Overview

Overview

The definition of an impact player, Maclin was named an All-American as a receiver and returner in each of his two starting seasons in Columbia. A highly touted prep prospect who turned down Ohio State, Oklahoma and Notre Dame, among others, to sign with Missouri, Maclin appeared well on his way toward establishing himself as a starter as a true freshman before suffering a horrific knee injury.

His success a year later certainly proved his health. Maclin tallied 2,776 all-purpose yards, which was an NCAA Division I-A single-season freshman record, and was the fifth-most ever by any player in a season in Division I-A history. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

With numbers like that, no one expected him to match his 2007 totals -- and he didn't. He exceeded them, generating 2,833 all-purpose yards in 2008.

After accumulating more than 5,600 all-purpose yards in two years, Maclin is a threat to score on every carry (scored six career rushing touchdowns), reception (22) or return (three punts, two kickoffs). His solid frame, elite speed and elusiveness are reminiscent of an early Joey Galloway, and could translate into a top 15 selection. Maclin was eligible to enter the draft this spring because he missed his true freshman season with a knee injury suffered in July practices. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

High School

Was a star wideout, safety and punt returner for Kirkwood ... Ranked as the nation's No. 24 wide receiver prospect by Rivals, and listed as the No. 3 overall prospect in Missouri by the same outlet ... Earned 1st-Team All-State honors as a wideout in 2005, after catching 41 passes for 1,042 yards and 11 TDs, averaging an impressive 25.4 yards per catch ... Also carried the ball 36 times for 293 yards and 4 TDs, and added two TDs throwing the ball ... Proved to be a dangerous return man, as he took 11 punts back for an average of 24.6 yards per return, with one going for a TD ... Also named All-Conference as a safety, as he notched 55 tackles, and added four interceptions, including one that he returned for a TD ... Earned 1st-Team All-State honors as a junior wideout, as well, as he caught 58 passes for 1,184 yards and 18 TDS, while rushing for two TDs and also returning one kickoff for a score ... Added 59 tackles and six interceptions on defense as a junior ... Named 2nd-Team All-Conference as a sophomore wideout and return specialist -- caught 33 passes for 356 yards and four TDs, and averaged 25 yards per punt return (one TD) and 30 yards per kickoff return that year ... Also a standout on the hardwood, averaging 11 points, 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game for Kirkwood's basketball team ... Was an honorable-mention All-State and 1st-Team All-Conference guard as a junior, averaging 13 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 steals per game ... High school coach -- Larry Frost.

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Analysis

Analysis

Positives: Tight-skinned athlete. Good overall musculature. Explosive straight-line speed and quickness out of his breaks. Agile. Can make defenders miss in tight quarters. Natural playmaker who is a threat to score ---from any distance -- on every snap. Versatile athlete who can make plays in the running, receiving or return games. Natural pass catcher. Good body control to contort in space and make the spectacular reception. High-points passes and is an explosive leaper. High effort player. Courageous over the middle. Blocks downfield. Showed mental toughness in returning after a horrific knee injury in 2006.

Negatives: Still developing as a route-runner. Relies on his athletic ability at this point, and doesn't explode out of his cuts as well as he could. Will takes his eyes off the ball, on occasion, to prepare to make the defender miss, and drop the ball. Production inflated due to his role and the presence of other playmakers in this offense. Requires a medical check on his knee.

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