2016 NFL Draft: C.J. Prosise prospect profile

Former Notre Dame running back C.J. Prosise came out of high school ranked as the ninth-best player in the state of Virginia and the 24^th defensive back nationally by SuperPrep. He earned first-team Virginia all-state honors in both 2011 and 2010 and placed second in the 100-meter dash at VISAA state outdoor track meet as a junior and senior. He did not see any game action as a freshman at Notre Dame.

However, in his sophomore season, Prosise hit the field as a wide receiver and on special teams, recording 72 yards on seven catches. He was then asked to carry the ball in the spring of 2015 due to the lack of depth at RB for Notre Dame. He excelled there and became the Irish leading rusher in the fall, garnering 1,032 yards on just 156 carriers and adding 11 scores. Prosise also caught 26 tosses for 308 yards and a touchdown.

The Basics

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 220 lbs.

40 Yard Dash: 4.48

Arm Length: 32 1/8"

Vertical Jump: 35"

Broad Jump: 121"

How He Compares To Other Running Backs

Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State (6'0", 225 lbs): 4.47 40 yard dash

Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas (5'11", 217 lbs): 4.59 40 yard dash

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech (5'10", 215 lbs): 4.59 40 yard dash

The Rundown

Positives:

• An exceedingly shifty, fluid runner who controls his balance and momentum well throughout his cuts
• Former receiver with natural hands in the slot or out of the backfield
• Patient running back with the ability to get out of trash and make something from nothing
• Shows he can get skinny through the hole
• An ultra-slippery back who is difficult to bring down and will always break through arm tackles
• Has more than enough speed to hit the corner and turn loose

Negatives:

• Indecisiveness on off-tackle runs causing tackles for losses
• Lacks experience at running back and is non-effective in pass protection
• Five fumbles in 2015 - holds the ball low when he runs
• Pad-level is often too high and seems to hesitate at hits rather than continuing his momentum and flowing through the defender
• Durability is a concern for teams - Prosise missed the Fighting Irish final five games of the season with a head and ankle injury

Conclusion

Despite having very minimal time to mature at running back, Prosise's tape displays a runner with innate ability to sift his way through defenses. He showcases a nifty spin-move, quick and last second cuts to elude a defender, and the frame to be a three-down back at the next level. While Prosise needs to advance his sense of urgency and his instincts between the tackles, with an increase of reps he should continue his growth in the backfield.