SDSU Aztecs RB Donnel Pumphrey Makes Mountain West 1st Team

San Diego State University’s starting running back Donnel Pumphrey has been named to the All-Mountain West first team. Boise State’s Jay Ajayi was the other running back named with Marteze Waller from Fresno State and Dee Hart from Colorado State named to the the 2nd team. SDSU had 4 players named to the 2nd team; offensive lineman Terry Poole, returner Lloyd Mills, defensive backs Damontae Kazee and J.J. Whitaker.

Pumphrey was the speed back in the SDSU 2 headed monster with Chase Price as the power back. Price had 130 carries for 605 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pumphrey had 256 carries for 1,761 yards and 19 touchdowns. The game plan of these 2 running backs was amazing to see this season.

Pumphrey’s numbers compare well to the most recents SDSU running backs. During his sophomore season, Ronnie Hillman rushed for 1,478 yards and 15 touchdowns and Adam Muema in his sophomore season had 237 carries for 1,458 yards and 16 touchdowns. Muema in his junior season had 256 carries for 1,244 yards and 15 touchdowns. Pumphrey had better numbers than both SDSU running backs which could bode well for his future.

Pumphrey was also 3rd in the country in rushing yards. Only Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin and Tevin Coleman of Indiana had more. Pumphrey might be SDSU’s best running back in years and it will be interesting to see if he stays. The argument could be made he will improve if he stays but with his stock so high this might be the time to leave. Pumphrey would be a 3rd-4th round draft pick depending on intricacies such as Combine workouts. Regardless of the speculation, Pumphrey has had an incredible season and hopefully he gets a chance to showcase himself in a bowl game.