WR WILL FULLER, NOTRE DAME*

6’0” – 184 lbs. – 4.40e

Played sparingly as a freshman before stepping into the starting lineup as a sophomore, enjoying two highly productive years. Has a relatively unintimidating frame which doesn’t present him with many size mismatches. Lines up on the outside for the Irish, shifting between the left and right sides throughout the game. Doesn’t run a particularly diverse route tree, typically deep routes or screens; however, pays attention to some of the little things and will work some head fakes into his patterns. Looks explosive coming out of his breaks. Has enough speed to challenge defenses downfield on go and post routes; ability to take the top off of defenses is perhaps his best attribute as a player. Drew a lot of pass interference flags down the field. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Reliable hands-catcher who can bring in the ball away from his frame. Works his way back to the ball. Good awareness and body control down the sidelines. Exhibits a tough, competitive on-field temperament. Hard runner with the ball in his hands, although not overwhelmingly powerful. Has enough shake to make the first man miss. Can act as a decoy in the run game and works to secure blocks downfield; does some work as the lead blocker on screens as well. Tends to lower his head into contact, which can cause him to be tossed aside; also needs to use his hands more effectively. Hasn’t been asked to use his hands particularly often because of the threat he presents to opponents downfield; consequently, may have a learning curve when it comes to releasing at the line of scrimmage. Was rarely asked to work the middle of the field or run many short routes; positioned himself for screens fairly often but was rarely thrown the ball. Will run himself into coverage (or settle into it) too frequently when playing against zone defenses; hasn’t improvised much at the college level. Timed speed may be important at the Combine in order to prove that he has what it takes to beat pro defensive backs over the top. However, to classify him as a simply another deep threat would be to ignore his physicality as a blocker, tracking and catching ability, and the nuance present in what routes he does run. Lack of outstanding size may prevent him from going in the first round in what is shaping up to be a deep class of wide receivers, but at the least should develop into a team’s second receiver and can offer some immediate value as a deep threat while he diversifies his route tree.

Games watched: Florida St. (’14), Southern California (’15), Texas (’15)