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3 Realistic expectations for Donnel Pumphrey’s rookie campaign

By Jordan Sutton

Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back Donnel Pumphrey of San Diego State (19) runs past North squad inside linebacker Haason Reddick of Temple (57) during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back Donnel Pumphrey of San Diego State (19) runs past North squad inside linebacker Haason Reddick of Temple (57) during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a touchdown against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second quarter of their NCAA football game at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a touchdown against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second quarter of their NCAA football game at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Rushing

Pumphrey led all of college football in 2016 with 2,133 rushing yards. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored 17 touchdowns on the ground. He is obviously a very skilled player with the ball in his hands. The Eagles seem to be using a running back by committee approach this year, so Pumphrey will have limited touches.

The Eagles have just signed LeGarrette Blount to a one-year deal, finally giving themselves a workhorse, and it looks as though the Eagles will still give Wendell Smallwood every opportunity to be a lead back. Darren Sproles and Pumphrey may be filtered in to supplement what they already have, and you can’t count out a player such as UDFA Corey Clement. He could possibly steal a few touches (if he makes the team). With this being Sproles’ last year,  the Eagles may limit his usage to keep him fresh, but he still figures to be one of the team’s top offensive weapons.

In 2017, expect Pumphrey to gain somewhere between 300 and 400 yards rushing.

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