Steelers Gab 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report – RB Kendall Hunter

By Jeremy Fuchs

KENDALL HUNTER, RB, OKLAHOMA STATE

Triangle Numbers: 5-7, 199, 4.53

Scouting Reports:

Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
• Short but compact with good bulk and a sturdy build
• Outstanding balance with a low center of gravity
• Terrific speed, quickness and agility with a burst
• A patient runner with excellent vision and instincts
• Can run between tackles or get outside and turn corner
• Is able to make defenders miss and will break tackles
• Soft hands and capable pass catcher out of backfield
• Tough, determined and runs harder than you’d expect
• Big play threat who can always take it the distance
• Smart with a great work ethic and leadership abilities
• Productive w/ lots of experience versus top competition

Weaknesses:
• Dealt with injuries and durability may be an issue
• Not especially shifty or elusive in the open field
• Isn’t real powerful and struggles in short-yardage
• An average blocker and must improve in that area
• Probably won’t carry the load or be a workhorse

Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Very shifty, eludes tackles with ease… Solid bulk and strong frame… Runs very low to the ground, tough to bring down because he’s seemingly always lower than the defender… Outstanding vision, finds holes immediately and knows where his blockers are at all times… Waits for his blocks to set up, very patient, smart player… Can be a capable receiver out of the backfield, does a good job catching the ball out of his hands and is a sound route runner… Plays up to competition, had 201 yards, 2 TD against a tough Nebraska defense in 2010… Excluding his injury plagued 2009 season, he has been very productive with over 3,100 rushing yards and 32 TD in his two full seasons (’08 and ’10) as the starter at Oklahoma State… Has Ray Rice-like potential.

Negatives: Although stocky, he’s still very small at just over 5’7… Doesn’t break a ton of long runs, only had one run over 30 yards in 271 carries in 2010… Limited around the goal line because of his size, won’t run through NFL defenders… Below average in pass protection, doesn’t set his feet and gets run over… Missed most of the 2009 season with an ankle injury… Likely not an every down back… Dances with his feet too much, would like to see him get up the field quicker… More quick than fast, doesn’t have great long speed… Has small hands, measured in with 8¾” hands at the combine

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