Jerick McKinnon

A year ago, the Senior Bowl provided versatile Georgia Southern athlete J.J. Wilcox an opportunity to prove to scouts that he could handle the transition to safety and the Dallas Cowboys thought enough of his game to select the former Eagle receiver and slotback in the third round. Like his former teammate, McKinnon was used in a variety of roles at GSU, starring at quarterback, slotback, fullback, defensive back and kick returner over his career. Used primarily as an option quarterback for the Eagles, he rushed for 3,899 yards and 42 touchdowns over his collegiate career and fared well against FBS competition, including running for 109 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia in 2012 and another 125 yards and the game-winning touchdown as a slotback to shock Florida last year. Numerous players have successfully changed positions in the NFL and McKinnon appears to possess the frame, toughness and work ethic to handle the move. He is a fluid, well-built athlete who - like his former teammate - could earn a surprisingly high grade on draft weekend due to his upside.

strengths

Looks the part of an NFL running back. Sports a powerful, well-built frame that provides clear evidence of time spent in the weight-room. Fluid athlete who changes directions easily and accelerates smoothly.

compares to

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints - Ingram hasn't been able to wrench away the starting role in New Orleans since earning a first round pick in 2011 but his powerful, downhill running style adds a degree of toughness to an offensive that is otherwise largely finesse. McKinnon is, of course, nowhere near as pro-ready as Ingram was when leaving Alabama but he offers a similar frame and running style and could also emerge as a valuable contributor once given time to adjust to his new role.

very raw as he possesses virtually no experience as a traditional running back. took most his carries as a read-option quarterback or after taking the pitch to the outside, therefore his ability to run between the tackles is a projection.

Impressed in his toughness as a running quarterback but this role is a far cry from what will expected of him when running inside and when in pass protection (where he was not surprisingly inconsistent at the Senior Bowl). Accelerates smoothly but tops out quickly and defenders are able to catch up. Very little experience as a receiver in this run-heavy offense. Caught a total of three passes in 2013 (for 23 yards).

comfortable with the ball in his hands. lowers his shoulders upon contact and runs with forward lean. good vision. reads blocks and shows impressive initial burst out of his cuts to separate. physical and cognizant blocker. showed his commitment to the team with his willingness to play whatever role asked.

WEAKNESSES

Atlanta Journal-Constitution first-team All-State pick at quarterback

tabbed first-team All-State by Georgia Sports Writers Association as an athlete

named Region 7 AAAA Player of the Year

three-year starter and four-year letterwinner for the Yellow Jackets

passed for 1,500 yards and ran for 1,300 as a senior

Cobb County Touchdown Club Quarterback of the Year

played for Coach Billy Shackelford

member of team that won region championship as a junior

wide receiver MVP for the National Underclassmen Ultimate 100

earned two letters for Yellow Jacket track and field team, running the 100 meter Dash and competing in the long jump and as a member of the 4X100 relay team.

Full name is Jerick Deshun McKinnon

born May 3, 1992 in Atlanta, Ga.,

son of Rungie and Frances McKinnon

brother Lester Norwood earned four letters as a free safety at Florida.