Rams News

If Enis isn't still on board, there are options
Sunday, April 12, 1998

By Jim Thomas
Of The Post-Dispatch
NFL NOTES



You're an NFL general manager in dire need of a running back. But when your number's up on draft day, Penn State's Curtis Enis is off the board.

What to do? Well, Fred could be Taylor-made for your offense. Some teams may prefer Florida's Fred Taylor over Enis. Even at Rams Park, the sentiment is not unanimous for Enis, even though Dick Vermeil loves the guy.

Enis doesn't have breakaway speed or knee-bending moves. Some scouts and coaches weren't overly impressed with his "campus" workout, which actually took place at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., because Enis no longer is enrolled at Penn State.

And some are concerned about potential weight problems. Enis was listed at 231 pounds at the start of the 1997 college season. He checked in at the NFL Scouting Combine in early February at 242 pounds. When he made his predraft visit to Rams Park on March 30, he weighed 249.

The best alternative to Enis on draft day might be Taylor, a big back with some speed and moves who has drawn comparisons to Green Bay's Dorsey Levens. Taylor weighs 226 pounds, but has posted 40 times in the 4.40 range on the workout circuit this offseason.

Even with the Gators' penchant for passing under Steve Spurrier, Taylor finishedfourth on the school's career rushing list. (Remember, Emmitt Smith and Errict Rhett ran there, among others.)

Taylor was slowed by a knee injury, and was suspended for one game early in his college career. But he saw his most extensive duty last season and responded with 1,292 yards on 214 carries in 11 regular-season games.

"I went back to the same way I used to run in high school, with a lot of cutback running," Taylor said. "Find the cutback lane. I was making people miss more, instead of trying to run them over all the time."

Taylor topped off the season with 234 yards on 43 carries against Penn State in the Citrus Bowl. The yardage total was a school record for a bowl game. Enis sat out that contest after it was learned he accepted clothing from a sports agent and then lied about it.

Taylor was disappointed he didn't get to go head to head with Enis.

"I had watched him on TV, and I wanted to see him play in person," Taylor said. "Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to."

If there's a drawback to Taylor, it's potential fumbling problems. He coughed it up twice last season against Florida State, but still finished with 164 yards and four TDs in a 32-29 Florida victory.



Edwards & Co. There are other draft options at running back besides Enis and Taylor.

Robert Edwards spent the 1994 season as Georgia's starting right cornerback. He was switched to running back in '95, and was off to a blazing start with 325 yards in a little more than six quarters before suffering a season-ending broken foot in the second game of the season. He rushed for a college career-high 830 yards last season on a modest 142 carries, but missed two games with an ankle injury.

"The biggest question is my durability," Edwards said. "That's what's been hanging over my head ever since I broke my foot. That's a tag that's been put by my name: He's not durable."

But when he's healthy and on his game, Edwards looks like the type of back who can excel in the NFL. Which explains why he'll most likely go in the first round. Georgia's recent history of running back success in the NFL - namely, Terrell Davis and Garrison Hearst - doesn't hurt Edwards' cause, either.

Robert Holcombe of Illinois isn't as flashy as Edwards or Taylor, or as powerful as Enis. But he's regarded as an effective between-the-tackles runner who showed he could take a hit and make something out of nothing playing for the 0-11 Illini last fall.

Ahman Green of Nebraska has sprinter's speed and put up huge numbers (1,877 yards rushing) for the Cornhuskers last season. But some scouts question his strength, his ability to get tough yards, and wonder if he's more a product of the system in Lincoln than a future Pro Bowler.



Where there's a Will . . .

A cynic might say Will Furrer's tenure as the Rams' No. 2 quarterback lasted about three days - from Mark Rypien's decision to sign with Atlanta, to the trade that brought Steve Bono here from Green Bay.

Furrer, who signed a two-year, $825,000 contract last month, isn't looking at it that way. Bono or no Bono.

"I still look at it as a great opportunity," he said. "It's another challenge, and either you live up to it and blossom or you don't."

In signing the new contract, Furrer was told by Dick Vermeil that he would be given every opportunity to be the top backup to Tony Banks this season. In no way does he feel misled now that the Rams have made the Bono trade.

"Not at all," Furrer said. "Coach Vermeil was very up-front with me, telling me they might look into something like that.

"I'm fine. I'm just going to play the best I can. Things like that can't affect the way you play. You're like a horse. You show well enough, someone's going to let you run for them."

Furrer played well enough last preseason, particularly against Dallas, that he beat out the popular Jamie Martin for the No. 3 job. A lefthanded thrower, he is intense and throws a nice ball. The problem is, he hasn't played in a regular-season NFL game since 1995.

Having turned 30 this offseason, Furrer has played in only nine games - with two starts - in five NFL seasons.

"He's been around awhile, but I don't know if he's ever been given a fair
opportunity," Vermeil said. "We're going to try to give him a fair opportunity."

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