With running backs, it's hard to tell when it's the right move or not to declare. Every year we see a host of running backs declare for the NFL Draft early. Some are big names, and some come from the WAC, Mountain West, or even small schools. But with feature of too much "tread on the tires" and potential injuries (see Marcus Lattimore), it's easy to see why any glimpse of an NFL future means running backs consider the NFL early.
After a surprisingly good year for Stefphon Jefferson in the Pistol offense (and with his head coach gone), the productive running back has decided to forego his final year of college eligibility for the NFL Draft, according to the Fresno Bee.
While I'm not one to strongly consider stats, it's hard not to be impressed with the numbers Jefferson put up this year at Nevada. Just three games under 100 yards this season (and they were 78, 93, and 95), 1883 yards rushing, 24 touchdowns, and 7 games with over 30 carries, it's clear that he was a big reason this team won 7 games in the regular season, and were just 8 points away from a 10 win season.
But as far as a scouting perspective goes, I'm not too sold on the 5'11, 220 pound runner, despite his production. First and foremost, he seems to be a very upright runner, leaving himself consistently open for big hits, and potentially devastating knee injuries consistently. He's built well in his upper half, but doesn't have elite leg build to drive through tacklers and keep his balance at an NFL level.
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He does stay tight through the hole, allowing himself to stay skinny and linear and exploit smaller openings, and has quick hips in the open field to adjust to 2nd and 3rd level contact. He possesses great vision once through the hole, protects the ball through traffic, and uses his hands in stiff arms and to adjust himself through traffic well.
Running backs declaring are hard to argue against, and combining the fear of another 350+ carry season, potential injuries, and the loss of his head coach, it's easy to see why Jefferson likely was leaning NFL all the way. Whether he'll be a Top 4 round pick remains to be seen, but as we've learned from Alfred Morris, as long as you get drafted, there's no doubt you have a chance to contribute as a rookie, and in a big way.
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