If you're reaction to the title of this post was "who is Toby Gerhart?" you probably don't follow college football. Gerhart was a standout running back at Stanford. One of the things that makes him stand out, besides his ability, is the fact he's a white featured back. If you look around the NFL, you won't find any white featured backs.

Gerhart argued he should be a first round pick, based on ability. He knew he wouldn't be and he says it's because he's white. Interestingly, he was drafted in the 2nd round, no. 51 overall, by the Minnesota Vikings. That's interesting becausee the Vikings, of course, have all world running back Adrian Peterson. White, black or orange, no rookie RB is going to take much playing time from Peterson.

This could be a great pick for the Vikings though; Peterson's presence on the roster gives them an excuse not to give Gerhart a legitimate shot at being the featured back. But...if he shows enough in any limited playing time he does get to illustrate he does deserve to be a featured back, the Viking's could parlay a late 2nd round pick into a first round pick via trade, if it becomes clear Gerhart is a first rate back sitting on the bench of the Metrodome. And if Gerhart is the real deal, Minnesota was one of the few places in the NFL where a team could keep him 2nd string and not face cries of racism. Funny how things work out, isn't it?