The Retort

Draft Preview: Ryan Mathews

April 19th, 2010 by Joe Olivo Of The Retort Staff

Ryan Mathews was born in Bakersfield, California. A small football town that suites his playing and life style perfectly. He played football at West High School where he was a standout running back and linebacker, while also playing some quarterback. His senior year he ran for 3,396 yards with 44 touchdowns.

After high school Mathews decided to enroll at Fresno State. As a freshman in 2007 he ran for 866 yards and 14 touchdowns. His touchdowns and average yards per carry were the highest among freshmen in college football.

In 2008 Mathews missed five games due to a knee injury, it kept him to only 606 yards and 8 touchdowns. In his junior year he broke out to become the second leading rusher in the nation. Mathews ran for 1,808 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns while missing one game with a concussion. He was voted a second team All-American.

Mathews is currently ranked as the 2nd overall running back prospect in this year’s NFL Draft, behind C.J. Spiller of Clemson. While being ranked second he is still considered the best “full time” running back in the draft. Mathews has very little downside in his game. People can question the competition he faced playing in the WAC conference but it would be a small complaint. He seemed to play his best against tough opponents; Boise State, 234 yards with 3 touchdowns; Wisconsin, 107 yards; Cincinnati, 145 yards, 1 touchdown; and Illinois, 173 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Mathews is a true workhorse type running back. Tough interior runner, good size and strength to break tackles. Runs inside the tackles with power and has enough agility to make people miss in the open field. Mathews is also going to be able to keep in on third down situations. He has solid strength and technique in pass blocking and even with limit route running experience he shows great natural hands.

Mathews is an extremely humble person. This was shown when he asked permission from former All American Fresno State running back Dale Messer to wear Messer's old number 21. Mathews always points out his mother as his reason for success, she worked two full-time jobs most of his life to support the family.

When asked what kind of personality he will bring to an NFL team Mathews responded, “They will get a hard worker who truly loves this game. Someone who can always be counted on.” Mathews is clearly a very high character guy who will immediately make any team in the NFL better. Expect him to be drafted towards the end of the first round with a chance to go as high as 20th overall to the Houston Texans.

Height: 6 feet and 0 inches

Weight: 218 pounds

Comparable at the Next Level to: Ronnie Brown

Projected Draft Spot: 28th Overall, San Diego Chargers