Andre Ellington | Running Back, senior | 5'9'', 190 pounds
Andre Ellington 2013 NFL Draft scouting notes
2011 Stats: 223 attempts, 1,178 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns
Games Watched: Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Florida State
First Word: While Sammy Watkins gets all of the attention, Andre Ellington is a key piece to Clemson's offensive puzzle. A quick and explosive runner that fits perfectly in a zone blocking scheme, Ellington turned in a productive 2011 season for the Tigers. Ellington finished the season on a strong note, rushing 30 times for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Clemson's final two games against Virginia Tech and West Virginia. If he keeps up that sort of production, Ellington will climb draft boards in 2012.
Strengths
- Ellington relies on his quickness to make defenders miss at the line of scrimmage and break into the secondary. He manages to reach his top speed in a hurry and changes direction with ease.
- Ellington is a terrific one-cut back who explodes in and out of his breaks. He is also a very decisive runner, which makes him a perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme.
- Ellington is a true burner who can reach a gear not many players can match. He gets to the edge in a hurry and simply runs away from defenders on occasion.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally, Ellington displayed questionable vision last season. He would get stuffed at the line because of running straight into defenders instead of finding cut back lanes.
- As a smaller back, Ellington isn't terribly difficult to bring down. He doesn't break a ton of tackles.
- While Ellington would seem to have the skills to be a threat out of the backfield, he hasn't put it all together in his career at Clemson. He also isn't much of a pass blocker. Will need to improve in these areas to show added value to NFL teams.
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