Chaminade Julienne High School running back, Javon Ringer put up some impressive numbers throughout his illustrious career while playing football at Michigan State. He finished his career as the Spartans’ all-time leader in all-purpose yards (5,349) and second all-time leading rusher (4,351 yards) to go along with a list of other accomplishments. There is no denying the legacy Ringer leaves behind will be tough for any running back to duplicate.  

With his college football days now over, Ringer is ready to embark on a life in the NFL, but things have gotten off to a slow start for the promising back in terms of the draft process.

Ringer had good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, but his performance was nothing like what fans have come to expect from the 2008 Heisman Trophy candidate.

Ringer did 23 reps of 225-pounds on the bench press and he ran in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash. He posted the third fastest time among running backs in the 20-yard shuttle running it in 4.11 seconds. These are respectable numbers for a player who is coming off knee injury sustained during the regular season.

The running back tore the meniscus in his left knee during the game against Michigan on October 25, 2008 and played out the season with the injury. He had surgery in January after the team’s bowl game.

During a phone interview with Ringer after the workout in Indy, he was forthcoming about his performance at the Combine and what he must show teams before draft day.

“Going into the Combine I knew I wasn’t 100 percent,” he said. “I was trying to stay confident thinking that I could put up the same numbers I know I can, but that wasn’t the case. I tried to explain that to all the NFL coaches because I just had knee surgery five weeks ago. While everyone else was training I was rehabbing and I wanted them to know that. Granted, I didn’t put up the numbers I know I can, but that was simply because I wasn’t 100 percent.”

Ringer went on to say that his surgically repaired knee was only 80-85 percent while performing in Indianapolis and that scouts were impressed with the effort.

Even with an impeccable resume Ringer finds himself looking to prove to NFL scouts that he’s worthy of first-round consideration in April’s draft. He will have the opportunity to showcase his skills once again before scouts at the school’s Pro Day March 13 and he hope to be 100 percent. He’s out to prove to teams that he belongs among the elite backs entering the draft.

“I always have something to prove,” Ringer said. “I’ll be a rookie and starting all over. With all the great numbers I put up in high school and in college, now I have to be able to prove that I can produce in the NFL.

“There’s always something you need to improve on. I’m not the one who gets complacent. I believe every year I am going to have to prove myself. That’s just having a good work ethic and drive to be one of the best.”

There is no question the running back has the talent and skills to be successful in the NFL and could help his cause further with a solid workout. Right now his draft stock is holding steady.

According to one NFL scout, Ringer did nothing to hurt his cause in Indianapolis, and that he’s projected as a mid-to-late second round draft pick despite his inability to perform fully in drills.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Ringer is an explosive runner with a unique running style. He can be a slasher, but will also lower his pad and get physical, showing his versatility. He’s outstanding in short yardage situations and seems to get stronger as the game goes on.

Ringer is a workhorse; he blocks well, and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield. He is also a person of good character.

The only real concern among scouts is the mileage put on the running back after carrying the ball 370 times for 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns this past season. Scouts’ concerns may be insignificant at the pro level considering a lot of NFL teams are now going with a two-back system which means Ringer would receive considerably less carries in a season. He could be a nice change-of-pace back for some team in his first year in the league.

Ringer reminds me a lot of Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams coming out of college. Both running backs put up some gaudy numbers their senior seasons, but shown little respect for their accomplishments on the field heading into the draft.

Williams had a breakout season in his third-year in the league 2008 after sharing time with DeShaun Foster his first two. Williams rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season.

There are some scouts who feel that Ringer may be the best pound-for-pound running back entering the draft. Not many would argue that point.

Ringer interviewed with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals at the Combine. Both teams will be looking to address their running back situations via the draft.

When ask about the interviews with his home state teams Ringer’s enthusiasm was undeniable.

“Personally, I was happy to talk to the Bengals and Browns,” he said. “I love home, but I’m willing to play anywhere. However, if I were blessed enough to play somewhere close to home it would really be convenient for my family. I know they would really love to see me play. That would truly be a blessing.”