Jahvid Best NFL bound

Posted by Adam Hart January 2, 2010 at 8:26 pm

In a move that is of little surprise, Cal running back Jahvid Best will forego his senior season to pursue a career in the NFL.

The move is unsurprising not because of his great talent, but due to the frightening injury he suffered in the ninth game of the 2009 season. The injury, which can be seen by clicking play on the embedded YouTube video atop this post and then watching the video, occurred when he vaulted over Oregon State defenders for a touchdown.

Having seen my share of injuries, this may be the scariest mine eyes hath ever witnessed. If only because of the immediate reaction by his body upon impact — his limbs go stiff, not limp, a split second after he’s completing one of the most athletic moves a running back can make.

Best is known for his speed and agility. Through 8.25 games in 2009, he had already rushed for 867 yards and scored 16 touchdowns — four receiving, 12 rushing. As a sophomore in 2008, Best racked up 1,580 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, his injury this season kept him out of the final four games of the season and drastically limited my chances to evaluate his skills. But, from what I’ve seen, it appears as if he best compares to Reggie Bush and Darren McFadden, two players who lit up the college ranks only to struggle to find their place in the NFL. Or maybe Steve Slaton?

Hopefully, Best lands in a situation that maximizes his speed and agility. Check him out in the YouTube highlights below: