This Kalen Ballage preview is part of a series of previews of the 2017 college football season. These previews aim to provide a groundwork for scouting prospects for 2018 rookie drafts.
2016 Tape Review
Listed at 6’3″ and 220 pounds, Ballage has dynamic movement skills. He has good lateral quickness and demonstrates good speed to get the edge on runs. Ballage’s usage thus far in his career has been strange.
On one hand, Ballage is often used as a receiver and aligned both in the backfield and split into the formation. He was also used often on trick plays as a passer and used in a number of screen-type looks where he slips blocks and runs vertical routes. He showed strong hands and the capability to adjust to balls on off his frame. Ballage is also an athletic and strong runner after the catch and in the open field.
On the other hand, Ballage was a complimentary running back and has yet to lead Arizona State in rushing through three seasons. His rushing attempts are frequently in short-yardage and out of “wildcat” type looks. Ballage only averaged a frighteningly low 4.3 yards per carry during the 2016 season. Despite a result of a high concentration of attempts in short yardage and goal line situations still led the team’s running backs in yards per carry.
Workhorse Matrix Grade: 9 (Capability to Maintain 3+ Years)
This grade is a complete projection of Ballage’s upside. Ballage’s stat line has yet to show the core workhorse talent, but his tape shows elite upside. As a runner, Ballage has a rare combination of size, power, speed and agility.
Ballage is also a terrific receiver. He demonstrates a comfort in a variety of routes and plays with good IQ. Ballage is a key portion of the gadget emphasis that Arizona State employs. His usage as a runner, wildcat quarterback, passer in gadget plays, and receiver in misdirection plays demonstrates the coaching staff’s comfort in his aptitude to handle a wide variety of roles. This is a good sign for his continued development.
2017 Preview
Ballage is clearly the best running back on the Arizona State roster. Arizona State’s decision to not use him as a workhorse is confusing and a clear lead role in 2017 would showcase Ballage’s dynamic ability. If Ballage he does not dominate the backfield volume in 2017 his draft stock will likely be a day three pick.
If Ballage he does not dominate the backfield volume in 2017 his draft stock will likely be a day three pick. In this scenario, Ballage would likely be no better than a third-round rookie pick.
However, if Ballage capitalizes on a 250 touch type role in 2017, he has the talent and physical abilities to be a day two pick, and an early first round rookie pick. His 2017 season is vital to his draft prospects, and warrants close attention, particularly early in the season.
Bottom Line
Ballage has the ability to fit a David Johnson type projection. He is a 220+ pound running back with the ability to catch and move. He has the upside to be in the conversation of a Round 1 running back in the NFL draft, and early Round 1 rookie pick.
