Towson Running Back Terrance West: NFL Draft Gem

This week’s NFL Draft Gem, is Towson Running Back Terrance West.

He was recruited by Clemson heavily  out of high school, but couldn’t qualify academically, taking the prep school route, attending Fork Union Military Academy. He left the school early because it was too far from home. He then returned to the dangerous streets of North Baltimore, where he worked a daily 9-5, just anyone else, before walking on at Towson.

In three years at Towson, West carried the ball 802 times for 4,854 yards  6.1 avg and 84 TD’s. He set an FCS record with 29 touchdowns as a freshman, putting himself on the map early. As a senior in 2013, he set records with 2,509 yards and 41 touchdowns, proving to everyone that he was a man among boys.

West is built low to the ground, has thick strong legs, runs with a low pad level and with power. He’s a patient back with good vision, who has shown the ability to break off long runs and not be caught from behind. For a man of his build, he shows good ability to cut and change direction. Explodes through the hole. He scored a touchdown on every 9.7 touches in his career, showing his ability to finish around the goal line.

He caught 26 passes in 2013, flashing the ability to be a factor in the passing game as a receiver. He catches the ball very naturally, plucks it out of the air with no effort. As most running backs coming into the NFL, he must improve his pass protection in order to be relied on as a full time back.

West’s numbers athletically with all of the other top backs in this draft, his production his there, even though it was at the FCS level. I don’t believe pro days hold much weight, but for a guy coming out of Towson, it does. He had an impressive workout, showing the ability to run routes and catch the ball out of the backfield. I gave him a 3rd round grade, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is picked in the late 2nd round after working out solo with teams.