THE 2001 NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE FULLBACK CROP
MUCH LIKE THE DINOSAUR, FULLBACKS ARE BECOMING EXTINCT

They are the Rodney Daingerfields of football, rarely getting the respect they deserve, especially when their team is caught in a salary cap crunch during the off-season. They toil in anonymity, but by the end of the game, they generally are the ones with the dirtiest uniforms. Life as a fullback in the NFL means having to notify the post office of a change of address every year. They should all have business cards made up that says, "have blocking experience, will travel." Such is the life of a fullback. When looking for a fullback, the NFL goes through two different routes. As any tailback, especially Eddie George and Terrell Davis what a team should look for in a fullback and they will quickly tell you - a devastating blocker, one that is a physical brute whose sole purpose is to block and create huge holes for the inside ground game. Ones built along the lines of an offensive linemen are preferred. Those that can prove to be capable receivers, like the Broncos' Howard Griffith, add another dimension to the offensive attack. Other teams prefer versatility at this position - a back that may be smaller than a Mack truck, one that can catch the ball with the best of them, provide decent blocking, but also show fluid open field running skills. It is an inglorious job, but someone has to do it. One look at this year's fullback crop makes me wonder why a guy like Lorenzo Neal (ex-Tennessee) is still unemployed or another like Sam Gash has to change teams on an annual basis. There are simply no quality blockers in this year's class. Two college halfbacks, Nebraska's Dan Alexander and Kansas' Moran Norris are considered by many to be the best of the bunch here, but neither of them have ever shown a willingness (or the talent) to perform as a lead blocker. Another tailback that will probably shift to fullback is West Texas A&M's DeWayne Miles, who not only gains huge yardage on the ground, but has developed into a truly aggressive blocker for the passing game. Upon eye contact, 280-pound Texas A&M Aggie Ja'Mar Toombs looks the part, but much like Jerome Bettis, Pete Johnson (ex-Bengal) and Mike Alstott, he's nothing more than an over-grown tailback forced to play this position because of his girth, drastically reducing his worth. Pure fullbacks are hard to come by, but if you talk to the folks at Auburn, they will tell you that their ground game's success this year was due to the bone-jarring blocks thrown by Heath Evans, who made fellow junior tailback Rudi Johnson look like Marcus Allen, thanks to the huge holes he opened through the rush lanes for Johnson. LaDainian Tomlinson will voice his opinion about his running mate, Texas Christian's George Layne, being a superior blocker, but Layne, while excelling in that role, looks like he could be a power tailback at the pro level, thanks to a career average of over six yards per attempt. 260-pounder Dustin McClintock's lack of fire, lack of desire and total lack of power was one of the major reasons for Alabama's downfall this year. This guy is so slow, if he was in a race with a pregnant woman, he'd come in third. Northwestern State (La.) used unknown Darvel Bivens at fullback for six games before he left the team, but he showed little as a blocker and even less as a runner to warrant the Combines invitation he received. Now, the school had to forfeit a couple of games that he played in when the NCAA discovered that he was actually ineligible to play in 2000. Jameel Cook was hoping to become the featured back at Illinois after Steve Havard graduated, but he was again relegated to fullback duties and decided if he was not going to get to carry the ball in college, he was better off trying to not carry the ball in the pros. Clark could be the best pass catcher of this bunch, drawing comparisons to Washington's Larry Centers. Free agency will probably be the route to the NFL for the likes of pure blockers Tommy Banks-Louisiana State, Mike Cerimele-Penn State, Ronnie Robinson-North Carolina and Matt Kalapinski-Maryland. Others that could make a squad through the free agency route are Nebraska's Willie Miller, Arizona State's Stephen Trejo, Grove City's R.J. Bowers and Clemson's Terry Witherspoon, but after that, finding talent here will be very hard to do.

THE POSITION REPORT CARD…Teams need fullbacks desperately, but will generally shy away from this position in the draft, figuring that a few free agents (Carolina's Brad Hoover and Pittsburgh'S Dan Kreider) can always be found after the draft is all over. Don't look for a fullback in the first round, but some that will get first day consideration are Heath Evans, Dan Alexander, Moran Norris and Ja'Mar Toombs. With a severe dropoff after the first few, this position can only attain a final grade of D+ from my evaluation.

