Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back C.J. Prosise (20) is pursued by Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (99) and linebacker Osa Masina (58) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The USC Trojans vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish rivalry is among the greatest in college football history. And on Saturday, it was a good game to settle in on for my 2016 NFL Draft prospect watch. Notre Dame has more draft prospects this year with two of them projected to go in the first round to USC’s one, which is probably why Notre Dame won 41-31.
One in player particualar, Notre Dame receiver-turned-running back C.J. Prosise, looked like one. Yet he doesn’t appear to be on any of the scouting media’s radar with the other top running backs. I can’t even find where anyone has him as a draftable player in the upcoming the 2016 NFL Draft.
He wasn’t even on his own team’s radar until starter Tarean Foster injured his knee. And from the first time he touched the ball, Prosise has looked better than Foster and most of the 2016 running back prospects. He has vision, burst, ability to make you miss, long speed and he’s tough to bring down.
Prosise can fit in a zone-stretch scheme, power-blocking, the I-formation or the Spread Offense. He’s also a complete back the can pass-protect and he’s a good recevier out of the backfield. On Saturday, Prosise had 143 yards on 19 carries with touchdown runs of six and 25 yards.
On the year, he’s No. 6 in the FBS in rushing with 922 yards and tied for No. 6 in rushing TDs with 11. Prosise makes it look easy with all of the traits you’re looking for in a great NFL running back. He’s also putting up the numbers to get consideration for a high draft pick so before this whole scouting process is over, we should hear more about him.