Silver and Black Report

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

There is a young rusher in Oakland that will impact the Raider offense in 2008 and his name is not Darren McFadden.

Last year’s 4^th round draft selection, Michael Bush, is healthy, in shape and looking sharp as the Silver & Black began their weekend rookie mini-camp on Friday.

There are no questions surrounding his wellbeing or weight. The coaching staff this year has no excuses to hold him back. And with Dominic Rhodes already gone and LaMont Jordan seemingly on his way out, Bush could be the wild card in the Raider backfield which helps to add some diversity to the offense.

In 2007, Bush was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list early on and even though there were no lingering signs of his broken right leg as the season wound down, Oakland elected not to get his feet wet due to the depth on the unit.

Almost two years later, Bush is eager to get back on the field and demonstrate the ability that made him a Heisman hopeful as a senior in Louisville.

You can assume that Justin Fargas will be the starter barring any injuries leading up the season. And with McFadden’s arrival, the Raiders will try to exploit his explosiveness as a rusher and pass catcher to add some pop to their offense.

But when they need a tough runner on short yardage situations in the red zone and near the goal line, Bush may be their man.

At 6’2, 245 pounds, Bush can be the road grater to compliment the other rushers on the roster. He doesn’t shy away from contact, can run between the tackles, yet is quick enough to get into the secondary and bowl over would be tacklers once he gets by the line of scrimmage.

Fargas is a tough runner and can churn out yardage consistently. But he has not proven he can stay healthy as a primary ball carrier over the course of a season. McFadden has a great future ahead of him, and the Raiders foresee big plays out of their 4^th overall pick. But he is a rookie, and his versatility and the attention he will draw could be used to aid the complimentary components of this offense. Bush in college proved to be an every down rusher. If not for his injury, Bush may have been a first round draft selection and not just a back-up on this unit.

Bush has a large frame and the type of ability needed to be a productive runner in circumstances that require a tough yard to move the chains. His athletic ability is surprising for a larger sized running back, and very good hands will surely help Lane Kiffin expand on his packages and formations as he tries to boost the Raiders offensive output.

Already looking stronger, faster and smoother than at any point last season, Bush is well on his way to making a name for himself in this crowded backfield.

And with a year under his belt soaking in Tom Cable’s zone blocking scheme and Kiffin’s offense, Bush should be ahead of the game mentally; needing only to show what he can do physically to get his share of reps. Is he hungry to get out there and prove those wrong that bypassed him in the draft? Is he ready to fulfill his potential and give Oakland another possible ‘franchise rusher?’

If he stays the course, Bush will give the Raiders an incredible backfield with immense talent.