lacks elite straight-line speed, but can beat the linebacker to the edge and turn the corner. Can stick his foot in the ground and accelerate quickly to get past the initial wave of defenders and get into the open field. Not a naturally elusive runner, but has deceptive speed due to his upright running style and good power.

intangibles

Characterized as the consummate teammate. Twice voted team captain, including in 2008 when he wasn't a starter. Convinced team to let him play special teams against Wyoming despite his injuries being too much to allow him to suit up as a running back. Surprised and disappointed scouts with his decision to pull out late from the Senior Bowl, but impressed them with his sub-4.5 speed and athleticism at the Combine.

breaking tackles

Among his best attributes. Good balance to keep his feet and fight through arm tackles. Very good spin move. Keeps his feet churning in traffic and can sneak through the pile and break away to gain yardage in chunks.

receiving

Good receiver used on a variety of routes in this offense, including the basic screens and dump-offs, but also more complicated wheels and was even split out wide and used on slants. Reliable hands. Shows the ability to extend, make the reception and secure the ball quickly. Good ball security. Didn't fumble the ball once in 285 touches in 2009.

blocking

Willing pass blocker with the size, strength and technique to face up the oncoming defender. Cognizant blocker who keeps his head on a swivel and looks for someone to hit. Inconsistent effectiveness as a cut blocker as he drops his head and lunges. Good effort downfield. Looks to help out his teammates.

Suffered multiple leg injuries over his career, including a torn ACL (2005), ankle sprains (2007) and a stress fracture (2008).

Rushed for 2,002 yards as high school senior after gaining 1,987 rushing yards previous season

Named All-Area and All-Conference in 2004 after being selected honorable mention All-State previous season

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 1