Leonard Fournette 'Driven by Stardom,' Passion Reportedly Questioned

According to a new report, there is concern within NFL circles regarding running back Leonard Fournette's passion for the game.

Per Albert Breer of The MMQB, one present thought is that Fournette is "driven by stardom."

Fournette was dominant when healthy and playing at LSU, especially in 2015 when he rushed for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns.

He appeared in just seven games during the 2016 campaign due to injury, however, racking up 843 yards and eight touchdowns.

Fournette's passion was called into question by some at the conclusion of the 2016 campaign when he opted to sit out LSU's bowl game in favor of preserving his health ahead of the NFL draft.

He later suggested in an interview on NFL Network's NFL Now Live (h/t NFL.com's Dan Parr) that LSU head coach Ed Orgeron had essentially taken the decision out of his hands: "To be honest, it really wasn't my decision. My coach brought me into the office. He told me, 'You have a lot on the line.' He didn't want me to play. I cried like a baby. It was hard for me. That was my first time not really traveling with the team and I couldn't play in a game with my brothers. I'm going to miss them."

Despite the whispers, Fournette is widely regarded as the top running back in the 2017 draft class and a likely high selection in the first round.

On his latest big board, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller rated Fournette as the No. 1 running back and No. 2 overall prospect.

Miller projected in his newest mock draft that Fournette will be selected No. 4 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

For more news, rumors and related stories about Leonard Fournette and the NFL, check out the NFL stream on Bleacher Report's app.