04-08-2020, 11:23 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-09-2020, 11:12 AM by Fordhammer.)
This DSFL scouting report I will be focusing on the running back class. I will be scouting the top 11 running back prospects for the upcoming NSFL draft. This is what we scouts look for in a top tier running back. 1. Vision. You might think that speed is the most important aspect for a running back, but before that speed can be put to use, the ball-carrier has to be able to find openings to run through. 2. Quickness. That's what I'm looking for in running backs. Speed is a nice asset, and it's one we'll touch on later, but quickness cannot be beaten. Running backs rarely hit the edge with room to run up the sideline an area where speed is a need. Instead, backs are most often asked to pick up three, four and five yard gains between the tackles. What allows them to pick up routine yardage and turn that yardage into big plays is the quickness to shake tacklers and create hesitation in a defender. 3. Ball Security. Fumbling cannot be tolerated by a running back. This is an easy one to scout, and it can be done with the help of statistics. What I like to do is pull up a running back's stats on fumbles, and then go to those games where a fumble occurred to watch that play. Did the back have the ball too far away from his body? Did he receive a poor handoff from the quarterback? Simply looking at statistics would be lazy scouting, and it would paint an incomplete picture of the back's ball security. Taking a look at those fumbles to see why they happened is the key. 4. Speed and Acceleration. Speed: The ultimate muse for most scouts. A speedy runner in college may not translate well to the NSFL. That's especially the case if that speed is shown primarily when the back cuts across the field or makes jump-cuts to free himself from pursuit. Those are the types of plays that generally result in lost yardage in the NSFL, so you have to be careful when falling in love with open-field speed at the DSFL level. 5. Strength. No matter how fast, patient or smart the running back is, he's eventually going to meet a tackler in the hole and be faced with a fight-or-flight moment. Good evaluators want some fight in their running backs. When that time comes, you need a back who can lower his pads and pick up positive yardage. 6. Durability. Scouting running backs can be over-thought at times, but one area I continue to stand pat on is the durability and production concerns of top DSFL producers. Production is always nice, but it must be compared to the durability concerns of the player. We see now more than ever that running backs begin wearing down around age 30 in the NSFL. If the player enters the NSFL with four years of pounding already on their body, how much longer can they hold up? 7. Third-Down Skills. Over the last 30 years, running back responsibilities have evolved, especially on third down. Backs are now expected to be solid receivers and blockers if they hope to see the field in passing situations. That means more and more we're looking at college running backs who have either shown themselves capable in these areas or have the upside to be coached into productive players in these critical situations. So without further ado let me introduce the season 22 running back class. (Ranking is in order from top to bottom)
White Goodman (246 TPE, Receiving back, Dallas) At 5’6” and 210 lbs Goodman is the highest ranked running back in the DSFL and is most likely the first back off the board. A rare blend of speed and power. Immense power in legs and shows balance through contact. Shreds arm tackles and has speed to house it. Very hard to tackle on an angle. Professional, decisive runner. Presses line of scrimmage to set up his cut-back runs. Gets downhill with knee bend and forward lean, staying small through the hole. Uses quick, tight steps to second level. Will sink and explode into tackler or side-step and jet, causing hesitation in downhill safeties with their approach. Converts "speed to power" between tackles and around corner. Rarely looks to run out of bounds and finishes his runs. Able to factor out of the backfield with soft hands and ability to adjust to throws. Weaknesses: Vision is average. Still gaining feel as a zone runner. Too locked into looking for cutback lanes when play-side run is open. Can get better at setting up blockers in space. Average creativity in tight quarters. Patience and tempo as a runner can improve. Quick passing attack limited his protection opportunities but was very average when given the shot.
Acura Skyline (219 TPE, Speed back, London) At 6’ 1” and 210 lbs Skyline is the second ranked running back. A tall, leggy running back with shredded physique. Transitions run from inside to outside without losing any speed. Can cover five yards in two strides when fully unlocked in open field. Impressive 20-yard burst, creating space to hit the big runs. Shifty in open field without having to hesitate. Uses jump-cut at line of scrimmage to change gaps and avoid tacklers. Has an effective spin move to make defenders miss in open field. Great agility and plus balance hurdling opponents diving at his legs. Feet keep moving in tight spaces, probing for daylight. Able to consistently beat college defenders to flank. Loves to run over the tackles. Shows ability to create for himself and has burst and agility to turn small gain into big one. Weaknesses: Desires to bounce runs wide too often. Not as trusting of blocking from B-gap to B-gap. Shows indecisiveness as one-cut runner. Would gear down and stutter-step to line, waiting for crease to show itself rather than adjusting on fly and taking what was available. Play strength through hole was only average. Used speed over strength to create many missed or broken tackles. Benefited from gaping running lanes. Uncomfortable pass-catcher with marginal hands. Either dropped, double caught or smothered many throws. Pass protection needs work. Might have to come off field on third downs.
