6’1” – 219 lbs. – 4.54
Was a four-game starter who received plenty of touches as a true freshman, then served as the team’s primary ballcarrier for two seasons before declaring for the draft. Tall running back with a solid physical profile for the position; looks longer than he is thick, but proved he could handle a workhorse role in college, with over three hundred touches in each of the past two seasons. Carries the ball primarily out of traditional I-formations and out of the shotgun. Most of his work comes on attempts between the tackles. Secure runner who rarely fumbles. Does a good job of setting up his blocks and making cuts in the backfield. Generally makes appropriate decisions about where to run with the ball; will miss the occasional cutback lane. Despite his size, is able to maneuver through tight spaces and find pockets of yardage. Exhibits some elusiveness when he gets into the open field, but overall speed and explosiveness are just average. Also not as powerful a runner as his size would indicate; runs too upright and lets defenders into his midsection. Has some ability to bounce off of would-be tacklers when he gets a head of steam but will get stood up at the line of scrimmage and let his legs go dead. Plays with a little bit more power near the goal line, flashing the ability to run through arm tackles and punch his attempts into the end zone. Respectable, willing pass protector who’s often retained when the team decides to throw the ball. Alert and generally does a good job of identifying who he’s supposed to pick up, with the lateral quickness to slide and engage opponents without leaving his feet; infrequently will attempt to cut out a defender’s legs. Receiving ability is difficult to evaluate because he was almost never asked to run routes, but looked uncomfortable catching the football on the few targets he received as a safety valve. However, seems to have a good sense of when he should improvise in order to bail out his quarterback. A productive college runner who does a good job of maximizing the yardage his offensive line creates for him, and whose size, blocking skills, and ball security will appeal to teams looking for a mid-round running back, but who may not run with the power or explosiveness to distinguish himself at the pro level. May not run with the pad level or leg drive to serve as a team’s power back, and his lack of receiving ability will limit him on passing downs; consequently, is likely to end up as a reserve or in a running back committee.
DRAFTEXAMINER 