This Derrius Guice preview is part of a series of previews of the 2017 college football season. These previews aim to provide for scouting prospects in the 2018 rookie draft.
2016 Tape Review
Guice is an all around runner capable of doing everything a running back can be asked to do on the field. He demonstrates power against defenders at all three levels. He is capable of shedding defensive linemen, running through linebackers, and running over defensive backs.
In addition to his power, Guice has agility and footwork which allow him to make cuts in tight areas and at top speed. This makes Guice dangerously elusive as evidenced by his 7.1 yards per carry. He has long speed capable of breaking away and sustaining separation from defensive backs. There are countless examples of defenders taking bad angles on Guice and chasing Guice’s back hip in pursuit. Those tendencies are common for running backs who are good athletes for their size.
In addition, Guice also showed good vision in setting up his blocking. In the backfield, Guice used hesitation techniques to set up blocks and is capable of accelerating quickly through holes created by his blockers. Guice vision allowed him to read holes multiple gaps away from where the play was designed.
While Guice was used minimally in the passing game in 2016, that may be a symptom of LSU’s stagnant offense more than a knock on Guice. In pass protection, Guice showed the frame, technique and a physical mentality to withstand SEC pass rushers.
Workhorse Matrix Score: 9 (Capability of 3+ years)
Guice is a strong workhorse prospect. First, Guice was a four-star recruit entering LSU. Second, Guice gained 11 pounds and now weighs 223 pounds. Third, Guice has demonstrated the ability on tape and statistically to be a longterm starter in the NFL.
Perhaps the biggest concern about Guice is his tendency to be reckless with his body. Guice showed his recklessness during the Arkansas game. On a run to the right, Guice side-stepped a defensive tackle while spinning back inside to a hole in the center of the field. Guice was then blindsided by an Arkansas safety before he was able to get his head upfield. The safety had a running start from 10 yards in the defensive backfield and landed a vicious shot on Guice’s chest. Guice fell defenselssly to the ground. Guice demonstrated his durability by recovering quickly to his feet after the tackle. However, these types of unnecessary hits can add up. Ultimately, Guice can preserve his body and future by playing with less disregard for his body.
As long as Guice is healthy during the 2017 season, he projects for a bright NFL future.
2017 Preview
Guice will take over the full workload at LSU with the departure of Leonard Fournette. With a new offense in place, Guice can establish a stronger pass catching resume. Guice would be wise to limit the number of dangerous risks he takes with his body that set him up for unnecessary amounts of contact.
Bottom Line
If you were going to build a running back in Madden, it would be Derrius Guice. His athleticism, footwork, power, and vision make for an elite combination. He and Saquon Barkley will dominate the conversation for the first running back off the board, and projects to be top 3 rookie picks in 2018.
