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T.A. McLendon RB North Carolina St. 5’11 216
By: Robert Davis

T.A. McLendon burst onto the scene as a freshman, racking up ACC Rookie of the Year honors after rushing for 1,101 yards and 18 touchdowns, and catching 42 passes for 354 yards. As a sophomore, his numbers dipped to 608 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, and 40 catches for 368 yards and 2 touchdowns, as he missed time with injuries. Again as a junior he was hampered with injuries, but still managed 770 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, and 10 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown.

T.A. is a great all around back. He has good size, and runs hard, with a lot of power. He will not go down on the first hit, and always falls forward. He gets through the hole quick, and has the ability to make the first defender miss. He also has good hands out of the backfield, and could be a major threat as a receiver.

McLendon has major durability issues. As a freshman, he fractured his wrist and an injured shoulder. As a sophomore, he had a sprained patella tendon, strained hamstring, and a torn meniscus that required surgery. As a junior, he again had hammy problems. As far as ability, McLendon doesn’t have that pure homerun speed, and his straight-line speed is only average.

McLendon draws a first round grade as far as talent is concerned. He can do everything on the football field, but he just can’t stay healthy. He really could suffer a slide come draft day with the depth at the RB position. I think he could still hear his name called in the third, but him being left uncalled on Day 1 is a distinct possibility. Wherever he is selected, he will be a steal if he can stay healthy.

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