Originally posted by SanDiego49er:Originally posted by Leathaface:He won't replace Gore as RB1 or Hunter as RB2.
He'll have a role, but it won't primarily be as a RB.
I think he can easily replace Hunter in the long term as #2 RB. He's faster and more productive and even slightly bigger. Not sure he will as a rookie.
James is probably slightly faster and had slightly better stats (1600-1700 with 17-21 TDs compared to Hunter's two 1500 yard 16 TD seasons), but I'd say Hunter is arguably quicker actually. Overall, Hunter is much thicker/bigger in terms of muscle than him. The big difference is Kendall is a rock solid blocker, and that's where he has James and why I believe he'll remain the #2. James is a great Sproles type. Hunter is a potential starting back still in my mind, similar to the Ray Rice mold. Hunter came in with almost identical measurables to Rice.
Comparing the players combine performances:
Kendall Hunter
Weigh-in: 5-7 199
40 time: 4.46
Vertical: 35
Broad jump: 10'02"
Shuttle: 4.21
3-Cone: 6.74
Bench reps: 24
LaMichael James
Weigh-in: 5-8 194
40 time: 4.45
Vertical: 35
Broad jump: 10'03"
Shuttle: 4.12
3-Cone: 6.88
Bench reps: 15