Player: Zach Evans

School: Ole Miss

Measurables:

• Height: 6”0
• Weight: 215
• 40:

• Bench:
• Vertical Jump:
• Broad Jump:
• 3 Cone:
• 20 Yard Shuttle: 
• Other Notes:

Graded Runningback Traits:

• Ball Security: 7/10 (3 fumbles this year on not a full workload makes you wonder if he will have any issues at the next level)
• Blocking: 5/10 (It is hard to say he is good or bad at blocking. Most of the time he is out in the formation he is either running a route where he does not even chip or he is getting the carry. He has the sice at least to be a good blocker)
• Burst: 7/10 (Would not say he shoots out of a cannon but he does get to top speed quickly)
• Change of Direction: 5/10 (Relies more on speed than suddenness to change direction. Can be effective but does not have a lot of stop and start ability. A lot of his “cutbacks” are extremely rounded)
• Durability: 3/10 (Has missed a lot of games due to multiple lower body injuries as well as a head injury)
• Elusiveness: 4/10 (Seems like he is a one cut back and only uses that one cut if he is on the second level. Does not attempt a lot of jukes or spins and relies much more on speed and power)
• Pass Catching: 3/10 (Not a factor in the passing game in any season but the few times he has caught passes he seems functional at least)
• Power: 6/10 (Most of his running relies on stiff arms and just pure power. That being said there is not a ton of film of him lowering his shoulder or completely overpowering defenders either and he should not be considered a bruiser)
• Speed: 7/10 (Not quite top shelf speed, but has enough to break off big gains and outrun the defense)
• Vision: 6/10 (He will take what is given. If the running lane is there he will not miss it usually. That being said, if the lane is slow to develop and requires patience he tries to bounce it out instead of giving time.)

Prospect Grade: 53/100; 53% (Role Player Potential)

Projected Draft Day: 3

Player Comparison: Pierre Strong Jr

Player Summary: Zach Evans is one of the more overhyped prospects this season so far. He has some good qualities like his speed and decent power. But, he is rarely elusive and even uses ball carrier moves besides a stiff arm. He relies on his speed and power more than actual running back moves. He does possess the speed to get some breakaway runs, but the wide open running lanes and poor tackles are going to be far less at the next level. He has also struggled with injuries in his whole college career seasons including multiple lower leg injuries. He can slot in as an early down back potentially or maybe a goal line back exclusively hence the role player grade. Do not be surprised if he does not take over a backfield or be a consistent starter