Rashad Jennings SELECTED BY: Jaguars Round 7 (41)

SI Grade 3.78 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter who began his college career at Pittsburgh. All-Conference and all American honoree as a senior after rushing totals of 263/1,500/17, which set a school record. Also added 24/190/2 catching the ball. 2008 Big South Offensive Player of the Year. Junior totals included 191/1,113/15 on the ground in nine games. Sophomore rushing totals included 179/1,020/10. Awarded all-Conference honors both his sophomore and junior seasons.

POSITIVES: Big, powerful back best running between the tackles. Patient ball carrier who does a terrific job waiting for blocks to develop and then follows them anywhere on the field. Can cut back in a small area, runs with an aggressive style and puts his shoulders into opponents doling out punishment. Hammers his way on the inside leaving a trail defenders and breaks several tackles during a single carry, picking up a lot of yardage off initial contact. Displays solid open-field running skills and overall football instincts. Effective receiver who adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception away from his frame.

NEGATIVES: Struggles in anything other than a straight-line, not a smooth cutback runner, and has difficulty getting outside of tackle. Not an elusive runner who creates yardage.

ANALYSIS: Jennings has been as dominant running back at Liberty and a one-man show has been impossible to stop. He possesses the size, speed, and skill necessary to be a featured runner at the next level and is a versatile enough to line up in the backfield on passing downs. Jennings will be one of the first senior running backs drafted in April and should quickly produce for an NFL team once he becomes accustomed to this speed of the next level.

PROJECTION: Second/Third Round