Stanford standout scores a 30 on the infamous exam. Joe Fortenbaugh
It looks like that Stanford education is already starting to pay dividends for running back Toby Gerhart.
The Heisman Trophy finalist—who led the country in rushing yards (1,871) and touchdowns (28) in 2009—brought home the top score in the Wonderlic exam among this year’s running back class with a 30, according to a league source.
The Wonderlic test is a 12-minute, 50 question exam aimed at evaluating a prospect’s problem-solving abilities.
There has been much debate (especially from our readers) as to whether or not the test has any real significance in determining how a college football player will perform at the next level.
Some of the other top performers among the running backs include BYU’s Manase Tonga (29), LSU’s Charles Scott (26), Tennessee’s Montario Hardesty (25), Mississippi State’s Anthony Dixon (25) and North Dakota State’s Pat Paschall (25).
Rounding out the bottom of the class was Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, who scored a 10.
Other Notable Scores
Jahvid Best (California): 24
LeGarrette Blount (Oregon): 16
Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech): 17
Ryan Mathews (Fresno State): 16
Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss): 18
Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh
I could see an argument that a high wonderlic is a good thing for a QB, but what possible relevance does it have for a RB? A RB basically has to know four things. Is it a run or a pass, if it's a run does he go right or left, if its a pass, is he a receiver or blocker. That's pretty much it.
Certainly there are tests that might be useful for RBs, eg spatial recognition, reaction time, ability to withstand a sledgehammer blow to the head. Not wonderlic though.
I'm sure Chris Johnson really lit up that Wonderlic test too. Speed, agility and instincts are all that matter in for tailbacks.
CJ3 got a 10 the first time, then a 25, go figure.
12 minutes is tough on that thing. 50 ques in 12 min is tough for anyone.
Who will be voted most likely to win at game show contestant?
Is former Bengal, Pat McNally or whatever his last name is, still the only player to Ace the test?
I think former Packer, RB/Brent Fullwood, got an 8 or 6 on the test.
Why is the NFL dumb & let players re-take the test since the obvious thing to happen is letting the players study for it & get a higher score about 10x out of 10? Can someone answer that question? And have they always let players take it twice if they want?
Spiller had a 3.2 GPA at Clemson. Makes you wonder about their academics?
Really no surprise about CJ. He's as dumb as they come.
Reggie Bush looks like a saint compared to Lake House Spiller. Someone should look into his girlfriend and kid that lived on the lake. ; )
I heard about that lake house too Clemson graduates idiots.
I heard about that lake house too Clemson graduates idiots.
Great; Spiller can be my 1st round pick, and Gerhart can do my taxes.
This test means nothing for anyone who doesn't play QB.
This test means nothing for anyone who doesn't play QB.
You should be talking more about the new set of wheels bama gave Julio Jones.
Did I just read that Eric Decker got a 43??
I saw some sample questions from this test; things like: 2 1 1/2 1/4 ?
Of course, these ARE GenYers.
Javon Walker scored 4, if memory serves me correctly.
I asked Andrew Brandt if he could confirm (due to his time at the Packers) that JV was, in fact, borderline retarded.
Perhaps diplomatically, he didn't answer. Perhaps he didn't see it.
The guys with the low scores in fact do have problems paying attention in meetings and in learning different systems. This has been known for years but is not spoken about. Some of the reasons are quite obvious. Gerhart and other pale players being slotted and/or ignored no matter how well they do at the combine(s) or in other areas is also obvious much of time, but not reported on. The whole system is a mess. Made that way by social schemers and shysters outside of sports. It's a real shame.
spiller is the best player in the draft. and he will be making millions. make fun of him cause he didnt score the highest he will be counting that money that you dont got
Stanford educated white RB and The Heisman Trophy finalist—who led the country in rushing yards (1,871) and touchdowns (28) in 2009 is the smartest? Who could have seen this one? Wonder where he will be drafted? I bet you he will not be spending his money like a fool. Congrats Toby on being both intelligent and physically gifted. You will be a great one..
They are very good,I like them.
Anyway that's a good performance.
I like his style. With a good coach he can become number 1
It doesn't seem that an academic test could project athletic ability very well.
Another interesting review of Joe Fortenbaugh.
Manase Tonga and Anthony Dixon are very good players.
I think my favorite is Anthony, which is little better player.
My personal opinion... he will be the best in maximum 2 years
I like his style... he is aggressive, but in a good way
That's very interesting style.
Thanks for this article.
Aw, it was a top quality content. Actually I would like to write like this as well - taking time and real energy to bring about an excellent post... however what can I say... I procrastinate an awful lot and by no means appear to get things completed...
It’s not easy to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I asked Andrew Brandt if he could confirm (due to his time at the Packers) that JV was, in fact, borderline retarded.
Your post is amazing. Toby Gerhart is one the best person I like. He looks very impressive as well.
interesting, thnks
interesting, thnks
Who cares about these scores...Regardless of his score, Ryan Mathews is my RB sleeper pick.
That sucks for Spiller. I would hate to be last in this stat. Good for Gerhart. Maybe this is evidence that its not all athleticism in the running back position. Don't get me wrong, I don't think any ole nerd could effective.
Such an amazing post and better yet, such an amazing site.
This is really great! I'm glad he made this great achievement! Keep up the good work!
I always like your blog post because you always comes with different ideas and information. I always shared your site post with my friends. Keep posting and i will follow you..
Thanks for the information.
Football players always get special treatment in high school and college.
Great post! I think this is great that we can watch some really exciting football.
The wonderlic test is really needed in the NFL. There is so much money invested in these players that we need to know if they are smart. Good job by Gerhart.
The NFL is really a great organization. The players are pretty awesome for the most part and I really enjoy watching football.
so thanks.
so thanks.
seem that an academic test could project athletic ability very well.
nice resources
Nicely presented information in this post, I prefer to read this kind of stuff. The quality of content is fine .Thanks for the post.
Team's lease called for all games...
Former Chiefs head coach will...
But free agent is rehabbing from...
Vikings director of player personnel...
'SYNDER SUCKS' he wrote on Twitter
Mar 15, 2010
04:14 PM
Wow. Spiller is a great back but he's the intellectual equivalent of my George Foreman Grill.