6’1” – 226 lbs. – 4.50
Was suspended for the 2014 season for punching a woman, then worked into the rotation in 2015 before seeing his role expand as a redshirt sophomore. Has a big, thick frame; was part of a running back committee in college but has the look of an every-down back, something which is matched by his skillset on the field. Virtually all of his touches at the college level came out of the shotgun. Natural runner with a good feel for the game; more nimble than he is a traditional power back. Patient player who is willing to let his blocks develop; has the vision to find lanes and navigate through them. Can get a little bit upright at times, but makes nice cuts to weave through congestion. Good footwork and more elusiveness than is typical for a bigger back. Style is smoother than it is explosive; more of a threat to find chunks of yardage than he is to break away from defenders and hit home runs, but can build up a head of steam and become a more powerful downhill runner once he gets going. Will lower his shoulder and try to grind out yardage when running between the tackles; not a major threat to run through attempted tackles, but tends to fall forward at the end of his carries. Can run through some arm tackles and flashes the ability to spin off of contact and keep going. Often releases out of the backfield, swinging out into the flats or running wheel patterns down the sidelines. Also lines up split out wide as a receiver on occasion, usually in order to run slants or in patterns across the middle of the formation. Looks like a reliable receiver with the ability to catch passes away from his frame. Most effective as a blocker when cutting defenders low, sometimes going in motion and taking down an opposing edge rusher. Also has some experience to that effect as a lead blocker in two-back sets. In pass protection, will occasionally get overwhelmed by power at the point of attack. Wasn’t invited to the Combine because of his past arrest, which needless to say will create major character concerns. Draft stock is somewhat murky in that it will ultimately depend upon to what extent teams are scared off by his background, but there’s a lot to like about his game. Could go as high as the second round, given that he has the size, athleticism, and skillset to become an every-down player.
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