THE CREAM OF THE CROP
#44-HEATH EVANS Auburn University Tigers 5:11.3-241
ANALYSIS…Positives...Tireless worker who has the quickness to gain advantage on defenders coming off the snap as a lead blocker...Has the run vision to avoid contact in the open...runs with excellent body lean and balance...Keeps his pads down low, punishing opponents with his power and leg drive...Carries the ball securely...Gets into his pass patterns quickly, showing the vision to get underneath and the agility to come back for the off-target tosses...Faces up to defenders with aggression and consistently sustains his blocks...Shows good lateral agility bouncing to the outside...Excels as a wedge-buster on special teams...His quick feet, agility, balance and strength have drawn comparisons to former Cowboy Daryl Johnston.

Negatives...Runs with more veer, showing little juking moves...Has a hitch step on his lateral slide...While he is effective on the short passes, he tends to lose sight of the ball on deep routes, having difficulties getting his head properly turned around.

CAREER NOTES…Tough, durable athlete who showed flashes of his running excellence in limited opportunities to carry the ball...Has become a very effective "safety valve" receiver and devastating blocker...Has not lost a single yard in his rushing attempts during the last two years...Despite seeing action mostly as a blocker, he did manage to gain 626 yards on 149 carries (4.2 avg) with six touchdowns and 354 yards with a score on 30 receptions (11.8 avg), starting 16 of the 28 games he has played in for Auburn. REMINDS ME OF…Former Dallas Cowboy Daryl "Moose" Johnston. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…This could be Eddie George's new lead blocker in Tennesse in 2001. Evans has great hands as a receiver and proved what he could do opening the rush lanes for Rudi Johnson this year. He's probably as close as one can come to a premium fullback in this year's draft.

THE BEST OF THE REST
#5-JA'MAR TOOMBS Texas A&M University Aggies 5:11.3-277
ANALYSIS…Positives...Workhorse with a wide frame, packed with power and exceptional speed for a player of this size...Jerome Bettis/Pete Johnson type who strives on handling the brunt of the rushing load...Simply moves the pile with his superb leg drive...Attacks defenders with no hesitation in his movements...Straight-ahead terror who lowers his head, covers the ball securely and shoves his way into the end zone near in goal line situations...Devastating lead blocker who is very aggressive getting a piece of a linebacker upfield...Rarely puts the ball on the ground, taking pride in his ability to protect the ball...Has a sharp, short burst, but also displays the quickness to accelerate around the corner...Keeps his balance and lowers his shoulders to initiate contact and hits the holes with authority...Improving receiver who is more effective in the short area...Has classic hand usage and arm extension as he protects the quarterback from the blitz.

Negatives...There is little wiggle or elusive moves in his running...Needs to show better vision when making lateral cuts, as he appears more comfortable running between tackles rather that turning the corner...Lacks sustained speed for the long runs...Has adequate hands for the pass, but he needs to refine his route running as he has difficulties keeping track of the ball outside of the short area.

CAREER NOTES…Rare talent with the size of a lineman and the quickness of a tailback...Has simply dominated the competition with his bruising style of play, scoring 26 times on only 350 carries during his career (1360 yards, 3.9 avg)...A crunching blocker, Ja'Mar has also proven to be a very capable short yardage receiver for the Aggies. REMINDS ME OF…Former Cincinnati Bengal Pete Johnson. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…NFL general managers shook their head in disgust when Toombs showed up at the Combines over 280 pounds. Then, they went and watched film on him and saw that he played very well at that weight all year. It is a shame to waste this kid as a blocker. I don't mind them lining him up at fullback, but in the words of Keyshawn Johnson, "just give him (Ja'Mar) the damn ball!

THE MOST UNDERRATED
#34-JAMEEL COOK University of Illinois Fighting Ilini 5:09.6-227
ANALYSIS…Positives...Strong inside runner with big thighs and good upper body definition... Shows sharp in-line lateral agility and goo body mechanics running through the holes...Has a good feel for the creases and displays an explosive leg strike to uncoil and explode on contact...Makes proper body adjustments running pass routes and is very adept at getting involved in complex patterns, especially on swing and stop routes...Will extend, adjust and catch the ball securely with his hands...Aligns and positions himself properly leading the blocking through the rush lanes...Stays low in his stance, extends his arms and delivers a strong hand punch in picking up the blitz...Contact seeker who easily adjusts to the moving target.

