What do you make of a running back who had just 143 carries over his four years of college, but ran a 4.32 40-yard dash and had elite athletic measurables at his pro day? Simply put Kene Nwangwu is an enigma, and represents a complex analysis.
Athletically, he has elite functionality for his size and weight, 6’0” and 210lbs. Above all, the functionality, explosiveness, top-end speed, and twitch all translate to the tape. Thus, the analysis for Nwangwu is interesting, as there is high potential for him to become an effective player in the league, but also a lot of question marks.
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Player Bio
Name: Kene Nwangwu
Jersey: #3
Position: Running Back
School: Iowa State
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 210 lbs
Speed / Acceleration (9.5/10)
The 4.32 forty-yard dash number is there on tape. It is significant and forces defenders to respect him and close their gaps quicker. The burst once the ball is in his hands is problematic for defenders. In the NFL, I want Nwangwu to match up on linebackers and shred them with his speed – he’s a mismatch weapon.
Athleticism/ Quickness/ Fluidity (8.75/10)
He could stop on a dime if he wanted to. He moves his feet extremely quickly and can get lateral or vertical in an instant. Extremely dynamic with the ball in his hands.
Patience / Vison (6.75/10)
Why have patience when you’re the best athlete on the field? Well, in the NFL the ability to let the play develop can matter. Moreover, while the vision is good, I think it can get better in the NFL with offensive linemen moving faster, it may align with his pace of play. So while the grade is average right now, this could be significantly higher in a year or two.
Hands / Route Running (7/10)
Nwangwu caught three passes in the 2020 season, and two of them came in the Texas Tech game. So while the grade reflects as average, Nwangwu will have to prove he can be a pass catcher. Both catches showed good concentration where he squeezed the ball, not trapping it, most importantly.
Contact Balance (7.5/10)
Speed and balance are where Nwangwu is effective, but while it wasn’t easy to take him down, it wasn’t difficult either. I think it’s a matter of his running style; he’s really upright going into contact. Also doesn’t lower the center of gravity during contact. With NFL coaching he may get better, as he showed flashes. Contact balance shown on kick returns was also good.
Elusiveness (8.25/10)
The elusiveness is unbelievable, he is difficult to get hands on in the open field. This showed when he was in the open field and on kick returns. The trait was shown especially during the Oregon and West Virginia games.
Change of Direction (6.5/10)
There is a good change of direction, however, Nwangwu rarely does it as he’s the full speed after two steps. He does show good change of direction in between the tackles.
Power / Pushing the Pile (7.25/10)
Anytime he’s going into contact he accelerates so he can fall forward. When wrapped up, he drives his feet, looking to get as many yards as he can. Excellent power for profile and size.
Short Yardage (4/5)
Has good spatial awareness of how far to go for the first down and goal line. Does not have a significant size but with burst and drive can be an effective player.
Pass Blocking (3/5)
Does not generate a lot of force when blocking. Pass blocking inexperienced shows. Will have to improve if he wants to be a third down player.
Injury / Durability (4/5)
Torn achilles in 2017 after which he medically redshirted the season. In 2019 had a shoulder injury (specifics unknown) but didn’t miss any games. Overall, durability has not been an issue.
Awareness / IQ (4/5)
One would think there would be a lack of spatial awareness with the limited reps, but in truth Nwangwu always knew where he had to get to and where the first-down marker was. The same thing applied near the end zone.
Player Summary
Nwangwu is incredibly twitchy and shows significant functionality with the change of direction, and the power when contact is coming. Nwangwu’s story reminds me of Antonio Gibson (minus the injury), where the limited carries mean we have to extrapolate more information from less data. As far as playing style, he’s similar to C.J. Spiller where he’s untouchable in the open field, has the shiftiness inside, and explosiveness to gain tough yardage.
Above all, Nwangwu can have a role in the NFL, as his style of making defenders miss in the open field and getting the ball in his hands is where the modern-day NFL is trending. I would not be surprised to see him get some carries early on and then shifting to a full-time position late in his first year or second year.
Final Grade (76.5/100): Early Day Three Prospect
Pro Comparison: C.J. Spiller (Narrative Antonio Gibson)
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