2015 Arch Awards: Who was St. Louis’s Rising Star in 2015?

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams

If this vote had taken place five weeks ago, the Rams’ rookie running back surely would have run away with the victory, as he began his career by running for over 100 yards in the first four starts of his career. Gurley’s failed to run for 100 yards since then, and has struggled quite a bit in the past couple weeks as the Rams’ offensive line depth has fallen apart, but that doesn’t negate the positive impression that he’s made as a rookie.

The 10th overall pick out of Georgia has run 173 times for 835 yards and six touchdowns this year, which means that he has a solid chance to become the Rams’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Steven Jackson left following the 2012 season. That’s extra impressive considering that he missed the Rams’ first two games and had just six carries for nine yards while playing as a backup in his NFL debut. As if his success as a rusher wasn’t enough, Gurley also has 17 catches for 143 yards this season.

While Gurley might not be the Pro Bowl shoo-in he looked to be a month ago, he still appears to have a very bright future and will undoubtedly be the focal point of the Rams’ offense for the next few years. There’s little doubt that he’s the most exciting young offensive player the Rams have had on the scene since Jackson was drafted back in 2004.

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