With the college football season approaching, it’s time to begin evaluating the talent pool for the 2011 draft. Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts will take assess each position in the coming weeks. Next up: fullbacks.
1. Stanley Havili, 6-0/229, Southern Cal
He would have been the first fullback draft in ’10 but made the correct decision to return for his senior season. While fullbacks rarely are drafted high, Havili has the talent to be the exception if able to become a more consistent blocker. He is an athletic ballcarrier, able to run through contact and gain yardage. He also catches the ball well out of the backfield. He is not good enough to earn a living as a tailback but clearly is a level above the first fullback drafted in ’10—John Connor, selected by the Jets in the fifth round.
This story appears in July 21’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.