C.J. Spiller: NFL Draft Profile

We’ll take a look at Clemson running back C.J. Spiller as he enters the 2010 NFL Draft.  We will examine his strengths/weaknesses, college career and our expectations for his upcoming NFL career.

Strengths

• Versatility: If a franchise can acquire a running back that has the multitude of abilities that Spiller has; most owners will not pass
• Speed: At Clemson, Spiller had a 40 yard dash time of 4.28; that is world class speed and extremely beneficial at the next level
• Pass blocking: Despite his size (5-11, 195 lbs), Spiller has improved blocking skill and technique; that quality should translate nicely over to the league
• Vision: Great vision between the tackles.  Excellent at setting up his blockers in space

Weaknesses

• Determination: Spiller has always lacked this vital intangible throughout his college career.  He is unwilling to fight through the trenches to gain extra yardage, which is a red flag for owners
• Size and strength: Obviously having a small frame is never a benefit in the pro game, but he should bulk up before his rookie season begins

(All statistical information obtained from ESPN.com & ClemsonTigers.cstv.com)

As a freshman, Spiller never exceeded 18 carries in a single game, but he totaled four 100-yard games including two performances that exceeded 150 yards.  Spiller finished his freshman campaign with 1,148 total yards (938 rushing) and 12 touchdowns.

Coming into Spiller’s second year, common sense suggested that Spiller would take a sizeable leap in his development, yet he displayed the same discrepancies that he did as a freshman.  For example: Spiller was very indecisive in the trenches his first year and while his blazing speed is a huge asset to his game, he had the misconception that it could bail him out of every predicament that he encountered.  Spiller’s sophomore season produced only two 100 yard games and three games where he wasn’t able to surpass three yards rushing. He finished with 1,039 total yards (768 rushing) and five touchdowns.

In most cases, an NFL prospect’s junior year in collegiate ball should be the time where he puts all of his star qualities on display for the world to see.  However, Spiller’s game never materialized into something that NFL franchises could look at before the third round.  He failed to reach the 100 yard mark all season while averaging only 52 yards on the ground.  As his running game hadn’t reached fruition, his receiving game shined as he finished the season with 436 yards receiving on 34 catches.  Overall, Spiller finished with 1,065 total yards (629 rushing) and 10 touchdowns.

After his junior season, Spiller had the option of declaring for the 2009 NFL Draft, but he made the right choice staying for his senior season at Clemson.  At this point, James Davis had declared for the NFL, so Spiller was now the man in the backfield for Clemson; safe to say, he didn’t disappoint.  After a rough first game where Spiller only managed 12 yards against Middle Tennessee, the rest of Spiller’s season was a blur as he ran by just about every defense he faced the rest of the season.  Spiller’s vision in the trenches was outstanding along with electric kick returning skills and a reliable receiver out of the backfield.  Spiller posted three 100 yard rushing games and a 233 yard outing in his regular season finale.  In nine out of 14 games, Spiller ran for at least 72 yards on the ground as he finished out the season with 1,212 yards rushing, 503 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns (scored a touchdown every game in 2009).  Spiller became the first ACC player to rush for 1,000 yards and 500 receiving yards in one season.  After his senior year, Spiller proved his worth to NFL scouts as he catapulted himself into the discussion as a potential top-15 draft choice.

Spiller finished his college career with 603 carries, 3,547 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Spiller made it known across NFL Draft boards that he was going to be a force in the league.  His decision to come back for his senior year made him millions as he prepares to enter the 2010 draft.  Spiller’s skills as a punt/kick returner speak for themselves as he brought seven to the house over his college career.  Spiller and USC great Reggie Bush are the only players to have 3,000 yards rushing, 1,500 kick return yards, 1,000 receiving and 500 in punt returns.  Spiller’s size must be a real concern for NFL franchises, but his dazzling speed and great vision make up for what he lacks in bulk.  Spiller resembles Chris Johnson in the sense that he cuts and plants very well at high speed and his elusiveness helps him avoid contact.  His senior year produced vast improvement in many aspects of his game and that will be rewarded come draft day.