100 in 100: Jahvid Best (21 of 100)
by Drew K on Feb 1, 2010 1:59 PM PST
in 100 in 100 (2010)
42 comments
Jahvid Best, before his injury, was arguably the top running back next to C.J. Spiller from Clemson. Best has had problems staying healthy throughout his collegiate career which in turn has made his draft stock drop a bit. Best, on November 7th, 2009 sustained a severe concussion and injury to his back on a Touchdown play against conference rivals, Oregon State. The Cal Running Back unecessarily jumped in the air to avoid contact from one of Oregon State's Linebacker's. In doing so, Best was knocked about ten-plus feet in the air coming down to land on his back and subsequently his head was whipped toward the ground resulting in him being knocked out. Best was carried out on a stretcher and was immediately taken to a local hospital. Concussions have been a significant area of concern in the NFL and it has been medically proven that concussions can be a reoccuring issue. This will be a flag concerning when and where Best is drafted, although some team will more than likely give him a shot fairly high still. His talent is just too good to pass on.
In 2007, Best, as a True Freshman, did not receive much playing time but he managed 221 Yards on just 29 carries which opened the eyes of the coaching staff heading in to the following year. His Sophomore year, Best opened the rest of the Nations eyes with a spectacular outing against Michigan State with 111 yards on 24 carries. It wasn't too much longer after that, that Best had another stellar performance against Washington State in which he had two touchdown runs of 80 plus yards. His game total for that game was 200 Yards rushing and 3 Touchdowns. At this point, Best had created alot of buzz in regards to being mentioned as the "Best" college Running Back in college football. This past season there were high expectations for the Cal Running Back and he was an early favorite in regards to the Heisman Trophy. He had played 9 games this year and racked up 867 Yards and 12 Touchdowns before the season ending injury.
As unfortunate as the injury was, Best still has not been knocked that far down the boards. Mike Mayock still has Best ranked on his Big Board as the number two Running Back right behind C.J. Spiller who is considered to be the top Running Back in college football. If Best can heal up, his value according to where he will be selected may be outstanding.
Below, I will provide Best's stats, highlights, awards and honors, and projections of where he could end up being selected.
Clearly you can see why Best, before the injury was considered to be a Heisman favorite coming for the 2009 Season. He has natural ability to "feel" the entire field. He has the ability to return kicks as well. If he fell in to the second round for the Niners pick, and we didn't already select Spiller, he may be worth a long-hard look.
AWARDS AND HONORS:
- 2007 First Team All-Pac 10 (Special Teams)
- 2008 Pro Football Weekly All-American Honorable Mention
- 2008 First Team All-Pac 10 (Offense)
- 2008 Pac 10 Rushing Leader (1,580 Yards)
- 2008 Emerald Bowl MVP
- 2009 Elite Running Back Trophy
CAREER STATS:
| Stats Overview | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||
| YEAR | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LST |
| 2007 | 29 | 221 | 7.6 | 64 | 2 | 13 | 74 | 5.7 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 194 | 1580 | 8.1 | 86 | 15 | 27 | 246 | 9.1 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 141 | 867 | 6.1 | 93 | 12 | 22 | 213 | 9.7 | 51 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Regular Season Game Log | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||||
| DATE | OPP | RESULT | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LST | ||
| 9/5 | Maryland | W 52-13 | 10 | 137 | 13.7 | 73 | 2 | 2 | 23 | 11.5 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 9/12 | Eastern Washington | W 59-7 | 17 | 144 | 8.5 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 9/19 | @Minnesota | W 35-21 | 26 | 131 | 5.0 | 33 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 5.7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 9/26 | @Oregon | L 42-3 | 16 | 55 | 3.4 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 7.0 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 10/3 | USC | L 30-3 | 14 | 47 | 3.4 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 10/17 | @UCLA | W 45-26 | 18 | 102 | 5.7 | 93 | 1 | 2 | 51 | 25.5 | 51 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 10/24 | Washington State | W 49-17 | 13 | 159 | 12.2 | 61 | 2 | 1 | 27 | 27.0 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 10/31 | @Arizona State | W 23-21 | 18 | 63 | 3.5 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 61 | 8.7 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 11/7 | Oregon State | L 31-14 | 9 | 29 | 3.2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | -4 | -4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 11/14 | Arizona | W 24-16 | Did Not Play or did not accumulate any stats. | |||||||||||||
| 11/21 | @Stanford | W 34-28 | Did Not Play or did not accumulate any stats. | |||||||||||||
| 12/5 | @Washington | L 42-10 | Did Not Play or did not accumulate any stats. | |||||||||||||
| 2009 Postseason Game Log | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||||
| BOWL | OPP | RESULT | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LST | ||
| SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL | Utah | L 37-27 | Did Not Play or did not accumulate any stats. | |||||||||||||
SUMMARY AND PROJECTIONS:
Although Best sustained a fairly severe injury in '09, the year before he would be drafted, the Cal Running Back will still be considered to be a first round prospect for some teams willing to take a flyer on him. With Best's ability, I can't see him falling past the middle of the second round. He should be drafted Day 1 of the draft.
