Rushed for more than 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns during his senior season as a California prep and enrolled at Washington in January 2008. Started the first two games in the fall as a running back and rushed 20 times for 33 yards (1.6-yard average) and zero touchdowns. Dislocated his shoulder against Brigham Young and missed the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery in late September and taking a medical redshirt. Became the first Huskies freshman to rush for more than 1,000 yards in ’09 after posting 226-1,113-5 (4.9) in 12 starts. Also caught 25 passes for 171 yards (6.8-yard average) and zero touchdowns and returned 12 kickoffs for 237 yards (19.8-yard average). Had another outstanding season in ’10, recording 260-1,415-9 (5.4) rushing and 22-180-0 (8.2) receiving in 13 starts. Became only the third Washington player to rush for more than 1,000 yards more than once, joining Napoleon Kaufman (1992-94) and Greg Lewis (1989-90). Had knee surgery during ’11 fall camp (Aug. 18) to repair a torn meniscus but started the season opener against Eastern Washington. Finished his career as the second-leading rusher in school history with 4,049 yards after pounding out 293-1,488-12 (5.1) in 13 starts in ’11. Also active as a receiver with 31-332-4 (10.7). Is one of only seven players in Pac-12 history to rush for more than 4,000 yards. Holds school record with 21 100-yard rushing games. Had only five fumbles (lost all) in 878 touches and gained 5.1 yards per carry.

Has a well-proportioned, muscular build and carries his weight well. Good balance, run strength and physicality — shrugs off high tackles and steps out of ankle tackles. Determined — has energetic feet, churns his legs and fights for yards (finishes runs). Nice vision — has a sense for when to bounce it and finds the crease on outside runs. Raises his knees in space. Effective stiff-arm. High school receiver and it shows — tracks, adjusts and has soft hands. Effective on wheel routes (see Arizona). Does not put the ball on the turf. Productive workhorse. Well-respected, confident, motivated and hardworking.

Lacks elite top-end speed to pull away from the pack. Shows some tightness in his hips. Average explosiveness and lateral agility. Can do a better job pressing the line and running behind his pads. Gets lax when his number isn’t called. Inconsistent blocking effort and technique. Has a 311⁄2-inch vertical jump. Amassed nearly 900 career touches and long-term durability could be an issue — had two shoulder surgeries and a meniscus procedure at UW.

A competitive, productive, upright, strong-bodied runner, Polk wears on defenses and is one of the best receiving backs in the country. Has the size, instincts, stamina and versatility to handle a starting workload, but has to earn trust as a pass protector.