Scouting Report: CJ Spiller

C.J. Spiller Position: RB School: Clemson Height: 5’10 5/8" Weight: 196 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 4.37 Overall Grade: 7.11 Draft Projection: 1st round -- Draft Breakdown Red Star Player

Non-position specific categories

Running Back Specific Categories

Strengths

An unusually shifty and quick running back. Spiller can hit the outside against most defenders and uses his quickness to his advantage. Has enough moves to make most defenders miss. An outstanding kick returner as well. Even for his small size, he takes on the tackler well and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder. A threat to catch the ball out of the backfield and has soft, reliable hands. Changes gears quickly and can hit the hole at full speed. Does a great job as a “one-cut” runner, making one move and then accelerating forward without losing a step. Does an adequate job as a pass blocker. An overall threat to score every time the ball is in his hands.

Weaknesses

Hesitates at times when running between the tackles. Will dance behind the line and frequently looks for the cut back or to bounce outside, like most “small and speedy” runners. Lower body strength is marginal and isn’t one to push the pile. Could use some extra weight for his frame.

Analysis

Spiller, while considered a starting back, shared most of the carries at Clemson with RB James Davis (now with the Cleveland Browns) in his first few seasons. Spiller is a smaller, shifty back that is better running outside the tackles and can be heavily involved in the passing game. A great return man with break-away speed. Spiller has had a fantastic senior season and should be a first round draft pick and an immediate impact player for whatever team drafts him. Would be a great back to have as a duo with an in between the tackles runner, similarly to Chris Johnson and LenDale White in Tennessee. Spiller had a fantastic ACC Championship game against Georgia Tech, racking up 233 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns, and averaged 21 yards on kick returns.

Experience

Spiller carried the load in his senior season and shared carries with James Davis (now with the Cleveland Browns) in previous seasons.

Awards and Honors

2009: Heisman trophy candidate. Unanimous first team All-American. Finalist for Doak Walker Award.
2008: First team All-ACC as a kick returner and Second team All-ACC as a running back. Led ACC for all-purpose yards (1770). First team Academic All-ACC.
2007: Honorable Mention All-ACC as a kick returner. Second team All-ACC kick returner by Rivals.com.
2006: Led ACC Freshman in rushing yards per game.

Academics

Sociology major at Clemson.

Injuries

Missed a game and a half in 2008 with a hamstring injury.

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Posted by Will Spencer
on Friday, January 1st, 2010 at 4:20 pm Both comments and pings are currently closed.