Kichwa Jones (219 TPE, Speed back, Dallas) at 5’ 11” and 200 lbs Jones is fast enough to get the corner and owns a second and third gear in the secondary. Excellent inside quickness, hitting the hole in a hurry when in the one-back set. Gets to top speed as quickly as any back in the country. Special vision for the cutback and in traffic. Plants his foot and accelerates. Very elusive in space, with shifty hips and an ability to juke or shake off a defender. Maintains his balance well after making a move or running through arm tackles on the outside. Runs with a lean inside, will bounce off tackles and keep his legs moving. Patient enough to allow blocks to develop on stretch plays to the outside. Very natural hands as a receiver; will excel on swing and screen passes. Uses his quick feet to run crisp out routes. Ultra-competitive; works hard in the film and weight rooms. Wants the ball on every play. Weaknesses: Doesn't have great size or the compact strength of elite backs. Must prove he can get the tough yard and not dance to try and break a big play when it's not there. Invites turnovers by running with the ball very loosely. Doesn't always switch the ball to the outside hand. Runs out of control at times. Some of those cutbacks will not work against the speed of NSFL defenses. A liability in pass protection, throwing a shoulder instead of moving his feet to take on or even just get in the way of a rusher. Whiffs on his cut blocks against blitzing linebackers.
Tatsu Nakamura (212 TPE, Speed back, Portland) at 5’ 11” and 215 lbs Nakamura looks good on the hoof. Possesses a big body and falls forward for additional yards. Smooth pass-catcher out of the backfield and is a mismatch for linebackers. Has been a consistent weapon out of the backfield while in DSFL. Uses an effective jump cut on inside runs to change direction and can string a couple of them together on the same run. Has good long speed when he gets into space. Has enough pop behind his pads to become a better finisher. Weaknesses: Long-strider. Doesn't always look like he has the foot quickness to burst through the hole consistently. Allows defenders to get a hand on him through the replace and isn't a classic finisher. Tends to hit the brakes too hard in order to make his cuts. Questionable vision. Looks to make cuts instead of keeping the run play-side. Scouts want to see more fire in his play demeanor. Play strength and blocking are problems. Goes down too easily.
Richard Gilbert (193 TPE, Power back, Tijuana) At 6’0” and 239 lbs has good size and great feet. Able to string together multiple moves at a time. Varies speeds as a runner and can call on second gear when he sees daylight. Hips and feet always in sync thanks to soccer background. Shows enough wiggle to make defenders miss and can create and improvise if creases aren't offering much. Runs with wide base and generates leg drive to push. Plays with bend and bursts through the hole with low pad level. Reliable yards-after-contact back. Accelerates into contact on second level. True weapon out of backfield with adequate hands and good feel for maximizing each catch in space. Twists and turns and fights to fall forward. Asked to be physical, downhill runner between tackles and he obliged. Shows good blitz recognition. Showed mental toughness and character. Weaknesses: Gets too cute at times looking to sift laterally from gap to gap as he approaches line of scrimmage. Needs to run with more urgency to perimeter. Can get out-flanked when opportunity to turn corner was previously available. Average feel through the hole. Runs into defenders he should be able to avoid. Heavy workload last season in the DSFL. Pass-protection technique needs improvement.
Jamar Lackson (192 TPE, Speed back, Minnesota) at 6’2” and 205 lbs has explosive burst and plays with suddenness. Elusive in tight quarters. Has lightning in his feet. Has hips and feet to stop and start without stalling. Rare ability on stretch plays to hit cutback lanes that other backs can't get to. Runs with patience and a well-timed burst. Has great feel as zone-scheme, one-cut runner. Changes direction without breaking stride. Courageous runner. Shows no fear when getting downhill. Strong-willed competitor with toughness. Has second gear around the corner and can erase the angles. Gets smaller through the hole and runs behind pads. Fights through arm tackles. Regroups and balances himself after initial contact. Reads and sets up routes and adjusts to poorly thrown balls. Weaknesses: Average inside runner, where feel and instincts are concerned. Vision fails him at times when running between the tackles. Won't always see initial hole and will mash turbo button, hoping to power through to second level. At times unwilling to do dirty work in pass protection. Looks for cut blocks rather than squaring up and playing with technique and toughness. Tries to run to daylight once in open field rather than just finishing runs.