Negatives...Runs a little too upright through the holes and has to learn how to run at a lower pad level...Does not show the second gear to break free from defenders turning the corner, appearing more comfortable running between the tackles...Not a nifty or elusive runner past the line of scrimmage, allowing defenders to quickly recover after the initial hit...Needs to show better body control when taking a seam in attempts to gain positive yardage (did not display the aggressive running style that he showed earlier in his career during the 2000 season)...Needs more wiggle in his moves through the rush lanes, as he is very stiff in his hips...Lacks experience, which tends to cause mental lapses when diagnosing the plays (marginal student with a low Wonderlic {15} test score)...Even though he shows good extension going up for the pass, he possesses very small arms (28 3/4-inch width).

CAREER NOTES…Player with a load of promise, drawing comparisons to former Fighting Illini great, Howard Griffith (Denver)...Recruited as a tailback, he moved to fullback in 1999, starting 16 times at that position during his career at Illinois...The aspiring sports broadcaster has developed into one of the top receivers in the country at his position, hauling in 60 passes for 506 yards (8.4 avg) and six touchdowns during the last two years...As a runner, he amassed 526 yards on 116 carries (4.5 avg) while also serving as the "up-man" on the kickoff return unit. REMINDS ME OF…Denver's Howard Griffith. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Watch folks, he's the next great power back to join the NFL ranks. He has a team-first attitude that I just love and if someone, anyone ever gives him a chance to carry the ball on a regular basis, I pity the opposing defensive tackles as he powers his way up the middle.

THE MOST OVERRATED
#30-DUSTIN McCLINTOCK University of Alabama Crimson Tide 6:02.5-271
ANALYSIS…Positives…Bruising blocker who has a thick lower body frame and plays at a high intensity level...Does a nice job of leading up inside and striking the linebacker...Works hard to maintain contact and delivers crunching blocks while keeping his balance...Shows great awareness in picking up the blitz... Effective third down receiver who displays the power to run over defenders after the catch.

Negatives…North-South runner with no hip swerve...Looks a little stiff in getting out to the edge rushers...Needs to do a better job of shuffling his feet when running through the holes...Has major maturity problems and his hot temper has gotten the best of him, both on and off the field.

CAREER NOTES…Has been the team's lead blocker for the last three years...Rarely gets to carry the ball, finishing his career with 322 yards, but has registered over 200 knockdown blocks during his career...Fine receiver, as 16 of his 21 career receptions have resulted in first downs. REMINDS ME OF…A bag of garbage. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…What was that line from the movie, Animal House - going through life stupid, slow and ugly won't get you too far. Guess this kid needs to watch Animal House. 'Nuff said.

THE SUPER SLEEPER
#38-GEORGE LAYNE Texas Christian University Horned Frogs 5:11.3-253
ANALYSIS…Positives...Solidly-built athlete with a thick upper body and strong legs... Dominating lead blocker who flashes suddenness through the holes...Shows good weave in his run past the line of scrimmage...Has the body lean to pick and slide through traffic, keeping his pads down as he moves the pile...Crisp route runner who shows good body adjustment going for the off-target passes...Has a low center of gravity through the holes as a lead blocker, rarely ever going to the ground as he does an excellent job of keeping his shoulders square upon contact...Shows the cutback ability to bounce to the outside... Delivers crunching cut-blocks on the perimeter and shows aggression and proper arm extension staying back to pick up the blitz.

Negatives...More of a one-cut runner, but can make the initial tackler miss...Needs to show better hip snap when attacking the holes...Runs a little too erect once he gets past the pile...Has only adequate flexibility and change-of-direction movements.

CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter who has been largely responsible for creating the huge holes afforded All-American LaDainain Tomlinson since taking over as the tailback's lead blocker...An effective third-down receiver, he also hears his number called often when the tough, short yardage is needed up the middle...Opted to test the pro waters after three seasons, finishing his career with 482 yards and eight touchdowns on 97 carries (5.0 avg). REMINDS ME OF…Atlanta's Bob Christian. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Call me crazy (shut up!), but this guy has great upside potential. Is it a coincidence that LaDainian Tomlinson enjoyed tremendous success once he teamed with Layne in the TCU backfield? He has great speed for his size and watch him develop as a receiver. I am already convinced that he can rival Heath Evans for the job of best blocker at this position in the draft.

FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES
#38-DAN ALEXANDER University of Nebraska Cornhuskers 5:11.5-244
ANALYSIS…Positives…Big, physical athlete with that rare physique that NFL coaches crave...Literal battering ram who has exceptional quickness off the snap...Very decisive to the holes, lowering his head and keeping his legs churning as he uses his strength to punish the initial tacklers...Power runner who consistently moves the pile...Knows how to make positive yardage after contact...Has the quickness to easily get in and out of his break points on pass routes... Shows great hip snap as a blocker, forcefully facing up to the defenders in pass protection...Quiet leader who is a hard worker on the field and a team leader off of it...Excellent role model with strong spiritual convictions.

Negatives…Lacks the sharp cutting ability to turn it loose around the corners...Needs to show more elusiveness as a runner, as he tends to rather take blockers head on rather than escaping them...Has had fumble problems in the past as he tends to run upright without protecting the ball much...Not a sharp route runner and appears very uncomfortable trying to catch the ball...Has problems adjusting to the pass due to a lack of upper body flexibility and poor hand flexibility.

CAREER NOTES…The Doak Walker Award semi-finalist brought about the revival of the team's running game as he joined Eric Crouch and Correll Buckhalter in becoming the first trio from the same team to rush for over 2000 yards each in a career during the same season (2000) in NCAA history...The powerfully built I-back finished his career as the school's tenth-ranked all-time rusher with 2456 yards, carrying 402 times (6.1 avg) with 20 touchdowns...His thirteen 100-yard performances rank sixth on Nebraska's career-record list. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's Mike Alstott. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Is this guy, like Allstott, a reluctant fullback or a frustrated tailback that just grew out of his position. He's never show a willingness to block before and has suspect hands for the passing game, but what a nice physical specimen. I'm just not convinced he's a fullback and like Alstott, fumbles do tend to get him into trouble.

SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES
#33-TORRANCE "MORAN" NORRIS University of Kansas Jayhawks 6:00.7-244
ANALYSIS…Positives…Powerful, bruising-type runner...Team leader who is regarded by coaches and players alike as the squad's best blocker, hardest hitter and toughest athlete...Naturally strong blocker who has the vision and instincts needed to carry the brunt of the rushing load... Absorbs punishment well running up the middle, displaying an explosive second gear upfield... Hard to bring down once he breaks into the open...Much like Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis in his ability to simply run over people...Runs crisp routes and has shown improvement extending his hands and securing the ball as a receiver... Makes solid contact as a blocker, maintaining balance and keeping his feet as he easily adjusts to the moving target when blocking in space...Strikes his target with force as the lead blocker, consistently sustaining his position...Shows good flexibility going up for the ball and good acceleration in-&-out of his breaks...Runs a bit high with the ball, but secures the pigskin, preventing the fumble.

Negatives…Needs to learn how to run lower to the ground with a better pad level...His high stance and narrow running base causes him to take too many unnecessary hits on the lower legs and ankles, thus leading to several nagging injuries in recent years...Still developing a feel for the running game, having been a tight end until 1998...More of a one-cut type of runner with little shake and juking moves past the line...While he protects the ball in his firm grasp, he does expose the pigskin on his lanes up the middle...Not a natural pass catcher, tending to cradle the ball into his body and double-catch, rather that use his arms and hands to properly extend...Has a low IQ score, presenting possible learning problems with a complicated offensive playbook. REMINDS ME OF…Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…He's built like a fullback, runs like a fullback and is powerful like a fullback. Guess what? He's not a fullback. In a one-back system, his strength and leg drive will be better served. Keep him as a blocker and you waste a draft pick.

#34-DeWAYNE MILES West Texas A&M University Buffaloes 6:00.1-251
ANALYSIS…Positives...Big, physical north-south runner...Ideal for a one-back offense...Has the insticts to quickly find the inside crease...Runs at a low pad level and squares his shoulders properly to drive defenders back and move the pile...Shows good body weave running in space...Catches outside the framework with hands extended.

Negatives...Poor speed and large frame may have some teams considering moving him to full- back, but he has made no secret of his desire not to play that position...Will never provide much help as a blocker, showing an unwillingness to lend support in this area...Strictly an inside runner with limited shake and bake moves to get free upfield...Lacks that burst to get into second gear upfield...More of a shuffler than an accelerator as a runner, taking short strides rather than airing it all out.

