Javon Ringer RB 5'9 205 Michigan St. 4.60

Ringer wasted no time making an impact for the Spartans, rushing for 817 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman, to go along with 19 catches for 138 yards. He was on his way to a huge sophomore season, averaging over 100 yards a game before a knee injury put him on the shelf. He was expected to be out the rest of the season, but came back for three games at the end of the year. In eight games(five starts) in 2006, Ringer rushed for 497 yards and a touchdown to go along with 96 yards and a touchdown on 14 receptions. Ringer put together the full season he was not able to complete the year prior in 2007, rushing for 1,447 yards and six touchdowns as well as catching 35 passes for 295 yards while earning All Big 10 2nd team honors. He was again the horse for the Spartans as a senior, rushing for 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding another 190 yards on 28 receptions.

Strengths

Ringer is the type of big play threat you do not always see in a Big 10 back. He is very light on his feet, showing the quickness to make defenders miss and the speed to turn the corner and outrun them once he gets past them. Ringer also brings the traditional Big 10 toughness at the RB position, showing the toughness to run between the tackles and battle for extra yardage. He will not be confused with a power runner, but he is built well and runs hard. Ringer has also shown the ability to be a factor as a receiver as well. He has very good hands and should be able to be used as more than just a safety valve.

Weaknesses

Size may prevent Ringer from being an every down back. Despite being a workhorse in college and a tough runner, but he may not be able to handle the beating of being an interior runner consistent in the league. He has had some durability concerns with shoulder and knee injuries in college, which further questions his future as a lead back in the league. The workload he endured in college may also raise a red flag. He carried the ball 635 times over the past two years, which is an amazing total for a back of any size, let alone one the size of Ringer.

Future

Ringer has some similarities to Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville, although he isn’t as gifted across the board. He is short but stocky and has excellent quickness. Some teams are going to be concerned with the workload he had in college and his lack of standout measurables, but Ringer can play. He didn’t do anything at the combine to distinguish himself from mid round backs, running only a 4.60 40, but he has proven himself on the field.