Julio Tirtawidjaja (185 TPE, All-purpose back, Tijuana) at 6’0” and 220 lbs is a decisive north-south runner. Outstanding three-step burst into second level. Fearless between the tackles. Has dangerous jump-cut to instantly change gaps and ruin the plans of linebackers. Stays square to the line and is always in ready position to hit turbo. Has shown one-cut ability and natural change-of-direction talent without gearing down. Violent run finisher. Will duck shoulder and throw heavy forearm into tackler to prove a point. Not a content runner -- doesn't like to give in. Capable hands out of backfield and willing to square up and engage pass rushers on pass plays. Hits top speed so quickly that safeties and linebackers repeatedly take poor angles, leading to long touchdowns. Weaknesses: Treats every carry like a sprint. Must improve run tempo and patience on stretch plays. Has to learn when to keep run play-side and improve patience to allow back-side cutback lanes to develop. Can improve as receiver out of backfield. Wasn't always in position to scan defense on screen passes, resulting in lost yardage. Pad level often a little high into contact. Not much of a tackle-breaker and allows his base to get too narrow, giving defenders a chance to end play prematurely. Less creative than most of the top-level backs in this draft. Could use more creativity once he gets to the second level.
J.B. Apollo (126 TPE, All-purpose back, Myrtle Beach) at 6’1” and 210 lbs Has every-down size for the position. Patient, gliding runner with a sense for when it's time to hit the gas and go. Has late cut ability to create new yards for himself. Has effective open-field spin move to elude and the play strength to power through lesser tackle attempts. Efficient runner between the tackles. Runs with desired pad level maintains balance through contact. Falls forward in his finishing. Has enough play speed to turn the corner as outside runner. Experience as receiver gives him upgraded route ability as running back. Has opportunity to be effective on all three levels as receiver if matchup avails itself. Weaknesses:. Urgency as runner needs an upgrade. Can be slowed waiting for zone read mesh point, but indecisiveness flowing outside caused some lost yardage Shows lack of patience at time failing to press line of scrimmage and open up cutback lanes. Indecisive, at times, when approaching the line and seems to always be looking for the next cut rather than finishing the run. Doesn't have tackle breaking power and runs often end at contact. Despite willingness to block, lacks the beef to hold ground against A-gap linebackers.
Jacoby Batista (126 TPE, Speed back, London) at 6’ 2” and 212 lbs is a decisive runner with good lower-body drive and a willingness to run behind his pads. Finishes his runs. Has NSFL caliber burst and can hit top speed quickly. Defenses must respect his ability to turn the corner on play-side. Patient runner with plus vision. Willing to seek out cutback lanes. Rarely dances to the line or makes unnecessary lateral moves. Isn't a predictable runner. Lacks blazing top-end speed but plays fast. Highly competitive with a high football IQ. Hasn't dropped a pass in two years and can be a valuable weapon in passing attack. Will make arm tacklers pay and is better in short yardage than most backs his size. Can help immediately as a punt or kick returner. Personal and football character is considered off-the-charts by the scouting community. Not an instinctive runner between the tackles. Slow to process development of running lanes and appears unable to make late decisions and keep the run alive. Needs to show more creativity as a runner. Leaves too many yards out on the field due to lack of vision. Too quick to give in and end the run. Needs to run with more urgency and desire. Gears down rather than accelerates when contact is imminent. Yardage after contact numbers are below average.
Aaron Feels (112 TPE, Speed back, Dallas) at 5’11” and 210 lbs If you don't bring it to him, he will bring it to you. Powerful beyond his size with strong legs and outstanding balance at and beyond contact. Able to absorb contact on legs with defenders bouncing off. Coils into a ball of power and explodes into tacklers with cocked hip and low pad level to finish his run with a message being sent. Competes hard on every run with jump cuts and lateral shiftiness in the hole to go with his power. Sudden runner with ability to make sharp, decisive cuts. Can plant and go with immediate burst downhill or bounce to perimeter in search of new opportunities. Has desired foot quickness and hip fluidity. Has above-average vision and feel for the changing shape of running lanes. Hands are good enough to factor in passing game. Weaknesses: Appears to be too cutback happy at times rather than sticking with the original track. Doesn't keep ball tucked into contact at all times and gave away fumbles. Physical run style opens him to excessive wear and tear. Makes marginal effort in pass protection.
