CANTON, Ohio — Running backs Curtis Martin, Jerome Bettis and Marshall Faulk and cornerback Deion Sanders are among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2011.

Martin, Bettis and Faulk are among the NFL’s top 10 leading rushers, and are eligible for the first time, as is Sanders and offensive tackle Willie Roaf.

The other finalists announced Sunday are receivers Tim Brown, Andre Reed and Cris Carter, offensive lineman Dermontti Dawson, defensive linemen Richard Dent, Cortez Kennedy, Charles Haley and Chris Doleman, and tight end Shannon Sharpe, along with NFL filmmaker Ed Sabol.

The 15 finalists, plus senior nominees Chris Hanburger and Les Richter will be considered for induction before the Super Bowl.