Possibilities -- Late 1st Round to Mid 2nd Round; 1st Round: Texans, Patriots, Chargers
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I really liked watching Best
I thought he could be something special but when he got hit that last game it was terrifying.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
definitely the best highlight reel yet
seems like a poor-man’s reggie bush. I kinda doubt we’d spring for him because he has a strong penchant for running east-west before going downhill and he goes out of bounds. Neither are things Singletary looks for in his backs.
I like how often I saw Cal’s QB throwing blocks, that was great.
While I can’t see the highlight reel from work, the thing I was most impressed with about Best was that he doesn’t stop his forward momentum and try to juke people like a lot of speed backs (such as Reggie Bush) do. He’ll bounce runs outside, but when going through the line, he hits the hole hard and gets through quickly. I think this bodes well for his NFL success.
Again I don’t know what the highlights show, but that was my impression from watching a fair number of Cal games.
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
I Thought...
A Cal fan(I assume you’re a Cal fan) would be offended with the poor man’s Reggie Bust comparison.
1.Trent Williams 1.Brandon Graham 2. Syd Thompson 3.Torell Troup 4.Andrew Quarless 5.John Jerry 6.Mike Kafka 7.Quinton Andrews 7.Preston Parker
meh. Reggie Bush is not a great NFL player, but he was frickin amazing at $C.
I don’t think it’s a great comparison (a poor man’s Chris Johnson is better), but Bush was a better prospect coming out than Best is now. He just didn’t adapt well to the pro game.
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
Wait a minute, these two comments are conflicting.
One said he doesn’t go down hill first and the other says the opposite. I am not a Cal Fan, it would be nice to have more insight on him, he was tearing it up before the concussions. But, Since he has the concussions ATOP, his resume, I would not draft him earlier than 3rd and maybe 4th. He has talent but he has the WORST injury issue.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
Right, I watched him a fair amount and I thought he had a lot of north-south to his game for a speed back. The other stuff is fair though, he doesn’t try to run through people and will run out of bounds. As a little guy that’s not always a bad thing.
He only had the one concussion to my knowledge, but it was a really bad one. If he was healthy all season he’d probably be a solid 1st rounder. I’d like to get him in the second, but a lot of teams are probably thinking that.
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 4:16 PM PST up reply actions
I hope we aren't thinking that.
Spiller at 13 and Coker in the 5th, plus McCluster in the 3rd are far better options IMO. Only because of the concussions.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
Congrats Jahvid Best!
You will become the 3rd Cal Superstar product to have their draft stock lampooned over non-talent related issues who will later prove to be a Superstar in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers: Athleticism + Tedford product
Desean Jackson: Size
Jahvid Best: Durability
You’d think the lesson has been learned. This guys a late 1st round pick like Aaron Rodgers deserved to drop 23 spots and Desean Jackson was a 2nd rounder.
Even with the durability being concussions, this is the most discussed injury in the NFL.
I think he would be a risk pick, he is small and coming to a man’s league.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
I’m throwing it out there that those same issues were stuck on Desean Jackson and it seems silly at this point.
Best would have to be in the right situation to excel over the long haul. IMO, that is a passing team who doesn’t run much and has a complimentary back to take most carries on short yardage situations. Ideally that would be the Chargers, Eagles, Patriots and possibly the Texans.
Jackson didn't come into the league when concussions was a hot topic, especially coming off of 2 in back to back games at his age.
It’s good he sat out the remainder of the year. But what does that do to his shelf life? Will he make it through his first contract? How many hits does it take to get a concussion? Those are the questions I would be asking, which would lead me to passing on him in 1st and 2nd.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
Even though the 49ers drafted Coffee last year
I wouldn’t mind if the 49ers used a 2nd round pick on Best. But the 49ers just have to big of needs to fill in other areas to use one of their first round picks on him.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
Best
reminds me a lot of Brian Westbrook
Durability-wise
Acceleration-wise
Agility-wise
Receiving-wise
1.Trent Williams 1.Brandon Graham 2. Syd Thompson 3.Torell Troup 4.Andrew Quarless 5.John Jerry 6.Mike Kafka 7.Quinton Andrews 7.Preston Parker
I don't think he'll be drafted the first day.
Remember that Thursday will be the 1st round only.
I don’t think he’ll be selected in the 1st.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
Texans or Chargers could take him on day 1
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Patriots too
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
I think McCluster MAY go before him. It’s a big if, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
McCluster is overrated right now because of the senior bowl. He’s not really a second round prospect IMO. He might look good in drills (didn’t do jack in the game), but I have a hard time believing teams are really going to use an early pick on a 165lb running back.
The closest comp is Sproles, who was much more accomplished in college and still only a 4th round pick.
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 4:22 PM PST up reply actions
Best is 185 lbs, with concussion issues.