Zed Keppler (98 TPE, Speed back, Portland) At 5’9” and 221 lbs is a natural runner who combines tempo with a special feel for spacial relationships. Pro-ready vision gives him outstanding feel for run lane developments at the line of scrimmage and onto the second level. Consistently chooses best angles and creases for optimal yardage. For a big back, can make himself skinny through tight quarters. Decisive and punishing. Drops pads and accelerates into contact to batter would be tacklers on the second and third levels. Drives legs through arm tackles and goes about his work. Hard charging when it’s third or fourth and short. Showed potential in screen game as receiver. Weaknesses: Doesn't have sudden one-cut ability and has to tap brakes to hit it downhill on outside zone runs. One speed runner. Can be chased down by backside sprinters before getting to the second level. Takes big hits due to bruising running style. Scouts concerned about ability to stay healthy. Upright pads and narrow base leads to slips and balance issues when trying to make sharp cuts.
White Goodman (246 TPE, Receiving back, Dallas) At 5’6” and 210 lbs Goodman is the highest ranked running back in the DSFL and is most likely the first back off the board. A rare blend of speed and power. Immense power in legs and shows balance through contact. Shreds arm tackles and has speed to house it. Very hard to tackle on an angle. Professional, decisive runner. Presses line of scrimmage to set up his cut-back runs. Gets downhill with knee bend and forward lean, staying small through the hole. Uses quick, tight steps to second level. Will sink and explode into tackler or side-step and jet, causing hesitation in downhill safeties with their approach. Converts "speed to power" between tackles and around corner. Rarely looks to run out of bounds and finishes his runs. Able to factor out of the backfield with soft hands and ability to adjust to throws. Weaknesses: Vision is average. Still gaining feel as a zone runner. Too locked into looking for cutback lanes when play-side run is open. Can get better at setting up blockers in space. Average creativity in tight quarters. Patience and tempo as a runner can improve. Quick passing attack limited his protection opportunities but was very average when given the shot.
Acura Skyline (219 TPE, Speed back, London) At 6’ 1” and 210 lbs Skyline is the second ranked running back. A tall, leggy running back with shredded physique. Transitions run from inside to outside without losing any speed. Can cover five yards in two strides when fully unlocked in open field. Impressive 20-yard burst, creating space to hit the big runs. Shifty in open field without having to hesitate. Uses jump-cut at line of scrimmage to change gaps and avoid tacklers. Has an effective spin move to make defenders miss in open field. Great agility and plus balance hurdling opponents diving at his legs. Feet keep moving in tight spaces, probing for daylight. Able to consistently beat college defenders to flank. Loves to run over the tackles. Shows ability to create for himself and has burst and agility to turn small gain into big one. Weaknesses: Desires to bounce runs wide too often. Not as trusting of blocking from B-gap to B-gap. Shows indecisiveness as one-cut runner. Would gear down and stutter-step to line, waiting for crease to show itself rather than adjusting on fly and taking what was available. Play strength through hole was only average. Used speed over strength to create many missed or broken tackles. Benefited from gaping running lanes. Uncomfortable pass-catcher with marginal hands. Either dropped, double caught or smothered many throws. Pass protection needs work. Might have to come off field on third downs.
Kichwa Jones (219 TPE, Speed back, Dallas) at 5’ 11” and 200 lbs Jones is fast enough to get the corner and owns a second and third gear in the secondary. Excellent inside quickness, hitting the hole in a hurry when in the one-back set. Gets to top speed as quickly as any back in the country. Special vision for the cutback and in traffic. Plants his foot and accelerates. Very elusive in space, with shifty hips and an ability to juke or shake off a defender. Maintains his balance well after making a move or running through arm tackles on the outside. Runs with a lean inside, will bounce off tackles and keep his legs moving. Patient enough to allow blocks to develop on stretch plays to the outside. Very natural hands as a receiver; will excel on swing and screen passes. Uses his quick feet to run crisp out routes. Ultra-competitive; works hard in the film and weight rooms. Wants the ball on every play. Weaknesses: Doesn't have great size or the compact strength of elite backs. Must prove he can get the tough yard and not dance to try and break a big play when it's not there. Invites turnovers by running with the ball very loosely. Doesn't always switch the ball to the outside hand. Runs out of control at times. Some of those cutbacks will not work against the speed of NSFL defenses. A liability in pass protection, throwing a shoulder instead of moving his feet to take on or even just get in the way of a rusher. Whiffs on his cut blocks against blitzing linebackers.
