By Jerry Ratcliffe

Jekail Middlebrook has heard all the comparisons of him and predecessor J’Mari Taylor, Virginia’s first 1,000-yard rusher in what seemed like forever.

Middlebrook has watched films of Taylor and can understand those comparisons. Taylor, who hopes to be selected in this weekend’s NFL Draft, was 5-foot-9, 204 pounds and was a versatile back from a small school (North Carolina Central). Middlebrook is 5-10, 196, has shown versatility and played at Middle Tennessee State.

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