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Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Devine Ozigbo’s Versatility at Running Back Could Be Hard To Overlook

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2019 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

Devine Ozigbo, RB
School: University of Nebraska | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 5’10” / 219 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th-5th Round
Player Comparison: Lamar Miller

College Statistics

Player Overview

After a productive high school in Sachse, Texas, Devine Ozigbo received offers from Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Miami, Minnesota, Utah, and Wisconsin. After deciding to attend Nebraska, Ozigbo shared a crowded backfield but flashed when given opportunities. He got a chance to show what he could do his junior year after starter Tre Bryant was lost for the season. Ozigbo had three straight 100-yard games after, but couldn’t keep that pace for the rest of the year. He was far more productive his senior year despite it being one of he worst the program’s history. Ozigbo was the first running back at Nebraska to rush for over 1,000 yards since Ameer Abduallah in 2014, earning All-Big Ten honors. Although primarily running in a zone-blocking scheme, Ozigbo has the tools succeed in any scheme at the next level.

Strengths

  • Good vision. He’s patient to let the play develop, read blocks well, and chooses the right hole. Also finds cutback lanes when his first option is not available.
  • Shows good burst through the hole and into the open field.
  • Keeps legs moving to fight through contact and break tackles. Almost always falls forward when tackled and is rarely tackled for a loss.
  • Quick feet to make lateral cuts, sidestep hits, and avoid ankle tackles.
  • Reliable receiver out the backfield with good hands, though he has the occasional drop.

Weaknesses

  • Although he ran away from a lot of defenders in college, not sure he has the long speed to do the same thing at the next level.
  • Bounces runs outside because he usually has the speed to get to the edge. May not find as much success doing this in the pros.
  • Leggy, which makes it hard to lower his pad level through the hole, upon impact, and when blocking.
  • Blocking needs work. Needs to consistently find his target, drop his hips, and anchor when engaging rushers.

Let’s go to the video tape

How He Fits On The Redskins

Watching his tape, it was hard to find many weaknesses in Ozigbo’s game and I’m surprised he did not get an invitation to the combine. The lack of exposure may push him down the draft board, but some team could get a steal at RB. Right away, Ozigbo looks like he could be a solid second option at the position. While many hope we will re-sign Adrian Peterson, it’s possible he signs elsewhere with the hope of winning a championship. If Guice is healthy enough to start, Ozigbo would offer a nice change of pace and possibly replace Samaje Perine, Byron Marshall, or Rob Kelley. With more consistency in his blocking, he would make a very good third down back. Chris Thompson has been terrific, but he’s 28 years old, often injured, and is going into the last year of his contract. The team my be looking for players to fill his role. Ozigbo has less than five hundred touches, only four fumbles, and a versatile skill set that should make him a quality addition to any running back room.



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