Strengths: The most dynamic and explosive playmaker in college football during his last two seasons (2004-'05). Is a versatile weapon. A huge threat every time he touches the ball as a runner, receiver and return specialist. Has exceptional quickness, body control and speed. Shows a rare second-gear in space and will run away from defenders once he reaches the second level. His vision is outstanding. He sees things quickly and has the stop-and-start ability to exploit small creases when they become available. His balance is exceptional. He is a slippery runner who will spin through would-be tacklers and crawl for extra yards at the end of runs. His ability to pivot and hit cutback lanes is outstanding. Lacks bulk but he has impressive natural strength. Has the frame to improve his bulk. He shows a tremendous feel for the passing game. He is a smooth, crafty route runner. Plucks well on the run and will adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Is a deep threat as a receiver; shows the ability to consistently separate. Also is a huge weapon after the catch. Tremendous elusiveness in space. A proven winner that played in three national championship games and won two national championships during three seasons at USC.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Has adequate height but lacks bulk and will need to fill out his frame. Has never carried a full load as a starting running back at the collegiate level. Can he handle the pounding as a 25-carry per game back in the NFL. He is a better outside runner than inside runner. Does not show the ability to push the pile between the tackles. Will be overmatched at the POA vs. some bigger blitzing linebackers in pass pro at the NFL level.
Overall: Bush played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2003, when he rushed for 521 yards and three touchdowns on 90 carries, while chipping in with 314 yards and four TD's on 15 catches. He also averaged 27.3 yards with a touchdown on 18 KOR's. As a sophomore in 2004, Bush rushed for 908 yards and six TD's on 143 carries and had 509 yards and seven Td's on 43 receptions. He also averaged 25.6 yards per KOR and 15.7 yards per PR with two TD's. Bush finished that season fifth in the Heisman voting and also was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac-10. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason and was limited in spring practice but has showed no signs of its affects as a junior in 2005, when he won the Heisman Trophy and was a unanimous first-team All-American. During that season, Bush rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries, caught 37 passes for 478 yards, while also averaging 9.9 yards per punt return and 17.6 yards per kickoff return. In total, Bush finished with 2,890 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2005. Bush is the highest rated running back and overall prospect (regardless of position) in the 2006 draft. Bush will need to add some bulk to his frame and there are some concerns regarding his potential to carry a full load at the NFL level. However, Bush is the most dynamic athlete in this class and his versatility is what sets him apart from other top prospects. Even if Bush needs to be eased into a fulltime ball carrier's role as a rookie, he can still remain on the field as a receiver out of the backfield, in the slot, or split out wide on passing downs and he also can provide a huge boost in the return game for the team that drafts him. Athletes like Bush do not come along very often, which is why we would have no hesitation selecting him with the first overall pick in 2006.
* Player biographies are provided by
Scouts Inc.
