With The First Pick
Fansided

Explosive, versatile RB Kenneth Gainwell declares for 2021 NFL Draft

By Cory Kinnan

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 28: Kenneth Gainwell #19 of the Memphis Tigers runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 28: Kenneth Gainwell #19 of the Memphis Tigers runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kenneth Gainwell is off to the 2021 NFL Draft

That makes three opt outs in the last 24 hours as the Memphis Redshirt Sophomore running back Kenneth Gainwell is set to enter the 2021 NFL Draft after just one successful season with the Tigers. Gainwell joins Washington pass rusher Joe Tryon and LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase as the third prospect to declare and opt out of the 2020 season this weekend.

As Memphis has become a secret warehouse of NFL talent at the running back position, Gainwell looks to join the likes of Darrell Henderson and Antonio Gibson at the professional level. At 5-foot-11 and 191 pounds, Gainwell is an explosive and versatile running back who has the potential to be a big-play threat every time he touches the football.

What Kenneth Gainwell brings to the 2021 NFL Draft

More from NFL Draft News

It is hard to find a more productive running back in the 2019 season than Gainwell, as he absolutely lit up the stat sheet while splitting carries with now Washington running back Gibson. He will now sit on the tape from that season after lighting up Group of Five defenses with the Tigers.

Gainwell averaged a whopping 6.3 yards per carry with the Tigers a year ago, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground in 2019. On top of that, Gainwell caught an astounding 51 passes out of the backfield for 610 additional yards and three touchdowns receiving.

Next. 4 Big Ten 2021 NFL Draft prospects who benefit most from season’s return. dark

He has shown the ability to be a three-down back at the college level, and if he tests off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is next on his docket for Gainwell, then he will be a highly sought after asset when the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around.

Home/NFL Draft News