CAREER NOTES…Highly productive inside runner who has been a battering ram for the Buffaloes during his three years as a starter...Shattered school career-records with 770 carries for 4359 yards (5.7 avg) and 54 touchdowns, topping the previous marks of 670 attempts by Norman White (1993-96), 3542 yards by Bo Robinson (1975-78) and 42 touchdowns by Eugene "Mercury" Morris (1966-68). REMINDS ME OF…Detroit's Corey Schlesinger. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Hard-driving runner who has the size to play fullback, but has steadfast refused to block in the past. I guess if some team dangles a carrot (bucks) in front of the horse, the cart will eventually be pulled.

#45-MATT KALAPINSKI University of Maryland Terrapins 6:00.7-227
ANALYSIS…Positives…Smart, tough and aggressive drive blocker...Shows good receiving skills in the short area...Runs with solid stride and shows steady acceleration turning upfield...Hard worker in the weight room...Will face up and deliver the blow to the larger defenders...Also performs as a wedge-buster on special teams.

Negatives…Lacks the size and explosiveness to be an effective blocker...Overextends at times, lacking the balance to redirect...Struggles trying to sustain contact...Does not have the avoidance skills running through the holes...Labors trying to adjust on the move.

CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter at fullback, shifting to that position from tailback after his freshman year...Finished his career with 124 carries for 568 yards (4.6 avg) and six touchdowns, adding 382 yards and three scores on 32 receptions (11.9 avg)...Started 35 of 44 games he played in. REMINDS ME OF…New York Giants' Sean Bennett. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…The week of practices at the Blue-Gray Game was this kid's coming out party, as he showed sudden moves off the snap, aggression picking up the blitz and surprising hip swerve as a runner. At the tail-end of the draft, he will be a perfect "stocking stuffer" and probably roster addition.

OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
#36-MIKE CERIMELE Penn State University Nittany Lions 5:09.5-237
ANALYSIS…Positives…Unselfish and dedicated athlete who is the team's best blocking fullback since the days of Sam Gash...Very effective third down receiver...Extremely strong, winning powerlifting titles while in high school...Hits the holes hard and constantly fights for extra yardage...Very effective leading the tailback through the line, using his power to simply destroy defenders in his path.

Negatives…Hesitates at times running the ball when the holes are clogged...Lacks the hip swerve to dip to the outside...Needs to show better discipline in his route running.

CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who has made a career at opening holes for Lions tail-backs...Has amassed over 35 knockdown blocks in each of his seasons as a starter...Rarely used to carry the ball, but has shined in that limited role, averaging 4.1 yards per carry (113 attempts for 461 yards)...Has proven to be very capable near the goal line, scoring eleven times...Superb "safety valve" for PSU quarterbacks, catching 36 passes during his career, with 22 of those grabs resulting in first downs.

#33-RAYMOND KEITH "R.J." BOWERS. JR. Grove City College Wolverines 6:00.2-241
ANALYSIS…Positives…Classic power back who returned to the gridiron after playing five seasons on the baseball diamond in the Houston Astros system...Dedicated athlete who uses his size and strength to punish defenders in his path as he turns upfield...Follows his blockers well and has fine field vision...Effective receiver who can also fill in as a kickoff returner...Willing blocker who can deliver crunching shots.

Negatives…Age could be a concern, as he will be twenty-seven by the start of the 2001 season... Lacks the lateral agility to avoid defenders when turning the corner...Has limited speed and does not have that explosive burst, relying more on his north-south running skills...Stiff in the hips, preventing him from weaving through the traffic.

CAREER NOTES…After five years as a minor league pitcher, R.J. returned to the gridiron in explosive fashion...Closed out his career as college football's all-time leading rusher, amassing an incredible 7353 yards, topping the previous mark of 6958 yards by Brian Shay of Emporia State (1995-98)...Also holds college football's career scoring record with 562 points, topping Shay's old mark of 544...Second in NCAA annals with 9253 all-purpose yards, ranking behind Shay's total of 9301...Also holds the all-time collegiate records for most touchdowns rushing (91), consecutive 100-yard games (32), 200-yard rushing performances (16), 100-yard rushing efforts (35) and average points scored per game (14.1)….Carried 1188 times (6.2 avg) with 91 touchdowns on the ground during his career.

