Charles signed with the University of Texas as one of the elite prep running back talents in the country. Blessed with good size and spectacular speed, it didn't take long for Charles to make an impact for the Longhorns, as he earned the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in rushing for 878 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns despite starting only three games.

Charles was equally effective as a sophomore, earning Second Team Big 12 honors in rushing for 831 yards and scoring eight touchdowns despite again splitting carries. Charles lived up to high expectations in 2007, leading the Big 12 in rushing with 1,458 yards, the fifth-highest single-season total in school history.

With 2007 being his first season as the full-time starter, it is impressive to note that Charles got stronger as the season wore on, averaging 180 yards over the final five games and rushing for 161 yards and two TDs in Texas' Holiday Bowl win over Arizona State.

Charles doesn't appear to be as big as the 6-foot-1, 200-pound listing he's given by Texas, but is a well-built back who bounces off tacklers. His primary characteristic, of course, is his pure speed. A classic slasher, Charles reads the action well and has the patience to run behind his blocks. He explodes into the second level and has legitimate breakaway possibilities every time he touches the ball.

The backs don't necessarily catch a lot of passes in Texas' offense, but Charles has proven himself to be capable, averaging 17 catches a season over his career. Of concern is that Charles has only one full season as a starter and has struggled with fumbles. His upside is unmistakable, however, which will lead to his being a first-day selection.

Positives: Smooth, well proportioned athlete. … Good quickness off the snap. … Reads blocks well and knows when to explode into the line and when to exercise patience and allow the blocks to develop. … Elusive in the open field. … Good start and stop and lateral agility to make defenders miss. … Natural runner who flashes the stiff-arm, spin and forward lean to consistently gain extra yardage after contact. … Best attribute is pure, unadulterated speed. … Rare acceleration to burst through the defense and breakaway. … Averaged 20.1 yards on his 34 career TDs, including 35.7 on TD receptions. … Has relatively fresh legs after only emerging as the full-time starter as a junior. … At least adequate route-running and hands out of the backfield. … Four-time All-American in track. … Personal best 10.26 seconds in the 100-meter dash in winning the Big 12 title as a freshman.

Negatives: Looks smaller on film than the 6-1, 205 pounds Texas lists him as. … Has struggled at times with fumbles, including a key lost fumble in a 28-21 loss to rival Oklahoma in 2007. … At his best in the open field. … Not a particularly physical back who will run over defenders in the hole. … Willing, but limited pass blocker.

Played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl … broke a Port Arthur city career rushing record held by Joe Washington that stood for over 30 years … tabbed first-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior … named offensive MVP by the Houston Chronicle … named District 22-5A Player of the Year as a junior and senior … rushed for 2,056 yards on 260 carries and recorded 25 TDs as a senior … in his first game back from shoulder surgery, posted 371 yards on 49 carries against Midland Lee in 2004 … had 400 yards on 31 carries and six TDs versus Spring Westfield and recorded 258 yards and four TDs in one half versus Baytown Sterling that year … Earned first-team all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association and second-team all-state honors from The Associated Press as a junior … received the Willie Ray Smith Award for the Best High School Offensive Player in Southeast Texas in 2003 … rushed for 2,051 yards and 25 TDs as a junior … helped his team to the 5A Division II quarterfinals his junior year … also ran track … was a member of national record-setting 4 x 200m relay team as a sophomore … received a bronze medal in the world junior Olympics in the 400m hurdles.

Born 12/27/1986 in Port Arthur, Texas … a prep honor roll student … enjoys playing video games … comes from a very athletic family … brother, Shanderric Charles, played running back at SMU … his cousin, Graylin Johnson, played safety at UT (1989-90) … cousins Raynesha LaBlanc (track) and Rashonta LaBlanc (basketball) are at LSU.