Tatsu Nakamura (212 TPE, Speed back, Portland) at 5’ 11” and 215 lbs Nakamura looks good on the hoof. Possesses a big body and falls forward for additional yards. Smooth pass-catcher out of the backfield and is a mismatch for linebackers. Has been a consistent weapon out of the backfield while in DSFL. Uses an effective jump cut on inside runs to change direction and can string a couple of them together on the same run. Has good long speed when he gets into space. Has enough pop behind his pads to become a better finisher. Weaknesses: Long-strider. Doesn't always look like he has the foot quickness to burst through the hole consistently. Allows defenders to get a hand on him through the replace and isn't a classic finisher. Tends to hit the brakes too hard in order to make his cuts. Questionable vision. Looks to make cuts instead of keeping the run play-side. Scouts want to see more fire in his play demeanor. Play strength and blocking are problems. Goes down too easily.
Richard Gilbert (193 TPE, Power back, Tijuana) At 6’0” and 239 lbs has good size and great feet. Able to string together multiple moves at a time. Varies speeds as a runner and can call on second gear when he sees daylight. Hips and feet always in sync thanks to soccer background. Shows enough wiggle to make defenders miss and can create and improvise if creases aren't offering much. Runs with wide base and generates leg drive to push. Plays with bend and bursts through the hole with low pad level. Reliable yards-after-contact back. Accelerates into contact on second level. True weapon out of backfield with adequate hands and good feel for maximizing each catch in space. Twists and turns and fights to fall forward. Asked to be physical, downhill runner between tackles and he obliged. Shows good blitz recognition. Showed mental toughness and character. Weaknesses: Gets too cute at times looking to sift laterally from gap to gap as he approaches line of scrimmage. Needs to run with more urgency to perimeter. Can get out-flanked when opportunity to turn corner was previously available. Average feel through the hole. Runs into defenders he should be able to avoid. Heavy workload last season in the DSFL. Pass-protection technique needs improvement.
Jamar Lackson (192 TPE, Speed back, Minnesota) at 6’2” and 205 lbs has explosive burst and plays with suddenness. Elusive in tight quarters. Has lightning in his feet. Has hips and feet to stop and start without stalling. Rare ability on stretch plays to hit cutback lanes that other backs can't get to. Runs with patience and a well-timed burst. Has great feel as zone-scheme, one-cut runner. Changes direction without breaking stride. Courageous runner. Shows no fear when getting downhill. Strong-willed competitor with toughness. Has second gear around the corner and can erase the angles. Gets smaller through the hole and runs behind pads. Fights through arm tackles. Regroups and balances himself after initial contact. Reads and sets up routes and adjusts to poorly thrown balls. Weaknesses: Average inside runner, where feel and instincts are concerned. Vision fails him at times when running between the tackles. Won't always see initial hole and will mash turbo button, hoping to power through to second level. At times unwilling to do dirty work in pass protection. Looks for cut blocks rather than squaring up and playing with technique and toughness. Tries to run to daylight once in open field rather than just finishing runs.
Julio Tirtawidjaja (185 TPE, All-purpose back, Tijuana) at 6’0” and 220 lbs is a decisive north-south runner. Outstanding three-step burst into second level. Fearless between the tackles. Has dangerous jump-cut to instantly change gaps and ruin the plans of linebackers. Stays square to the line and is always in ready position to hit turbo. Has shown one-cut ability and natural change-of-direction talent without gearing down. Violent run finisher. Will duck shoulder and throw heavy forearm into tackler to prove a point. Not a content runner -- doesn't like to give in. Capable hands out of backfield and willing to square up and engage pass rushers on pass plays. Hits top speed so quickly that safeties and linebackers repeatedly take poor angles, leading to long touchdowns. Weaknesses: Treats every carry like a sprint. Must improve run tempo and patience on stretch plays. Has to learn when to keep run play-side and improve patience to allow back-side cutback lanes to develop. Can improve as receiver out of backfield. Wasn't always in position to scan defense on screen passes, resulting in lost yardage. Pad level often a little high into contact. Not much of a tackle-breaker and allows his base to get too narrow, giving defenders a chance to end play prematurely. Less creative than most of the top-level backs in this draft. Could use more creativity once he gets to the second level.
