Chad Spann of Northern Illinois ~ 5.9/200
"A smaller running back with a high cut. Looks thin through the legs and calves and seems to carry most of his weight through the upper body. Is a smooth back who runs low, but isn't real sharp or sudden with the football. Seems to weave his way through traffic more so than plant his foot in the ground and make people miss and isn't the type of explosive athlete to run away from anyone in the NFL.
Possesses an average first step, but lacks ideal top-end speed. Gets loose with the football through the line of scrimmage. Will put the football on the ground and lets the ball get away from his frame once he gets into the second level. Isn't overly instinctive when asked to run between the tackles. Will stop moving his feet prematurely, allow his pad level to rise and go down easy on contact.
Does a better job playing lower when pressing the line of scrimmage and making his way through a crease, exhibits good balance and can bounce off defenders and keep his legs moving if defenders don't wrap up. Has a good feel in blitz pick-up but isn't real physical, can be easily overwhelmed and driven backward on contact. And despite his size, isn't overly productive or comfortable as a receiver in the pass game.
Impression: Despite his size, lacks a great second gear, isn't overly shifty and I can't see his production at the MAC level carrying over to the NFL."
Possesses an average first step, but lacks ideal top-end speed. Gets loose with the football through the line of scrimmage. Will put the football on the ground and lets the ball get away from his frame once he gets into the second level. Isn't overly instinctive when asked to run between the tackles. Will stop moving his feet prematurely, allow his pad level to rise and go down easy on contact.
Does a better job playing lower when pressing the line of scrimmage and making his way through a crease, exhibits good balance and can bounce off defenders and keep his legs moving if defenders don't wrap up. Has a good feel in blitz pick-up but isn't real physical, can be easily overwhelmed and driven backward on contact. And despite his size, isn't overly productive or comfortable as a receiver in the pass game.
Impression: Despite his size, lacks a great second gear, isn't overly shifty and I can't see his production at the MAC level carrying over to the NFL."
"Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors during both seasons and named MAC Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. Totals last season included ground numbers of 258/1388/22 with 9 receptions for 45 yards. Junior rushing totals included 179/1038/19 with 10/122/1 as a receiver.
Positive: Small, slippery ball carrier who plays bigger than his size. Elusive, bounces around defenders, and creates his own yardage. Easily sidesteps defenders in the open field, shows the ability to turn the corner, and runs low to the ground. Patient, has a burst through the hole, and follows blocks everywhere on the field. Quickly cuts back against the grain, losing no momentum when he must change direction. Squirms through the small openings of the defense. Runs hard on the inside, keeps his feet moving up the field, and gives effort trying to pick up as much yardage as possible. Solid receiver out of the backfield.
Negative: Easily knocked off balance by the initial hit or brought down by a single defender. Gives effort blocking yet gets minimal results.
Analysis: Spann has been very productive on the college level but has limitations because of his size. He could work into rotation as a third-down back, and adding the element of return specialist would help greatly help his cause."
Positive: Small, slippery ball carrier who plays bigger than his size. Elusive, bounces around defenders, and creates his own yardage. Easily sidesteps defenders in the open field, shows the ability to turn the corner, and runs low to the ground. Patient, has a burst through the hole, and follows blocks everywhere on the field. Quickly cuts back against the grain, losing no momentum when he must change direction. Squirms through the small openings of the defense. Runs hard on the inside, keeps his feet moving up the field, and gives effort trying to pick up as much yardage as possible. Solid receiver out of the backfield.
Negative: Easily knocked off balance by the initial hit or brought down by a single defender. Gives effort blocking yet gets minimal results.
Analysis: Spann has been very productive on the college level but has limitations because of his size. He could work into rotation as a third-down back, and adding the element of return specialist would help greatly help his cause."
"Overview: 2010 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, leading the MAC with almost 100 yards per game. Winner of the Vern Leadership awarded - noted as team leader and hard worker.
Strengths: Quick, explosive runner who has been very productive as a starter. Runs hard with low center-of-gravity. Able to spot seams and makes the cut to get through them. Dangerous in the open field. Good hands out of the backfield.
Weaknesses: May lack ideal size for every-down back. Could be more suited in slot (like Danny Woodhead). Size limits effectiveness as pass blocker.
Projection: UDFA - may be drafted late by a team with the right system."
Strengths: Quick, explosive runner who has been very productive as a starter. Runs hard with low center-of-gravity. Able to spot seams and makes the cut to get through them. Dangerous in the open field. Good hands out of the backfield.
Weaknesses: May lack ideal size for every-down back. Could be more suited in slot (like Danny Woodhead). Size limits effectiveness as pass blocker.
Projection: UDFA - may be drafted late by a team with the right system."
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