It has been a surprising season so far for the New York Jets. Being 3-2 through the first five games is remarkable compared to what most preseason predictions said. One player that many people did not see having much of an impact on the season was rookie running back Elijah McGuire. McGuire was the Jets sixth round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. This week, with Bilal Powell questionable to play and Matt Forte coming off of an injury, McGuire is expected to get a heavy workload.
Getting to Know Elijah McGuire
McGuire’s College Career
McGuire is a small, strong back. He has a small frame, but is built with muscle. He can take on a tackler or two with his strong lower half.
McGuire is a product of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he had a great career with many individual awards. He earned many Sun Belt Conference awards including a first-team all conference, and was also named freshman of the year back in 2013. One year later he was named the Sun Belt Conference player of the year, and then followed that up with a couple of all-conference selections to finish his career.
McGuire got a reputation of being a solid pass catcher for the Rajin’ Cajuns. He is effective out of the backfield, or he could also be spread out wide in the slot. He was touted as one of the best receiving running backs in his draft class.
When he was getting evaluated for the draft, a lot of scouts were praising him for his speed and acceleration. He has the ability to outrun linebackers and get into the secondary where he can try to make a move. His speed is one of the reasons that he can be put in the slot and be looked upon to make plays.
McGuire also returned punts in college so he also has the ability to play special teams on the next level.
McGuire’s NFL Career So Far
The Jets third running back spot on their roster was wide open and was there for the taking all through training camp. McGuire impressed in preseason and won the job.
He has played a part in every game after week one. His breakout game was week four against the Jacksonville Jaguars where he was very productive. He ran the ball ten times for 93 yards, and also caught two passes for 38 yards.
Injuries have definitely played a part in McGuire getting playing time. Forte missed two games with turf toe, and last week Powell could not finish the game because of a calf injury. These injuries are going to allow McGuire to get a hefty workload this week according to Todd Bowles.
This game is where the Jets coaching staff will see what McGuire is really made of. A rivalry game at home against the New England Patriots with the division lead at stake is where players need to perform. This game will show what the rookie running back can bring to the team and how much of an impact he can have going forward.
