At some point during every Rutgers football game at Rutgers Stadium, the video board flashes "Knights in the NFL." This quick video goes through the former Scarlet Knights that are currently playing in the National Football League. The likes of Kenny Britt, Shaun O'Hara, and Brian Leonard get very nice cheers. The loudest ovation however, belongs to former Rutgers star running back, Ray Rice. Rice has been adored at Rutgers since he stepped foot on the field his freshman year.

Ray Rice left Rutgers after his junior season and was drafted during the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 55th overall by the Baltimore Ravens. Now, in just the second season of his young NFL career, Rice is putting together some impressive numbers. The Ravens have three runnings backs that see time but Rice has started 5 out of the teams 6 games this season and he has taken advantage of his opportunities. 

The most impressive stat is 766 yards. Thats the total number of yards from scrimmage Rice has amassed so far this season. After 6 games, that leads the NFL. Thats right folks, Ray Rice leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage. Not only does he lead the NFL, but the closest player to him is 44 yards back. That player is running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans.

The second year back is currently 9th in the NFL in rushing yards with 441. Since Baltimore uses three backs quite often, Rice is doing all of this while averaging just 12.2 carries a game. His 6 yards per carry average ranks 3rd in the NFL among running backs with at least 50 carries. Rice has rushed for over 100 yards in a game twice this season and is averaging 73.5 rushing yards per game. He has three rushing touchdowns this season and has not fumbled the ball at all.

Everyone knew Rice could run the ball effectively if given the chance, but what many didn't realize was that the Rutgers product was dangerous in the passing game as well. Last week in the Ravens loss, Rice had his first career 100 yard receiving day when he finished with 117.  Rice leads all NFL running backs and is 9th overall in the league in receptions with 33. That is also tops on the Ravens roster. He is second on the team and leads all NFL running backs with 325 receiving yards. He is averaging 54.2 yards receiving per game so far this season and has one touchdown. Rice's abilities both rushing and receiving are being compared to the skills of players such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook. Thats not bad company, especially for a player in just his second NFL season.

You cant rack up all these yards unless you are a big play threat, and thats just what Rice has been this year. 45.5% of his catches have gone for first downs. His longest reception this year went for 63 yards. Rushing the football, Rice has a long of 50 yards. He is 3rd in the NFL with 5 runs of 20 or more yards. In each of the Ravens last two games, Rice has scored a late touchdown to give his team the lead, although the defense was unable to hold that lead. The Ravens are a disappointing 3-3 on the season heading into their bye week this week. After the bye, Rice and the Ravens will get another test against the currently undefeated Denver Broncos.

Oh, one more thing...Ray Rice is averaging 127.7 yards per game. That leads all NFL players except quarterbacks.

The former Rutgers star could very well be making a trip to Hawaii in February for the Pro Bowl if he continues to make plays the way he has so far this season. Rutgers should be proud.