J.B. Apollo (126 TPE, All-purpose back, Myrtle Beach) at 6’1” and 210 lbs Has every-down size for the position. Patient, gliding runner with a sense for when it's time to hit the gas and go. Has late cut ability to create new yards for himself. Has effective open-field spin move to elude and the play strength to power through lesser tackle attempts. Efficient runner between the tackles. Runs with desired pad level maintains balance through contact. Falls forward in his finishing. Has enough play speed to turn the corner as outside runner. Experience as receiver gives him upgraded route ability as running back. Has opportunity to be effective on all three levels as receiver if matchup avails itself. Weaknesses:. Urgency as runner needs an upgrade. Can be slowed waiting for zone read mesh point, but indecisiveness flowing outside caused some lost yardage Shows lack of patience at time failing to press line of scrimmage and open up cutback lanes. Indecisive, at times, when approaching the line and seems to always be looking for the next cut rather than finishing the run. Doesn't have tackle breaking power and runs often end at contact. Despite willingness to block, lacks the beef to hold ground against A-gap linebackers.
Jacoby Batista (126 TPE, Speed back, London) at 6’ 2” and 212 lbs is a decisive runner with good lower-body drive and a willingness to run behind his pads. Finishes his runs. Has NSFL caliber burst and can hit top speed quickly. Defenses must respect his ability to turn the corner on play-side. Patient runner with plus vision. Willing to seek out cutback lanes. Rarely dances to the line or makes unnecessary lateral moves. Isn't a predictable runner. Lacks blazing top-end speed but plays fast. Highly competitive with a high football IQ. Hasn't dropped a pass in two years and can be a valuable weapon in passing attack. Will make arm tacklers pay and is better in short yardage than most backs his size. Can help immediately as a punt or kick returner. Personal and football character is considered off-the-charts by the scouting community. Not an instinctive runner between the tackles. Slow to process development of running lanes and appears unable to make late decisions and keep the run alive. Needs to show more creativity as a runner. Leaves too many yards out on the field due to lack of vision. Too quick to give in and end the run. Needs to run with more urgency and desire. Gears down rather than accelerates when contact is imminent. Yardage after contact numbers are below average.
Aaron Feels (112 TPE, Speed back, Dallas) at 5’11” and 210 lbs If you don't bring it to him, he will bring it to you. Powerful beyond his size with strong legs and outstanding balance at and beyond contact. Able to absorb contact on legs with defenders bouncing off. Coils into a ball of power and explodes into tacklers with cocked hip and low pad level to finish his run with a message being sent. Competes hard on every run with jump cuts and lateral shiftiness in the hole to go with his power. Sudden runner with ability to make sharp, decisive cuts. Can plant and go with immediate burst downhill or bounce to perimeter in search of new opportunities. Has desired foot quickness and hip fluidity. Has above-average vision and feel for the changing shape of running lanes. Hands are good enough to factor in passing game. Weaknesses: Appears to be too cutback happy at times rather than sticking with the original track. Doesn't keep ball tucked into contact at all times and gave away fumbles. Physical run style opens him to excessive wear and tear. Makes marginal effort in pass protection.
Zed Keppler (98 TPE, Speed back, Portland) At 5’9” and 221 lbs is a natural runner who combines tempo with a special feel for spacial relationships. Pro-ready vision gives him outstanding feel for run lane developments at the line of scrimmage and onto the second level. Consistently chooses best angles and creases for optimal yardage. For a big back, can make himself skinny through tight quarters. Decisive and punishing. Drops pads and accelerates into contact to batter would be tacklers on the second and third levels. Drives legs through arm tackles and goes about his work. Hard charging when it’s third or fourth and short. Showed potential in screen game as receiver. Weaknesses: Doesn't have sudden one-cut ability and has to tap brakes to hit it downhill on outside zone runs. One speed runner. Can be chased down by backside sprinters before getting to the second level. Takes big hits due to bruising running style. Scouts concerned about ability to stay healthy. Upright pads and narrow base leads to slips and balance issues when trying to make sharp cuts.