Oklahoma State football: Joseph Randle has not made a decision about NFL Draft

One day in the not-too-distant future, Randle will be able to provide his family with more than pride. He'll be able to contribute financially with an NFL paycheck.

But how soon?

With another standout season for the Oklahoma State junior running back nearly complete, questions began to surface Monday about Randle forgoing his senior campaign and entering the NFL Draft.

Randle will not allow that possibility to seriously cross his mind until after the season, though.

“There's no decision I've made or anything like that,” Randle said. “No, not at all.”

After a four-touchdown performance Saturday against Oklahoma, Randle continues to climb OSU's career charts and establish himself as the best all-around running back in the Big 12. He currently ranks 20th in the nation in rushing (110.18 yards per game) and is tied for 18th in rushing touchdowns (14).

He's a viable pro prospect because of his combination of power, straight-line speed and open-field moves, as well as his versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield or while lining up in the slot. And while he is likely “fresher” than a lot of backs coming out of college because of the chunk of carries delegated to backfield mate Jeremy Smith, Randle showed he can be a durable every-down back this season when Smith was hobbled by an ankle injury for about a month.

But running back is a tricky position when it comes to the NFL Draft.

Careers are often short-lived because of the physical beating the position requires. That physical toll, combined with a league that is continuously getting more pass-happy, means NFL teams appear to be more and more hesitant to take running backs early in the draft.

Last season, elite prospect Trent Richardson was taken by the Browns with the third overall pick, while Doug Martin and David Wilson were selected with the final two picks of the first round. From Rounds 2 through 5, eight total running backs came off the board. As a comparison, five quarterbacks, nine receivers, 12 offensive linemen and 15 defensive linemen were drafted in the first two rounds alone.