Coleman has been one of the most productive running backs in college football, at any level. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards every year in college, beginning with 1,137 as a freshman in 2003. He added 18 rushing touchdowns to his yardage total, earning 1st Team All MEAC honors along the way. He did not disappoint as a sophomore, finishing the year with 1,133 yards and 13 TD’s on the year, again earning 1st Team All MEAC honors. Coleman became a three time All MEAC selection as a junior, rushing for a career high 1,326 yards and 19 touchdowns on the year. He closed out his career with 1,052 yards and 12 touchdowns, and another All MEAC 1st team selection.
Very few players are as consistent as Coleman. You know he’s going to show up and give you everything he has every game. He shows good quickness to the hole, and the quickness to cut and make the first defender miss. Coleman is willing to run between the tackles, take hits, and battle for extra yardage. He has also shown to be durable, being the focal point of the running game and being ready to play each week.
There are a few questions about Coleman’s game and how it projects to the NFL. The biggest issue is his size. His listed size is only average, but he appears to be even smaller than that. He also lacks the power in his running style to be a threat between the tackles at the next level. While he has good quickness, Coleman may not have the extra gear to run past better competition. For a smaller back, he also has not been used much as a receiver, an area he must be able to compete in at the next level.
Alonzo Coleman has a tough road ahead if he hopes to play in the NFL. He lacks the size and speed to be an every down back, but lacks the experience as a receiver and return man to be counted on as a reserve. He has good initiial quickness and is tough, but that is not enough to make it in the NFL. He should get a shot in camp to prove his worth, but his ability to catch the ball and to play on special teams must be proven if he hopes to stick anywhere.