Jon Fox ran the 2 back rotation in Carolina, and though he has came out in support of Moreno, he also said that Moreno wasn't the type of back set up to handle all of the load. Mikel falling to this point is a gift that Fox, and Elway won't be able to overlook. The owner is also very used to this team drafting many backs, though mainly later. Too much power and versatilty to overlook, and this back aids both Qb's. He and moreno will be a real rushing force.
--From Sportsline_
Latest News
03/26/2011 - Illinois Pro day: With 29 teams at the university's pro day, DT Corey Liuget, LB Martez Wilson and RB Mikel LeShoure were the draws among 11 players working out indoors on FieldTurf. Jets coach Rex Ryan and the Bears' entire defensive staff were among those in attendance. The group on hand saw Liuget (6-foot-2 1/8, 301 pounds) and Wilson (6-3 3/4, 250) have special positional workouts, which will put them in position to potentially move into the late portion of the first round. Wilson proved he can play in space and looked good in coverage. Meanwhile, Liuget's quickness and agility were both apparent for a prospect his size. LeShoure (5/11 3/4, 232) was solid in his position workout and should retain his status as a possible late first-round selection or early second-round choice. All three players stood on their combine numbers. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com
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Full *Mikel Leshoure News Wire
Overview
The University of Illinois hasn't had a lot of elite talent in their back yard in recent years, but keeping Leshoure in his home city has proved a fortuitous move for head coach Ron Zook and the Illini. The junior All-American and first-team All-Big Ten pick re-wrote the record books as a junior, rushing for 1,697 yards (with a 6.0-yard per carry average) and 17 touchdowns. Maybe more impressively, he did not fumble all season.
Zook saw enough potential in Leshoure that he chose not to redshirt him in 2008, though the true freshman only carried the ball 35 times for 126 yards and a touchdown (along with six receptions for 66 yards). He received more opportunities as a sophomore, starting three games, leading the team in rushing, and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 108-734-5 rushing, 14-177-2 receiving. Leshoure showed some immaturity early in his career, missing time after breaking his jaw in a 2008 fight with a teammate and being suspended for violating team rules early in 2009. He appeared to focus his energy before and during his junior year, however; if he convinces scouts he has matured, his combination of power, vision and exceptional burst to and past the line of scrimmage make Leshoure an easy top 40 pick.
Analysis
Inside running: Powerful back, gets behind his pads when running inside. Runs with lean, and has a small strike zone for which opponents to get a square hit. Good vision to cut away from traffic, very smooth in his cuts. Keeps legs moving after initial contact. Can jump over piles near the line. If the line provides a big hole, he has an elite burst to hit second level at full speed. Excellent ball security, keeps it high and tight. Must avoid stopping to run outside when defenders penetrate, instead taking the couple of yards behind his line. Usually uses his fullback when in the I-formation, but must trust him in short yardage situations. Sells fake handoffs.
Outside running: Thick upper- and lower-body build but he has the vision and quick feet to bounce outside as if he were a smaller back. Exceptional burst makes him capable of turning the corner to break off chunks of yardage. Has patience and vision to take a pitch and find a cutback lane and explode through it. Keeps his pad level low outside, which combined with a low center of gravity and strong legs, make him tough to tackle. Not afraid to push a pile or carry a defender a few yards after initial contact. Does not go out of bounds right away, willing to lower a shoulder to get a couple of extra yards.
Breaking tackles: Very strong runner who is difficult for one defender to bring down. Effective stiff-arm, especially against oncoming defensive backs. Runs over would-be tacklers in the open field due to his strength and forward lean. Can sidestep in the backfield, though he's best as a north-south runner. Lacks great elusiveness in short areas, but can juke a lesser defender in the open if he has some space.
Blocking: Willing blocker who plays with better attitude than technique. Thick and strong, should be effective in blitz pick-up with some coaching, making him a three-down back. Provides a pop when giving linemen help inside. Receiving: Bigger than a typical college receiving back, but is reliable enough to be lined up outside to create positive matchups. Runs inside and outside routes fairly well, but needs to make hard cuts consistently instead of rounding off. Can make a quick cut to avoid a defender or run over a cornerback. Catches the ball with his body on non-swing passes, but has some ability to adjust to wide passes. Intangibles: Suspended for September 2009 matchup against Illinois State for violating team rules. Suffered broken jaw in 2008, losing 17 pounds, reportedly during a fight with teammate Jeff Cumberland. Looks to have matured, however, changing eating habits and putting in weight room work to be lighter and stronger for the 2010 season.
