Ourlads Archives

Running Backs - 2023 Ourlads' Draft Preview

Dave Syversten
11/29/2022 2:41PM ET

1. Robinson, Bijan*

Texas  6000  222

Three year starter from Tuscon, AZ.  2021 first team All-Big 12.  Ideal blend of functional bulk that can break tackles and push piles along with the agility and looseness below the hips to shake defenders and maneuver traffic untouched.  Feels the defense in his blood, showing the necessary vision to anticipate future lanes and creases.  Gets through initial contact with full balance.  Very few defenders stand a chance against him in space one on one.  Has developed versatile capabilities in the passing game.  Gets to the ball away from his body, will make the spectacular grab.  Home Run hitting capabilities every time he touches the ball.  Will need to become more consistent with ball security habits and positioning in addition to pass blocking beyond initial contact.

 

 

2. Gibbs, Jahmyr*

Alabama  5110  200

Two year starter from Dalton, GA.  In his first season at Alabama after two at Georgia Tech.  First Team All ACC and Second Team All American in 2021 as an all purpose player.  Versatility is his game.  Elite route runner out of the backfield with great tempo and feel for coverage.  Shows late, strong hands as a receiver that rarely lets one hit the turf.  Seamless transition from reception to burst upfield. Has a predetermined for when he reaches space with the ball but fully capable stamping his foot into the ground and exploding in a different direction.  A floater in the open field with the kind of speed that will not be caught from behind.  Quiet, smooth acceleration.  Does not create enough after contact and will too often get taken down by a lone tackler.

 

 

3. Evans, Zach

Mississippi  6000  215

Three year starter from Houston, TX.  Spent two years at TCU before transferring to Mississippi prior to the 2022 season.  Cited the desire to play on a bigger stage when it came to the decision to join the SEC from the Big 12.  A competitive, hungry runner but plays with slow and steady eyes.  Shows excellent tempo with the ball.  Ideal blend of patience and aggression.  Times his breaks well and can reach his top speed in a blink.  Elite lateral mover with looseness below the waist and impressive, balanced footwork.  Constantly makes the first guy miss.  Increases his speed based on who is chasing him.  Shows gamer-tendencies and rises to the occasion against his toughest opponents. Needs to show better ball security and tighten up his grip and his skill set as a receiver is unknown, as the looks have not been there yet.

 

4. Achane, Devon*

Texas A&M  5090  185

One year starter from Missouri City, TX.  Maybe the fastest player in college football.  An accomplished track star that plays with the caliber of burst and speed that can change an offense instantly.  Constantly on the brink of the big play.  Will not be caught from behind by anyone.  Plays bigger and tougher than the size and frame would indicate.  Both an experienced and accomplished runner inside that will lower his shoulder, break tackles, dust off the jersey, and do it again.  Wide receiver-caliber route runner that can give a creative offensive coordinator and play designer a myriad of options.  Can make the over the shoulder catch.  Shows a natural feel for angles and spacing once he gets through traffic.  Needs to refine himself as a blocker.  Power will not be there but his technique and effort have room for growth.  Lack of meat and bulk will limit his ability to fall forward and push piles.

 

5. McIntosh, Kenny

Georgia  5117  207

One year starter from Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Had to patiently wait his turn as he played behind a trio of pro running backs in D’Andre Swift, James Cook, and Zamir White.  Still sharing carries with other likely future pros.  Physical and hard-nosed runner that delivers a violent blow to defenders at all levels.  Hits the hole with bad intentions and keeps the aggression switch turned on.  Outstanding pass catcher that will not let the ball hit the turf if he can get his hands on it.  Will contribute on third down as a quality pass blocker as well.  Every down factor that can stay on the field no matter the situation.  Does not show enough looseness in his lower half to shake defenders in the open field.  Lacks juice and runaway speed.

 

6. Corum, Blake*

Michigan  5080  200

 

7. Charbonnet, Zach

UCLA  6004  224

 

8.  Abanikanda, Israel*

Pittsburgh  5110  215

 

9. Bigsby, Tank*

Auburn  6000  215

 

10. Vaughn, Deuce*

Kansas State  5060  175

 

11. Ibrahim, Mohamed

Minnesota  5090  210

 

12. Gray, Eric

Oklahoma  5100  214

 

13. Tucker, Sean*

Syracuse  5100  209

 

14. Chase Brown

Illinois  5093  211

 

15. Rodriguez, Chris

Kentucky  5114  229

 

16. Dye, Travis

USC  5096  205

 

17. Johnson, Roschon

Texas  6005  219

 

18. Emery, John

LSU  5105  218

 

19. Peoples, Camerun

Appalachian State  6020  224

 

20. Mellusi, Chez

Wisconsin 5107 212

 

21. Thomas, Tavion

Utah  6020  241

 

22. Shivers, Shaun

Indiana  5050  186

 

23. Thompson, SaRodorick

Texas Tech  5110  214

 

24. Swen, Titus

Wyoming  5104  209

 

25. Nichols lll, Lew

Central Michigan  5092  215

 

26. McBride, DeWayne

UAB  5110  215

 

27. Prince, Deneric

Tulsa  6000  219

 

28. Smith, Chris

Louisiana  5092  197

 

29. Evans, Samson

Eastern Michigan 6000 219

 

30. Tyler, Sean

Western Michigan  5083  180

 

31. Mims, Jordan

Fresno State  5106  209

 

32. Watson, Nakia

Washington State  6000  223

 

33. Peat, Nathaniel

Missouri 5083  196

 

34. Thompkins, Jamar

Valdosta State  5096  202

 

*Denotes Underclassman