2012 NFL Draft: A Pre-Combine Look at the NFL Draft's Top 10 Running Backs

On Wednesday, the three-ring circus that is the NFL Scouting Combine will pitch its tents in Indianapolis, as more than 300 of college football's top athletes gather to be put through their paces by NFL scouts and coaches.

Among the players who will be running, jumping and answering any number of inane questions are the top bell cows among college football's running backs, and while their performances at this year's combine will likely shake this list up a bit, here is a pre-combine look at the cream of the crop.

10. Robert Turbin, Utah State

2011 Stats: 249 carries, 1,517 yards, 19 touchdowns, 17 receptions, 171 yards, four touchdowns

After missing the 2010 season due to injury, Utah State running back Robert Turbin broke the 1,200-yard rushing mark for the second time in three years in 2011.

The 5'9", 216-pound Turbin has durability questions after missing almost two full seasons due to injury, but he's a powerful runner who could represent quite a value if he can stay healthy and improve his pass-blocking technique.

2012 Draft Outlook: Fourth-Fifth Round

9. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

2011 Stats: 193 carries, 1,189 yards, 10 touchdowns, 20 receptions, 187 yards, one touchdown

At 5'11", 220-pounds, Mississippi State running back Vick Ballard topped six yards per carry as a senior for the Bulldogs in 2011, although he struggled somewhat against higher-end SEC competition and needs to learn to fight for yardage and stay on his feet with more authority.

Ballard possesses an excellent combination of size and speed and is a good third-day draft flier for teams with a need at running back.

2012 Draft Outlook: Fourth-fifth round

8. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati

2011 Stats: 237 carries, 1,259 yards, 12 touchdowns, 39 receptions 313 yards, three touchdowns

Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead is a capable runner and receiver who was named the Big East offensive player of the year after an outstanding senior season.

Pead lacks ideal size and power, but at the very least Pead could provide an NFL team with a fine complementary back who could potentially develop into a feature back if he can get thicker without sacrificing burst.

2012 Draft Outlook: Fourth round

7. Bernard Pierce, Temple

2011 Stats: 273 carries, 1,481 yards, 27 touchdowns, three receptions, 52 yards

Although Temple running back Bernard Pierce was barely used in the passing game, the 6'0", 220-pound bruiser was wildly productive for the Owls in 2011, scoring nearly 30 touchdowns.

Pierce is a bit of a one-dimensional, "two-down" back who needs to run with more decisiveness, but the power he's able to generate when he does drop the pads will certainly appeal to an NFL team looking to add that dimension to its running game.

2012 Draft Outlook: Third-Fourth Round

6. LaMichael James, Oregon

2011 Stats: 247 carries, 1,805 yards, 18 touchdowns, 17 receptions, 210 yards, one touchdown

Junior running back LaMichael James was college football's leading rusher and a second team All-American in 2011 after topping seven yards a carry, and the 5'9", 195-pounder racked up over 3,500 rushing yards for the Ducks the past two years.

James is a electrifying talent but lacks ideal size and has both durability and character concerns, so the team that looks to the collegiate superstar at the professional level will be taking a bit of a risk.

2012 Draft Outlook: Third-fourth round

5. Chris Polk, Washington

2011 Stats: 293 carries, 1,488 yards, 12 touchdowns, 31 receptions, 332 yards, four touchdowns

Chris Polk was a first team all-conference selection in 2011, as the 5'11", 222-pound bowling ball rumbled for nearly 1,500 yards and topped five yards per carry for the Huskies.

Polk is a powerful runner and capable receiver, but after a rough showing at the Senior Bowl last month Polk is badly in need of a strong combine to answer questions about his straight-line speed, conditioning and somewhat bizarre interviews in Mobile.

2012 Draft Outlook: Third round

4. Doug Martin, Boise State

2011 Stats: 263 carries, 1,299 yards, 16 touchdowns, 28 receptions, 255 yards, two touchdowns

Unlike Chris Polk, the Senior Bowl was very kind to Boise State running back Doug Martin, as the 5'9", 208-pound senior left Mobile with a first-round grade from some NFL scouts.

Given Martin's smallish stature and the fact that he doesn't possess great speed, it's unlikely that he'll be selected that early. While Martin may not have the "potential" of some of these backs, he is a very capable runner, receiver and pass blocker who is also far less likely to fall flat on his face.

2012 DRAFT OUTLOOK: Second-third round

3. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

2012 Stats: 290 carries, 1,709 yards, nine touchdowns, 22 receptions, 129 yards, one touchdown

Virginia Tech running back David Wilson was the nation's fourth-leading rusher in 2011, as the 5'10", 205-pound second team All-American rolled for over five yards per carry and 1,800 total yards.

With a solid burst, good power and surprising speed for a back his size, Wilson is a fine all-around package in the backfield, and although Wilson needs to cut down on the fumbles, he'll likely work his way into the second round of April's draft.

2012 Draft Outlook: Second round

2. Lamar Miller, Miami (FL)

2011 Stats: 227 carries, 1,272 yards, nine touchdowns, 17 receptions, 85 yards, one touchdown

At 5'11" and 212 pounds, running back Lamar Miller of the University of Miami has the prototypical frame of an NFL ball carrier. Miller enjoyed a productive 2011 season, logging over 5.5 yards per carry on his way to second team All-ACC honors.

Miller counts on his outstanding agility and speed more than he does power when running the ball, and while his blocking skills could use work, his remarkable athleticism is sure to be very tempting to NFL clubs with a need at the position.

2012 Draft Outlook: Late first round

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama

2011 Stats: 283 carries, 1,679 yards, 21 touchdowns, 29 receptions, 338 yards, three touchdowns

There's very little question that the top running back in the 2012 draft class is Trent Richardson of Alabama, as the 5'11", 224-pound junior racked up over 2,000 total yards last year en route to being named a first team All-American for the national champions.

With prototypical size, good speed for a back his size, excellent vision and soft hands, Richardson is the proverbial "total package" running back, so it's highly unlikely that the 2011 Doak Walker award winner will last past the middle of the first round.

2012 Draft Outlook: Top-20 pick