#47-PAT CONNIFF University of Washington Huskies 6:00.1-248
ANALYSIS…Positives...Capable receiver who was used mostly as a short-yardage runner...Hits the holes with authority, running at a low pad level...Shows good weave in his movements heading upfield... Has the body lean and balance to slip past the initial tackler...Lowers his head and keeps his legs churning to move the pile...Protects the ball well and has impressive hand usage when dropping back to pick up the blitz...Shows the vision and power to spot and contain the edge rushers... Effective short area receiver who will battle for the ball over the middle.

Negatives...Not that special as a route runner, appearing better suited for the short passing game...Gets bounced around a bit when lead blocking and needs to use his leg drive better to clear the rush lanes...Lacks escapability past the line as he tends to get upright in his running stance...Durability is a concern, as injuries have prevented him from playing in twelve games during his four years in college.

CAREER NOTES…Blue-collar worker who strives on his team player concept...Played in 32 games for the Huskies, earning 16 starting assignments...Carried 105 times for 381 yards (3.6 avg) and seven touchdowns while snatching 19 passes for 148 yards (7.8 avg) and a score during his career.

#15-WILLIE MILLER University of Nebraska Cornhuskers 5:11.5-248
ANALYSIS…Positives...Superb short yardage specialist with a thick, solid build...Hits the holes with aggression and shows the leg drive to move the pile...Effective cut blocker who does a nice job of picking up the blitz...North-South runner who cradles the ball securely going up the middle...Goes low to take the initial tackler out of the play when called upon to lead block.

Negatives...One cut runner who needs to show better body lean going through the holes...Runs too erect, causing undue punishment in tight quarters...Has mediocre hands for the passing game...Straight-ahead runner with little weave and slide in his lateral cuts...Keeps his feet too narrow, causing defenders to quickly knock him off balance...Lacks toughness when battling with multiple defenders...Body catcher in limited opportunities for the passing game...Needs to relax more, as he tends to worry too much about his playing skills...His competitive fire is saved for game day (not a good practice player)...His thick frame is in need of muscle refinement.

CAREER NOTES…Solid contributor in the backfield as a blocker and short yardage specialist... Always seems to be hampered by nagging injuries...Played in 41 games for the Huskers, starting 13 contests... Finished his career with 93 carries for 565 yards (4.4 avg) and seven touchdowns.

#43-TOMMY BANKS, III Louisiana State University Tigers 6:00.2-271
ANALYSIS…Positives...Stocky, thick-framed blocker who shows an explosive straight-ahead burst leading the blocking up the rush lanes...Has incredible leg drive to move the pile...Cradles the ball securely and shows the arm extension to snatch the passes in the short area...Very effective at picking up the blitz...Relishes the punishment he's able to dish out as a blocker... Maintains balance through the holes and is always looking for another defender to hit.

Negatives...Limited in his usefulness, as he's strictly a blocking machine...Has no wiggle or hip swerve in his motions, lacking any sort of change-of-direction ability...Very stiff in his running motion and is limited to the short area, if any, as a receiver.

CAREER NOTES…Physical blocker who rarely gets an opportunity to run with the ball...Competed in 44 games for the Tigers, starting 28 contests during his career...Gained 197 yards with a pair of touchdowns on 55 carries (3.6 avg) during his four seasons at Louisiana State.

#30-STEPHEN TREJO Arizona State University Sun Devils 6:02.0-258
ANALYSIS…Positives...Big-framed athlete with a thick chest and muscular legs...Has the leg drive needed to clear the rush lanes...Shows good lateral movement and the ability to shake and juke the initial defender...Lowers his head and runs at a low pad level through traffic...Maintains balance moving to the second level to neutralize linebackers upfield... Extends his arms away from the framework to snatch and secure the ball in receiving situations...Has sudden moves down the field, crashing into the wedge with tremendous aggression while performing on the special teams coverage units.

Negatives...Lacks experience on offense, having played linebacker earlier in his career... More of a straight-line runner, lacking the change-of-direction skills to bounce to the outside when the interior rush lanes are clogged...Shows good ball awareness as a receiver, but tends to drift and float through his routes.

CAREER NOTES…Former linebacker who made the move to fullback for his senior year... Competed in 27 games with seven starts during his defensive career, logging 85 tackles (47 solos) with three quarter- back sacks...Did not get much of an opportunity to carry the ball for the Sun Devils, but his crunching blocks resulted in the team averaging 379.2 yards per game in total offense during the 2000 campaign...Carried nine times for 38 yards (4.2 avg) and caught three passes for 10 yards (3.3 avg) and a touchdown.

