C.J. Prosise, RB Notre Dame

Height: 6′ 1/2”
Weight: 220 lbs
Hands: 8 5/8’’
Arm: 32 1/8’’
40 yard dash: 4.48(official)

NFL Comparison: David Johnson, Tevin Coleman

Scouting Notes: One of the more intriguing RBs entering this year’s draft, Prosise has all of the skills necessary to be a three-down back in the NFL. He doesn’t have the sample size, performance-wise, that a Derrick Henry or Ezekiel Elliot boasts, but that’s largely due to the fact that he had only one full season as a RB at Notre Dame. A converted WR, Prosise has cogent pass catching ability — this is a must for any RB wanting to stay on the field during an entire NFL offensive series these days. He also has plenty of burst and long speed, as evidenced on his 91 yd Notre Dame record breaking TD run against Georgia Tech last year. Prosise has the prototypical build of an NFL RB– a powerful trunk that can break tackles, but he’s also got some wiggle and elusiveness to him.

Prosise has much to work on to become a complete back though. He’s got to become a better blocker, and that should come with time. He’s an inexperienced back in comparison to the other top prospects at his position, and that shows in his between-the-tackles running — he can be overly patient/apprehensive before busting through his holes, leading to some lost yards.

Fantasy Outlook: Prosise’ lack of experience may lead teams to underestimate him on draft day. I think he’s got first-round potential, but it’s more likely he’ll go somewhere in the 2nd. Honestly, he has the ability to be as good as any back being drafted this year, and I think some lucky team is going to get consistent production out of this young man in time. I put him right behind Elliot as an explosive dual threat back in the mold of a David Johnson. I’m taking him as the 3rd back in dynasty rookie leagues (pre-NFL draft) behind Elliott and Henry. Clearly, the situations these players fall to could shake that order completely up, but from a talent-standpoint, Prosise belongs in that conversation/category.

Quotes from the Combine:

Feel healthy?

“Oh yeah. Definitely. I’m 100 percent healthy. I got a little bit of rest and time to work out the kinks, so I feel ready to go.”

When did you feel 100 percent?

“It’s been about a month now.”

Will you do all drills here?

“I’m not going to do bench because I’m just going to wait until Pro Day to make sure I maximize my ability with that. I’ll probably only do the vert, broad and the 40.”

Why leave ND with a year left?

“I’m going to get my degree in May, so that’s the main thing I’m getting out of the whole equation. For me, it was kind of a decision
between me and my family.”

Shelf life of a running back a factor in decision?

“That didn’t really play in much thought. With getting moved around a lot and being from position to position, I never really knew where I was secure at, so I felt like it was the best decision for me and my family.”

What did you prove to yourself with the move to running back?

“I’m definitely proving myself that I can play a lot of positions and that I’m a versatile guy. Also, I can make big plays wherever I’m at on the field.”

Early challenges at running back

“I think mostly just kind of learning a different side of the offense. First I was on the outside, then I was running between the tackles. That’s the biggest transition.”

Strengths as a player

“I’m saying I’m a three-down guy and a guy you can break the formation with, kind of like a Matt Forte type running back that can make big plays in the running game and passing game.”

Theo Riddick has had a lot of success with the Lions. How much do you think you can mirror that success?

“I definitely think I can mirror that. Theo is a great player and played receiver at Notre Dame also. That’s something I’ve been trying to mimic what he’s done and take the steps he’s taken.”

Do you know him well and has he given you advice?

“He said just go out there and do your thing. He kept it short and simple with me. He said go out there and do your thing to the best of your abilities.”

Did being a receiver help?

“I definitely think so. In my case, being a receiver and being in the slot definitely helps. A lot of the routes, especially this year, we
had free-release routes and they wanted the back to get out on the passes, so that definitely helped a lot.”

How attractive will you be to teams considering you were a WR?

“That’s a big thing because you don’t find a lot of guys that are able to run between tackles and can also be able to break formation and then make plays in the passing game.”

Biggest question for teams is how were you between the tackles?

“It was definitely difficult being my first year. I didn’t have experience, so I have to keep getting those reps and keep working to get better. I was in a spread offense and you don’t have many guys in the box. It’s different when you have two tight ends or a fullback.”

Matt Forte a role model?

“I’ve been training in Chicago, so I’ve seen a lot of stories about how he works and I’ve been trying to mimic the way he works and the things he does. I want that type of career.”

(Where do you train?)

“EFT in Chicago.”

(How many teams talked to you about being WR instead of RB?)

“Nobody’s really talked about that, but mostly everybody’s been saying, talking about running between tackles and breaking the formation.”

(Did you meet with Brian Kelly prior to decision, and what was his reaction?)

“He wanted me to come back. He talked about me coming back and how it would be better for me if I came back. talking with my family and just kind of that uncertainty of not knowing if I was going to be—with Will leaving, Chris leaving, and at the time Corey Robinson, they thought he might not be coming back either. With that, I’m thinking maybe I’m moving back to receiver now because our backfield’s not hurting much. So in talking to my family we thought the best decision was to come out.”

(How’s your shoulder?)

“My shoulder is good.”

(What left lasting impression about teammate Ronnie Stanley?)

“He’s a great guy, and also on the field he’s an even better football player. He’s athletic. He can make plays. He’s fast out there, and he’s still getting better, which is the great part. I’m just so excited for what he’s going to do in the future.”

(Describe his passion)

“Ronnie loves the game. He might not show it off the field, and I feel like that’s kind of a downfall for a lot of Notre Dame guys. We kind of have that nonchalant feeling off the field, but on, like coach Kelly always says, we’re tough gentlemen. Once we get on the field our whole mentality changes.”

(What are your expectations of challenges at NFL)

“I know it’s going to be a tough transition. I’m still new at this position and I’ve still got things to learn, and I have to learn fast. I want to fly, because these guys are moving a lot faster than in college. I’m really excited for that challenge, and I just can’t way for it.”

(Any doubt of Jaylon Smith’s determination that he’ll be able to play soon?)

“I know 100 percent Jaylon will be back, and he’ll be back stronger. I’ve already seen videos of him, and I think he’s walking around and stuff. The guy is a freak. I definitely think when it comes down to it he’ll be back out there soon.”

(What do teams not see in his game?)

“I think his leadership is kind of undervalued. What he did for our defense this year. At times even though he made all the plays, he made a whole bunch of plays, but his leadership off the field is really what was undervalued.”

(Aaron Wellman, NYG strength coach?)

“I actually started working with coach Wellman a lot more when I hurt my shoulder, and he’s a great guy and he definitely challenged me every day when I came in there. That’s what I really liked about him.”

(Did he focus more on injured guys?)

“He was new, so he worked a lot with the injured guys. He also worked the quarterbacks and stuff. He definitely did a lot of good work for us there.”

(How would you classify him as a coach?)

“I would definitely high intensity. He wants you to get better.”

(Considering you weren’t starting RB, can you believe you’re here now?)

“Not at all. Going into the last season, my thoughts were 100 percent on coming back. I’m just excited that I’m here and I’m able to be in this position. I’m just ready to take it a little bit further.”

(Tarean Folston injury play into decision to leave knowing that season could end with injury?)

“I don’t ever want to play worried about injuries. That played nothing (in my role). Just my uncertainty, maybe not knowing where I was going to be at, possibly being a receiver again. Because I really like this running back role, and I like where I’m at with it, so that’s why I want to take it further.”