Kenjon Barner: 5 Things to Know About the Oregon RB

He isn't the most popular running back in the draft, but Kenjon Barner has caught the eyes of NFL scouts.

Kenjon can do it all, having scored receiving, rushing, kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns at Oregon, and is entering the draft as a mid-round prospect.

When LaMichael James left the Ducks and entered the NFL last year, Kenjon stepped into the starting lineup and did not disappoint.  Let's break down this remarkable athlete from top to bottom.  

Barner's Background

Full Name: Kenjon Barner

Birthday: April 28, 1989 (age 23)

Hometown: Born in Lynwood, California

High School: Notre Dame High School (Riverside, California)

Major: Criminology

Year: Redshirt senior

Barner is entering the NFL after rushing for 41 touchdowns at Oregon. He is projected to be a mid-round pick after a breakout senior year.

Barner's Stats

2009: 61 carries, 366 yards (6.0 average), 3 TDs

2010: 91 carries, 551 yards (6.1 average), 6 TDs

2011: 152 carries, 939 yards (6.2 average), 11 TDs

2012:  278 carries, 1,767 yards (6.4 average), 21 TDs

Barner didn't miss a beat when given opportunities.  His carries, average and scores all increased with each year in the Ducks' offense, culminating in a remarkable final season.

Barner's Draft Process

Measurables:
 

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 196 pounds

Arm Length: 29 1/8"

Hand Size: 9 1/8"

Combine Results:
 

40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds

Bench Press: 20 reps (225 pounds)

Vertical Jump: 35.5"

Barner put on a clinic at the combine, posting top numbers in the vertical jump, three-cone drill (6.87) and 60-yard shuttle (11.33).  His 20 repetitions in the bench press were also very impressive compared to other RBs entering the draft, many of whom benched 15 times. 

Interesting Facts about Barner

Barner was a duel-sport athlete at college, playing football and participating in track and field.

NFL.com stated:

"

Barner's a bit bigger than San Francisco 49ers 2012 second-round pick LaMichael James and rising sophomore phenom De'Anthony Thomas, but his wiry build and track speed makes him a similar breakaway threat.

"

Barner has the strength (benching 20 reps of 225 at the combine) and the burst needed to play running back in the NFL.

Barner's Draft Stock

CBSSports.com is projecting Barner as a fourth-to-fifth round pick, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him wind up being a higher selection.

If Barner does fall in the draft, he has the potential to be a late-round steal.

Barner appears to be on the fringe between being a "reach" and falling farther than he should.

We'll know of his ultimate destination this weekend.