Andre Ellington: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Clemson RB

The 2013 NFL draft class is one that lacks the flash and first-round talent at running back. However productive the prospects were in college, there doesn't seem to be any worth taking before the second round this year.

Running back is one of the quickest transitions from college to the pros, so it is just as likely that a future star is drafted outside of the second round as it is they are drafted in the first.

Adrian Peterson and Alfred Morris are perfect examples of that spectrum of draft position weighed against success. Let's get to know one prospect, Andre Ellington, in preparation for the draft. 

Background

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 199 lbs.

Hometown: Moncks Corner, S.C.

School: Clemson

Major: Community Recreation, Sport and Camp Management

Year: Senior (R)

Ellington redshirted his first year at Clemson, and in his second year, he played behind current Buffalo Bills star C.J. Spiller and current Tennessee Titans running back Jamie Harper. He completed his coursework in 2012 and graduated in December.

Statistics

Ellington finished third in school history with 33 rushing touchdowns, tied for third with 12 100-yard rushing games, fourth in rushing yards, fourth in carries, fourth in total offensive touchdowns with 36 and sixth in yards per carry.

He is just the third running back in Clemson history to record two 1,000-yard seasons.

Year	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD
2009	68	491	7.2	4	11	55	0
2010	118	686	5.8	10	12	109	1
2011	223	1178	5.3	11	22	109	0
2012	212	1081	5.1	8	14	232	1
Total	621	3436	5.5	33	59	505	2

Combine and Pro Day Results

Ellington measured 5'9" and weighed 199 lbs. at the combine, showing little change from his college career. He recorded a 34-inch vertical leap and a 112-inch broad jump, while putting up a disappointing 4.76 40-yard dash where he pulled up with a bad hamstring down the stretch.

At his pro day, Ellington ran an unofficial 4.51 40-yard dash at Clemson's indoor practice facility, and the official time of 4.61 showed a modest improvement in his time.

Though he did not hurt his stock much, Ellington also didn't do much to make himself a lock for the second round, and he may slip to somewhere in the third or fourth round.

Interesting Facts

Ellington's cousin, Bruce, is a standout point guard and wide receiver for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He participated in both sports as a freshman and sophomore but focused on basketball for his junior year.

During his sophomore year, Bruce Ellington caught 40 passes for 600 yards and seven touchdowns on the field, then went on to average 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and three assists on the court.

The two shared the field during a game between Clemson and South Carolina where Bruce and his Gamecocks came out on top. Andre tallied 13 carries for 66 yards while Bruce hauled in a team-leading three receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown in the 34-13 romp.

Observations

Ellington has been projected as high as the second round by some sources, though the majority rate him outside of the top six running backs and more in the third- or fourth-round range.

Though he possesses above-average straight-line speed, he does not excel at any one area, be it running with power, being elusive or contributing as a receiver out of the backfield.

ESPN's Calvin Watkins did some advanced scouting of Ellington and noted, "Ellington might not be the best running back in the draft, but he's a good fit for the Cowboys."

Cowboys assistant coach Glenn Smith adds, "For his size, this back will attack the line of scrimmage and at the point of attack. ... He shows straight-line speed, but I do not see a top gear. ... Has vision and reads his blocks well."