5’11” – 227 lbs. – 4.52
Started eight of thirteen games and rushed for over 1,500 yards as a true freshman, then started six games before sustaining a season-ending knee injury the following year. Came back to start eleven of thirteen games as a junior, then all fifteen the following season, being named a team captain. Pure runner who does a lot of his work between the tackles; rarely retained on the field on passing downs, either as a blocker or receiver. Squatty, thickly-built back who runs with a low center of gravity. Has solid vision and doesn’t waste time getting upfield. Able to make good cuts in the backfield or once he gets to the second level; can usually make the first man miss. Runs through arm tackles effectively and needs to be squared up to tackle. Gets behind his pads and can punish defenders between the tackles, with good leg drive to pick up yardage after contact and push the pile. Does a good job of minimizing negative-yardage plays by fighting his way back to the line of scrimmage. Wasn’t really utilized as a workhorse this past season by virtue of sharing snaps with Sony Michel but has the type of running style which can wear down defenses over the course of the game. A little bit limited in terms of speed and explosiveness; not really a threat to hit home runs down the field or beat defenders while running horizontally; more of a no-nonsense, one-cut back on stretch plays and other attempts of that nature. Gives good effort as a blocker and has the type of frame to contribute in that area, but didn’t block much during the games reviewed and seemed to have some issues identifying defenders to pick up in pass protection. Receiving role was limited to leaking out into the flats and serving as a safety valve for his quarterback on a few snaps per game. Successfully made his way back from the season-ending knee injury sustained as a sophomore, but it will need to be scrutinized at the Combine. Not a sexy or particularly versatile back, but offers a thick build, good vision, sharp cuts, and a hard, no-nonsense running style, traits which allowed him to enjoy a lot of production against college football’s best defenses. Should get second-day consideration as a prospect who leaves little to the imagination and comes ready to run between the tackles at the pro level.
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