Miami’s Stacy Coley enters his senior year looking to improve his draft stock and assert his name into the conversation as one of the nation’s premier pass catchers.
Coley, the Floridian native, made a name for himself last year as he totaled career highs in both receptions (47) and reception yards (689, statistics courtesy of hurricanesports). Electing to return for his senior year has the potential to raise Coley’s draft stock immensely as he returns to a Hurricanes team that boasts a new head coach along with one of the most promising signal callers in the nation, junior Brad Kaaya.
With former teammate, Rashawn Scott graduating, Coley returns as the team’s leading receiver and will likely be one of Kaaya’s favorite targets.
Coley’s game revolves around speed, intensity, and versatility.
While his 40 time is unclear, it is obvious that the 6’1, 195 pound speedster has the ability to blow the top off most any defense. The definition of a home run threat, Coley has 6 touchdowns of 40 yards or more in his three years at Miami (one kick return, one punt return, one rushing, and three receiving touchdowns).
With his speed comes a very solid grasp of the fundamentals. Coley has exceptional ball protection as a runner and above average hand-eye coordination, snaring the ball out in front with his hands and not letting it travel too deep.
Coley is a hands catcher that excels when given the ball in space.
Often times outrunning his defender when up against man defense, Coley has the ability to find the ball in the air and adjust around his competition accordingly.
Most evident in the October 10th (2015) bout against the Florida State Seminoles, Coley also carries an edge with him. Taking part in some scuffles with several Seminole defenders, Coley
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bears the type of fight and motor that many at the pro level look for in their players. Even with a slight frame it is rare to see Coley shy away from contact as a blocker, unafraid to do the dirty work.
One problem that surfaces with Coley has to do with his ability to run precise routes. When asked to run short or intermediate routes where he can’t always rely on his speed, Coley has trouble shaking defenders. He uses his hands to swim around defenders reasonably well but there is still much progress to be made.
Another worry is that of his health. Coley managed to miss only two games in 2015 due to a nagging hamstring, but a lower body injury to a prospect that relies on speed is never something that can be overlooked.
Coley is a player that many scouts might see as a rotational wide receiver at the next level. While he displays a phenomenal physical skill set he needs to fine tune his ability as a route runner. His draft stock will likely be hurt by his size (or lack thereof, unofficially weighing in at 6’1, 195 lbs.), but if he chooses to embrace the role of a slot receiver he may be of some value in the middle rounds for teams looking for speedy playmakers. He may also find a niche in the NFL due to his abilities as a returner.
Draft Prediction: Mid-to-Late 4th