McCluster played in the SEC as a Rb, and put up some impressive games in a BETTER defensive conference. Best didn’t put up over 200 yards of total yards rushing and receiving in one game playing inferior defensive opponents. McCluster got over 200 yards 3 times and once over 300 yards. Looking at his weight means nothing. Sproles is a successful NFL player, McCluster can be just like Best can be, Best has concussions and McCluster doesn’t so if you want Best, that doesn’t make any since.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
If weight means nothing, then why list Best’s? Incorrectly even.
McCluster had some big games, but he had some games where he did nothing. If you think McCluster is a better prospect than Best, more power to you. I don’t. I think he’s Dexter Carter part 2.
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 5:10 PM PST up reply actions
Incorrectly??
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2403188
http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=238184
http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9015/Jahvid_Best
http://california.scout.com/a.z?s=166&p=8&c=1&nid=4236660
What is correct? Many sites post different things and I don’t have him on a scale in front of me. Point is you know McCluster’s because he was just in the senior bowl. As far as a better prospect, I never said that, he is not as high of a risk, he doesn’t have concussion issues coming to the league. And when discussing the stats, he wasn’t used in the backfield as often as he was late in the season. Every game he had 20 plus carries he had 200 yards with rushing and receiving combined. Best had 3 good games, and was the feature back from day one. he may go first round, but I hope the Niners avoid him.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
I highly doubt it, highly doubt it.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
Wouldn’t both those teams rather get a big back to pair with Slaton/Sproles?
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 4:18 PM PST up reply actions
What big back? Blount? Off field issues… Gerhart? If they are willing to wait for him and hope he falls… Best will still be a high round prospect and I think that a team will give him a chance where I projected him. It is just my opinion though.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
They could just go another direction early and try to grab someone later. Dwyer and Matthews would both be decent pairings with those guys and are probably second round picks. Gerhart could go anywhere from the late second on. I just don’t see the point in 2 similar backs when neither can be a bell cow. Someone else might take a chance, but probably not Houston or SD.
by microwave donut on Feb 1, 2010 4:35 PM PST up reply actions
The Texans would have been in the playoffs if they had a RB that could take it in from 1-yard out
Chris Brown failed like 3 times and cost them those games.
The Texans need a power back, not a speed guy.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Feb 3, 2010 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
I don't see it happening.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Feb 3, 2010 2:03 PM PST up reply actions
He could end up with a good team
Unfortunately that’s only because I’m hard pressed to believe that any of the early to mid 1st round teams will be able to make a firm decision to take a chance on him. He’s definitely got the credentials, but unfortunately the injury put a damper on his stock. But if he falls to the Niners in the 2nd & they don’t have a return man picked, I’d be ok with picking him up.
by Mangoman1 on Feb 1, 2010 4:23 PM PST via mobile reply actions
agree
I definitely think that he is worth a 2nd round pick if he were able to return kicks. I think there is no doubt that Reggie Bush adds a whole other element to the saints offense just as I think best could. He is so fast, that having that 3rd rb/KR would help the Niners tremendously. Im predicting he’ll go late 1st round after putting up an amazing combine. But yeah Im not sure about our middle 1st round picks
by larryallenseawolf on Feb 1, 2010 8:00 PM PST up reply actions
Minnesota's defense, less than impressive.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
Highly questionable
But he is Jahvid Best.
Tribute to #44...............The Elmira Express!!
No More personal Mocks
Trade 1a and 1b for Berry and Chiefs # 37 plus 2011 rd 3.
2a. - #37 Brandon Ghee CB Wake
#45- Mike Johnson G Ala.
#77- Jacoby Ford WR Clem.
#109 Kyle Calloway RT Iowa
# 141 Stephen Williams WR Toledo
#173 - Coker RB
# 205 - Whatever Drew K wants here!!
Not really
Everyone knew he was the best RB prospect coming into the 2009 season.
He didn’t perform like he did in 2008 and C.J. Spiller played well and didn’t get hurt.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Feb 3, 2010 2:07 PM PST up reply actions
Did nothing against the top teams
I love Jahvid Best as a cal alum, but he’s a track guy playing football. Basically, the RB version of Ted Ginn. He can make subpar talent look really bad, but against NFL level athletes, he doesn’t have the lateral quickness or strength to match his straight away speed, and his vision is average at best. Shane Vereen is a much more natural RB, but just doesn’t have the same athletic tools as Best.
People are overreacting to Chris Johnson’s great year and drooling over these speed backs. Best RB this draft will be Gerhart, and it won’t be close. That guy’s a future perennial 1400+ yd rusher.
Love his speed but...
Wonder what he does when he is not breaking 60 yd runs. Runs high. Not very powerful. Explosive though. But doesn’t “look” like a running back. More like a RS.
I want winners!!
Best or Spiiler?
I really think that the niners need a change of pace home run hitter type back/slot/return man. You add one of those two guy in there and it could really help out the offense
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