Patrick Laird, RB, California #28
5112, 200, 4.55
Notes: From Arroyo Grande, CA. Double major in business administration and political science. Very avid reader and has also done some work as a music producer. Played in 5 games as a freshman with just 3 carries for 6 yards. Moved to WR during spring practices in 2015 but did not play and redshirted. Returned to RB in 2016, played in all 12 games, rushing 8-59-1 and caught 3 passes of minus-2 yards. Emerged in 2017, playing in 11 games he rushed 191-1,127-8 (5.9 avg.) and caught 45-322-1.
Positives: Very good all-around athlete. Good vision, quickness, balance and acceleration. Above-average and deceptive speed. Field fast and can make the corner. Induces some bad pursuit angles. Good cutting ability and change of direction. Stays on his feet and fights for yards. Makes defenders miss in space. Very smooth receiver. Catches the ball naturally, and can operate like an extra wide receiver outside.
Negatives: Does not have great size or power and runs a bit too upright. Lacks outstanding long speed and gets caught from behind at times.
Summary: Might be a bell-cow back at the next level, but can carve out of very productive role in a diverse offense. The kind of back you create opportunities to get him the ball with open-field chances.
