Posted by Steve Muench
Because California RB
Jahvid Best has struggled against his team's toughest opponents, we had an eye on him last week against Arizona State. The Sun Devils rank fourth in the nation in run defense (80.1 yards per game) and held Best to 63 yards on 18 carries, but the stats don't tell the whole story.
The film shows that Best made the most of the blocking he received, making good decisions and getting downhill quickly to take advantage of whatever openings were available to him. Perhaps most telling is that Best did not have a single carry for negative yardage. That's always a clear indicator that a back is running hard and taking whatever the defense gives him.
Best also showcased his versatility on an 11-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. On the play, he lined up in the right slot and did an excellent job selling an inside move before breaking outside. Best caught the ball cleanly away from his body and showed good power and wiggle to get into the end zone, showing NFL scouts that he can make plays in the passing game.
For a look at where Best ranks among 2010 running back prospects, a second-round cornerback, an SEC linebacker on the rise and notes from around the nation, become an ESPN Insider. 
