University of Washington RB Chris Polk looks to propel himself into the first-round discussion this week with a solid performance at the Senior Bowl, taking place down in Mobile, Alabama.
Though many thought that Polk was only a junior, officially, apparently he never actually applied for a medical redshirt his first year with the team so he's listed as a senior and thus can take part in this year's Senior Bowl. Polk emerged as one of the premiere backs in the country after three straight 1000+ yard rushing seasons, including the last two where he rushed for over 1400 yards each. Polk has averaged over five yards per carry over his last two seasons and has scored 21 touchdowns for the Huskies in that time.
He's getting some love from the national draft pundits, too. Per ESPN's Jessamyn McIntyre, here's what Mel Kiper said on Thursday during a national conference call when asked about Polk and where he projects to go:
"I think he's one of the top five running backs in this draft. ... If he can stay healthy I think you're looking at a guy who can help out in the passing game; he can catch the football.
I like the fact that when you look at his size (Polk is listed at 5-foot-11, 222 pounds) and the way he can move that pile, he can run inside, he can run outside, he picks up a lot of yards after contact, which made him one of the more impressive between-the-tackle runners.
I think he's a multi-dimensional player. If he can stay at 100 percent he's got a chance to be a very good back in the NFL. I see him going no later than the second round."
With many in Seattle speculating that the Seahawks could be looking at a running back in round two or round three this year, Chris Polk is naturally the player that comes to mind - if he lasts that long. He's a versatile running back with good speed, power, and catching ability out of the backfield and in my mind, he'd be a perfect complement to Marshawn Lynch, should the Seahawks decide to re-sign him. Polk would give Seattle another very dangerous weapon on offense to develop.
Make sure you tune in here for updates on how Polk's week is going at the Senior Bowl - we'll be keeping an eye on what scouts are saying.
For more on the 2012 Senior Bowl, make sure you check out SBN's Mocking the Draft. For more on the Seahawks, head over to Field Gulls, and for everything Huskies, go to the UW Dawg Pound.