"Blue is described as a very good receiver coming out of the backfield." -- Gil Brandt
6'2" Height
32 3/8" Arm Length
223LBS. Weight
9 7/8" Hands
Overview
Baton Rouge-area native who earned all-state honors after rushing for 1,695 yards and 25 touchdowns as a high school senior. Played in 11 games (one start) as a true freshman for LSU in 2010, rushing 20 times for 101 yards (5.1-yard average) and one touchdown. Missed two games with a foot injury. Appeared in 13 games in '11 (one start) and carried 78-539-7 (6.9). Missed one game with an ankle injury and overcame the loss of his family's home in a September fire. Was off to a great start in '12 before tearing the ACL in his left knee in Week 3, which necessitated season-ending surgery. Started the first three games, including back-to-back 100-yard contests, and carried 40-270-2 (6.8) and caught 7-45-0 (6.4). Returned in '13 and played in all 13 games (two starts), amassing 71-343-1 (4.8) rushing and 5-62-0 (12.4) receiving. Was awarded a fifth season of eligibility by the NCAA due to the hardship rule, but decided to decline to pursue a pro career. Despite making just seven collegiate starts, he finished his LSU career with 209-1,253-11 (6.0) rushing and 16-105-0 (6.6) receiving.
Analysis
Strengths
Terrific size and musculature. Inside-outside ability. Nice vision, instincts and patience. Has good speed for a back his size -- opens up his stride in the clear. Strong runner -- heavy on contact. Powers through arm tackles and runs with forward lean. Wields an effective stiff-arm. Looks to have good hands in limited exposure. Flashes playmaking ability. Has tread on his tires -- averaged just 52 carries per season at LSU. Has experience in a pro-style offense and on special teams. Clear upside.
Weaknesses
Average initial quickness and lateral agility. Smoother than he is explosive. Can run with more consistent intensity and pad level on a carry-by-carry basis -- does not always run angry or lower his pads. Shows some stiffness as a route runner. Weak in pass protection -- needs to improve willingness, awareness, technique and physicality. Was never the feature back at LSU (seven career starts). Suffered a torn ACL in 2012. Made controversial, homophobic remarks and maturity should be looked into. Recorded a 4.56-second 20-yard shuttle time, the second-slowest of any back at the combine.
Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
Bottom Line
A physically gifted runner who would have been the No. 1 back at most schools given his combination of size, speed, power and competitiveness. Is a second-round talent on talent alone, but injuries and a stacked stable of LSU runners limited Blues opportunity to shine. Scheme-versatile runner who is a prime candidate to elevate his stock prior to the draft and be a far more productive pro than college player if he proves he can stay healthy.
-Nolan Nawrocki
