Catching Up With Darren McFadden

On October 6, 2006, on the eve of an SEC football game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Auburn Tigers, ESPN posted an article on it’s website that compared Auburn star running back Kenny Irons and Arkansas’s Darren McFadden. Heading into the game, they were the leading rushers in the league, separated by only 30 yards. Although McFadden, a sophomore, was coming off of a 1,000 yard freshman campaign and was off to a great start in his second season, it was Irons that garnered most of the pre-game headlines. Auburn was ranked No. 2 in the country going into the game, and Irons was a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender and Doak Walker award favorite. Meanwhile, McFadden’s Razorbacks were coming off of a very disappointing start to the season, which featured an embarrassing 50-14 loss to USC. By the end of the nationally televised game at Jordan-Hare stadium in Auburn, the SEC, and the rest of the college football world witnessed the birth of a brand new star running back. For McFadden, the game against Auburn signified the start of back-to-back Doak Walker awards. He also finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in each season. Essentially, he accomplished everything that many prognosticators thought Irons would. Now a featured part of the Oakland Raiders offense, here are a few questions for McFadden as he enters a new sophomore season, this time in the NFL:

1.)   You had a relatively productive rookie season considering the injury issues; do you feel ready to play a full season in year two?

 2.)   At Arkansas, you shared carries with Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis, do you think that translates well to your role on this team with Justin Fargas and Michael Bush?

3.)   How important is it for all three backs to have productive seasons? Can the offense work if only one guy is carrying the load?

4.)   Do you enjoy running out of the I-formation with a fullback, or do you like moving around at the line of scrimmage?

5.)   How do you think the addition of Lorenzo Neal will affect your season?

6.)   Were you encouraged by the play of the Raiders at the end of last season? Do you think the momentum will carry over to this season?

7.)   Coach Cable’s offensive philosophy starts with a strong offensive line and running game; with this in mind are you excited to enter the season with his interim label now removed?

8.)   What will it take for you to look at this season as a success for both the team and you individually?

9.)   With the addition of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy, who is the fastest player on the team?

10.) How much Wildcat would you like to see in the offense this year?