Arguably one of the best running backs to attend LSU, Derrius Guice has what it takes to make it to the NFL. With the strength, speed and balance, the former LSU Tigers running back will be a great addition to any team. Compared to Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, does he have what it takes to go up against the big hitters of the NFL? Could he be “Beast Mode 2.0”?

In his college career, Guice put up prolific numbers to make him a mid-first round to early-second round draft pick. He started out as a true freshman back up to Leonard Fournette, but promptly became the featured back after Fournette’s injury in 2016. This is where Guice blossomed as the player that LSU fans grew to love. He also played the role of kick returner in his first two years, with 472 yards on 20 attempts in 2015 and 223 yards on 11 tries in 2016.

2016 was Guice’s breakout season, having rushed for 1,387 yards with 15 rushing touchdowns. He also set and broke records that year, as well. He became the second player in SEC history with back-to-back seasons of at least 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was the second player in SEC history to have two games of at least 250 yards in the same season. He set the LSU record with the most rushing yards in a game (285 vs Texas A&M), longest rushing touchdown (96 yards vs Arkansas) and most rushing yards per carry (6.53). He’s second in SEC history behind the great Bo Jackson for most YPC. And, he made First Team All-SEC and First Team All-America from Scout.com.

In 2017, Guice was plagued by a leg injury. Banged up and all, the power back started 11 of 12 games. Despite the injury, he was still a strong asset to his team. He finished the season with 1,251 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 237 carries. He had one 250-yard game against Ole Miss, which made him the only player in SEC history with three career games with at least 250 rushing yards. His career stats (3,074 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns) put him as the fifth-leading rusher in school history. Guice made the Top 10 in LSU history in 28 different categories.

Will this translate well in the NFL?

Measurables/Numbers

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 224lbs.
• Arm Length: 30 ¾”
• Hand size: 9 ¾”
• 40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds
• Bench Press: 15 reps
• Vertical: 31.5”

What does Derrius Guice brings to the field?

Well, there’s a good bit that he could bring to the table.

• He’s a powerful running back with great lower leg strength and has a good overall size.
• He brings speed, power, and good balance to pile up the yards.
• Has good contact balance with carrying power to rush through second level tacklers.
• Great vision of the field in order to make sudden cuts.
• Great footwork and athleticism.Can recognize trouble and make alterations to get a successful run.

Yes! He does have a few things to work on…

Here are some things that he has to get better at in order to be that successful pro running back.

• Has to be more decisive through the line of scrimmage.
• May have a hard time getting around the edge.
• Needs to be cautious of impact when being tackled.
• He should not duck with helmet leading as a weapon.
• Avoid taking big hits.Needs to speed up breaks as a receiver

The Verdict

Projected to be drafted mid-first round or early second round, Guice will make a mark wherever he goes. This powerful running back could possibly land a starting job in his rookie season. If not, he would be great at RB2 for those third down runs or to get more yardage out of a play. Derrius Guice is looking to have a good career if he stays healthy.