Former Bulldog Todd Gurley voted part of top 100 NFL players
Georgia fans knew Todd Gurley was special all along.
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After an impressive rookie season in the NFL, Gurley, who plays for the Los Angeles Rams, became a household name among fans throughout the country. He caught the attention of his peers, too.
The NFL annually polls the league’s players to decide the top 100 players in the NFL. Gurley wasn’t part of the list prior to last season as he was just a rookie, but now, he’s in the top 25 entering his sophomore campaign.
Todd Gurley runs in at No. 22 on the #NFLTop100 list 📈 #FeedGurley pic.twitter.com/KrHBZmPyGg
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 23, 2016
On Wednesday, the NFL revealed that Gurley was voted the 22nd best player in the NFL. In a video released by the NFL in accompaniment with the announcement, Adrian Peterson said Gurley reminded him of himself. Peterson is considered one of the best running backs of his generation.
He’s also one of Gurley’s heroes. The NFL tweeted a video of Gurley’s reaction to Peterson’s comparison:
From growing up watching @AdrianPeterson,
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 23, 2016
to being compared to AD by AD himself.
Such a cool moment for @TG3II.https://t.co/CPUV6WarGx
Gurley was drafted 10th overall by the Rams in the 2015 NFL Draft. His high selection came as a surprise to many. Recent NFL draft history dictates that tailbacks do not merit such high picks. In fact, Gurley was the first running back drafted in the first round since Trent Richardson was picked third overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2012.
The Rams’ selection of Gurley drew some questions because of Gurley’s torn anterior cruciate ligament, too. Gurley tore his ACL against Auburn on Nov. 15, 2014. The Rams drafted him just under sixth months later in April 2015.
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Their confidence in Gurley paid off, as he carried the ball for 1,106 yards – third-most in the NFL – despite missing the season opener. He barely played the second game. Then, he began his breakout season.
Gurley ran for 566 yards in his first four starts, which set an NFL record. He was voted the 2015 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl. Gurley can now add this vote of confidence from his colleagues to his list of accomplishments.
The former Bulldog looks to build on his rookie success, beginning with the Rams’ game at the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 12.