Breaking Down Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott

Elliott is a third year junior and a two year starter for Ohio State. He is a former 4-star recruit who had offers from many of the top programs in the country. He played as a backup as a true freshman in 2013 and has been the starter the last two seasons. To date this season he has rushed for 1458 yards, a 6.3 yards per carry average and 17 touchdowns. He also has 24 receptions for a 7.0 average per catch. In 2014 he ran for 1878 yards and had an additional 28 receptions. His touchdown total in 2014 was 18. Following the Ohio State loss to Michigan State last week, Elliott announced he would enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State Size - 6000 – 225 – 4.52 (all estimates) Strong Points –  Has the size and frame needed to succeed as an NFL running back. Very good athlete with quick feet, good play speed with a quick burst. Has excellent balance. Is quick to the hole with very good vision/instincts. Shows creativity and cutback ability. Runs with good lean. Has strength and power and consistently gets yards after contact. Very reliable as a pass receiver. Has soft hands and can adjust to the ball. For a college running back, he is a very good blocker. Will face up in pass pro and can be effective blocking on the move in the run game. Weak Points – Not a burner. Showed selfishness and immaturity following the loss to Michigan State. Is he a real team player? Summation – A third year junior coming out. Has been the bell cow running back for Ohio State the last two seasons. Has a running style that is conducive to success in the NFL. He is a strong and powerful inside runner who shows creativity and cut back ability. Runs low and consistently gets yards after contact. Is very quick footed with quick change of direction and a burst. While he is not a burner, he gets a number of long runs at the college level because of his burst and instincts. He is a very reliable pass receiver with soft hands and run after the catch skills. He blocks as well as any back coming out of college. That will get him on the field early in the NFL. Overall, he will start early in his career and with his style he should be a productive NFL runner back. Though not as fast, he is a far better all-around back than Melvin Gordon from Wisconsin last year. Because of his actions after the Michigan State game, many clubs will closely look at his character, personality and maturity level. Follow Greg on Twitter @greggabe

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