The Memphis Tigers have produced some very dynamic players over the last three years. Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, and Antonio Gibson are in the NFL with the potential to be home-run threats for their teams at the running back position. The most potential impactful player at the next level from Memphis is eligible for the NFL Draft after the 2021 season. His name is Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell is 5’11” 191 and a former three-star recruit. Gainwell was a wildcat quarterback in high school and rushed for 4,730 yards on 501 attempts. He was recruited by Arkansas State, Idaho, Ole Miss, and Tulane. Ultimately, Gainwell decided to play for the Memphis Tigers. He started his career at Memphis with a few carries but was ultimately red-shirted as a freshman.
Instant Impact
When Gainwell took hold of the starting job, he showed why Memphis believed in him. He had 231 carries for 1,459 yards and 51 receptions for 610 yards. He had 16 total touchdowns. His performance against Tulane was the first time since 1997 that a running back had 100 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving. Showing power, quickness, and patience. He moves extremely well laterally and displays vision at the line of scrimmage. There is enough film to support that Gainwell could be an elite slot receiver; if that’s all that he did. He runs clean routes and can adjust for the catch.
Athletic Measurables
Gainwell is slightly undersized with only weighing 190 pounds and ideally would bulk up to 210-215 pounds at the next level and also maintain lateral agility and elusiveness. Although he is not particularly fast, his vision and lateral movement mask that deficiency most of the time. Gainwell’s potential is a first-round or early second-round pick based on pure talent whenever he decides to declare. The floor for Gainwell is rather high though as his current measurements and receiving acumen would fit ideally into a slot receiver role in the NFL. Memphis will continue to utilize him as a dual-threat, while also showcasing him in the wildcat formation.
Future Outlook
Kenneth Gainwell has all the traits to be a Heisman finalist next year. His ability to produce in the receiving and the rushing game will intrigue scouts in the NFL to push for him when he declares, if he declares for 2021 he could be a mid-round pick with the talent available if he delays a year, there’s a possibility Gainwell could be among the first running backs taken. He must add the necessary weight to do so though as his frame is not quite large enough to be a workhorse NFL back at this time. If he can add the 15-20 pounds and retain the electric ways he’s shown already, then look for him to be an impact on your fantasy team for a long time.
Thanks for taking time to read this article. You can interact with me on Twitter @Brennan316. I love to interact with the community on trades, or hear suggestions of players that might be of interest to get my perspective on.
Be sure to check out the rest of our college football content at the Devy Archives