#26-TERRY WITHERSPOON Clemson University Tigers 5:11.5-270
ANALYSIS…Positives...Outstanding athlete with exceptional speed for a player his size... Has a very thick, well-tone, muscular frame...Has the power to break tackles running up the middle... Has the leg drive needed to jolt defenders back as a lead blocker...Shows good vision running with the ball, muscling his way through the pile to spot the seams... Best use for his athletic ability has been on special teams, where he uses his combination of power and quickness to break up the wedge.

Negatives...Classic case of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane"...Strictly a straight-line runner who backs away from contact...Very indecisive as a lead blocker, as he struggles to sustain blocks and is constantly lunging at defenders with the result being that he falls to the ground...Has marginal receiving skills and very poor route running ability...Leads with his head running up the holes and rarely protects the ball, leading to quite a few fumbles in his limited chances to run with the ball...Seems to run out of steam moving upfield (back leg constantly gives out on him, causing balance problems)...Barely fights to get open as a receiver and shies away from physical confrontations on the field...Has difficulties grasping the play book...Lacks any sort of competitive fire...Certainly not a team player and does not respond well to coaches' criticism.

CAREER NOTES…Special teams performer used mostly for blocking purposes during his four years at Clemson...Started 18 of the 46 games that he has played in for the Tigers... Finished his career with 137 carries for 456 yards (3.3 avg) and seven touchdowns, scoring six times and rushing for 381 yards in his first two seasons.

#32-RONNIE ROBINSON University of North Carolina Tar Heels 6:00.4-241
ANALYSIS…Positives...Wide-framed blocker with thick muscles and the frame with the potential to add more bulk without any loss of quickness...Has the short burst coming out of his stance to gain advantage on the defenders...Smooth, fluid runner with the slide ability to bounce to the outside... Protects the ball securely running through traffic...Shows crispness in his pass routes, running at a good pad level while displaying body control to gain yardage after the catch.

Negatives...Seems to have regressed quite a bit as a blocker in 2000, being relegated to the bench in the fall...Lacked sustainment in his blocks and was frequently over-extending, resulting in him spending a lot of time on the ground (did not have a touch-down-resulting block in his last fifteen games)...Showed no strength to break tackles and his back leg seems to give out on him when making initial contact...Lacked consistency in his moves through the hole, spending more time clogging the rush lanes for the tailbacks than clearing them...Needs to be more instinctive in his charge through the holes and do a better job of recognizing the position of defenders.

CAREER NOTES…Valuable reserve who was used mostly for short yardage and blocking purposes in addition to performing on special teams...Finished his career with 38 carries for 109 yards (2.9 avg) and three touchdowns.

ON THE BUBBLE…UNRATED DUE TO A MAJOR INJURY
#32-ALBERT "KYLE" JOHNSON Syracuse University Orangemen 6:00.3-241
ANALYSIS…Positives…North-South power runner who has strong hands to deliver punishing jolts in pass protection...Has explosive leg drive off the snap and the quickness needed to break free from the pile...Holds on to the ball securely running through traffic... Has the arm extension needed to adjust to the ball in flight...Shows great body lean forcing his way through the middle...Hits low with driving force while leading the blocking through the holes.

Negatives…Lacks awareness as a blocker, showing improper body positioning, especially in blitzing situations...Does not display elusive moves to make the initial tackler miss... Over-extends at times trying to run over defenders and looks out of control when trying to run to daylight...Uses his body too much to secure the ball in passing situations...Shows little lateral agility when trying to elude defenders...Appears clumsy running in the open, bending his waist too much to take him off stride.

CAREER NOTES…The unquestioned leader of the Orangemen, Kyle saw his career come to an abrupt end due to a broken ankle suffered in the 2000 season opener...The team captain has garnered honors both on and off the field...A member of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, Kyle has a great sense of pride in the community, serving as coordinator of SU's annual Jam Session the last two years (features a basketball game between members of the media and the school's football team, with monies raised going to local charities)... He finished his career with 49 carries for 243 yards and five touchdowns…Was scheduled to be the starting fullback in 2000, but suffered a fractured bone in his left ankle in the season opener...Underwent surgery on September 3rd and was lost for the rest of the season.

Full Chart with Grade Scale