Transcription of Melvin Gordon addressing the media at the 2015 NFL Combine:

On the RB class and breaking the first-round drought:

“That’s been a lot of our goals and hopefully we can change that.”

On why there should be a RB taken in the first round:

“I think it’s a great class. I think it’s a great class of running backs. We have a lot of talent in this class. I talked to a lot of the guy in this class, the running back group. I think we’re a close group and I just think we have the talent to go first this year.”

On the RB position being devalued:

“It’s a passing game. It’s hard to say if we’re a devalued position. Teams are just going with the picks they actually need. I don’t know the thoughts that’s going through their head. Maybe they didn’t feel the running backs the last couple of years were first-round talent, I don’t know. Le’Veon Bell and Gio (Bernard) were pretty good. I can’t answer that. We just have to change that this year and show people that we’re capable of going in the first round.”

On other running backs he modeled his game after and the Jamaal Charles comparisons:

“I watch a lot of running backs and I try to take different bits and pieces of their game and try to mix it with mine. Obviously you can’t be that back. Every running back is different. I’m not Jamaal Charles. Jamaal Charles is his own man. He’s a phenomenal player in the NFL. We are similar, but he’s got that little burst. I don’t think I have that. But I try to take different things from each and every player that’s in the league that’s successful and just try to mix in my own game.”

On coming close to breaking Barry Sanders’ NCAA rushing record:

“To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Barry Sanders is an honor. That’s a great person to be second to. A great player, phenomenal player. I was 40 yards away and it sucked a little bit, but it is what it is. It’s standing there for someone else to break.”

On Auburn player comments before bowl game serving as motivation:

“I was real motivated. I felt like he took a shot at not just me but all the Big Ten running backs. It is what it is. At the end of the day, you have to suit up and you have to go out there and play ball. Talking really doesn’t get you anywhere. But I was excited. And it wasn’t just because of him. I was motivated. It was our last game. I wanted to win that bowl game. I knew it was my last game. I wanted to try to help this team win a bowl game. We hadn’t won a bowl in four years. That was enough motivation for me right there.”

On his decision to go back to Wisconsin last year:

“It’s a decision I’m proud of. I came back because I wanted to be more of a complete running back. I wanted to be a better football player and I think I achieved that. I showed people that I don’t need James (White) or Montee (Ball) to go out there to pass-protect. I wasn’t perfect. Not everyone is. You make some mistakes, but they can count on me. That’s what I wanted to show in the passing game, the running game and pass protection.”