Jahad Thomas
RB Temple
Grade
5.05 ?
4.62 SEC, 11 REPS 32.0 INCH 116.0 INCH 5'10" Height 30 1/8" Arm Length 190LBS. Weight 9" Hands
Overview
Thomas wears the number five jersey as a tribute to USC Heisman Trophy winner (forfeited or not) and current NFL running back Reggie Bush. He's been an all-around contributor for the Owls over the past four years, starting as a kick returner in his true freshman season (24-476). Thomas cleared 1,000 all-purpose yards as a sophomore, carrying the ball 80 times for 384 yards (with four starts at running back) and contributing as a receiver (14-364, one TD) and returner (14-332 on kicks). Finally taking on the full rushing load in 2015, he garnered first-team All-American Athletic Conference notice (276-1,262, 17 TDs rushing; 22-216, one TD receiving; 6-199, TD on kick returns). Thomas was a second-team All-AAC pick in 2016, even though he missed the first two games of the year with a sprain in his left hand (207-953, 13 TDs rushing; 33-418, six TDs receiving; 2-28 kick returns; 8-101 punt returns).
Analysis
Strengths: Possesses plus play. Shows burst both around the corner on the play-side as well as out of his cuts. Vision extends beyond what's in front of him, finding linebackers early and reacting to their flow. Choppy footwork allows for quick cutting in tight spaces. Has experience in a pro-style rushing attack. Excellent pass catcher. Able to line up in slot and create separation as a receiver. Able to create yards after catch with his speed. Has ability to help out as kick or punt returner. Voted to wear single-digit number by teammates, which indicates toughness inside Temple program.
Weaknesses: Small and spindly. When he takes a solid shot, the run stops almost immediately. Has logged very few broken tackles as he's unable to generate necessary power in his lower half. Struggles to play with consistent balance through contact. Runs more upright than expected. Could benefit from more efficient usage of a stiff-arm with his off hand. At times, will decelerate into contact. Is a willing pass protector but just not big or strong enough to do so consistently.
Sources Tell Us: "He's a player who fits very specific needs so it's hard to tell where he might go. If you want a player who can return kicks, catch some passes and be a third or fourth running back, he gives that. I think he's tough enough to play. He'll get drafted based on his roster flexibility more than anything." -- Area scout for NFC East team
NFL Comparison: Marcus Murphy
Bottom Line: Productive running back lacking in NFL-caliber size and strength but who makes up for it with his quickness and ability to help as a pass catcher and return man. While it's hard to imagine him handling more than just a few carries per game as an NFL runner, his roster flexibility could work in his advantage. With his ability to operate from the slot and as a jet-sweep runner, he could be an interesting toy for a creative play-caller.
-Lance Zierlein
