DeeJay Dallas | RB | Miami (FL)
Elevator Pitch
Dallas could be a short-yardage back at the NFL level. With his burst at the line, he could be a handful for some defenders to deal with. Not your open field speed back, but his power is one of best assets. Could be a punishing finisher when teams get deep in plus territory.
Vitals
Height | 5-10
Weight | 217
Class | Junior
Strengths
Dallas runs with tremendous balance even when contacted. His compact frame allows him to absorb the contact from defenders. He can take punishment and as long as he keeps his feet moving, he is hard to bring down. Very much a back you want with the ball in his hands near the goal line where defenses really stiffen up.
He runs hard, while not being the fastest back on the field, he can keep plays alive that should be blown dead in the backfield. He seems to enjoy taking hits as he fights through with a good center of gravity due to his frame. Shows good pad level. Not breakaway speedster but has the juice to bust off some long runs after forcing missed tackles.
After being a quarterback in high school and playing wide receiver and running back, Dallas could be used in special teams as a returner. Shows good vision at the second and third levels. Has the ability to be a good receiver and does a decent enough job as a blocker.
Weaknesses
Dallas is a bit raw as he is still learning the position after moving from quarterback and wide receiver. Teams will need to work with him on his assignments in the passing game. Just a matter of being young that is hurting him at this point with the running back job.
While he will use the physical frame to get lose in the second and third levels, he definitely isn’t a home run threat. He doesn’t have that top end gear to stretch the field and put pressure on teams in the chase. He needs to keep the feet moving, once they stop he doesn’t get going again which kills the play.
Projection: Day 3
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