DeeJay Dallas Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 214 pounds
School: Miami Hurricanes
NFL Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
Vertical Jump: 33.5 inches
Broad Jump: 119 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.32 seconds
3 Cone Drill: 7.18 seconds
DeeJay Dallas 2020 NFL Draft Profile
Leaving High School Deejay Dallas was viewed as a four-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, and 247sports.com. His versatility made him a standout at Glynn Academy as he was utilized in various positions on both sides of the ball. Dallas played Quarterback, receiver, running back and defensive back during his time in high school. In his final year in high school, he led the Glynn Academy terrors to an 11-2 record and reached the state quarterfinals where he rushed for 168 yards with 135 receiving yards. Dallas received 23 offers from power five programs including Clemson, Auburn, and Michigan State. However, at the end of the day, Dallas enrolled at the Miami Hurricanes.
In his true freshman year, Dallas was involved in 12 out of the 13 games for the Miami Hurricanes and finally made the shift to running back midseason. During his true freshman year Dallas stood out in the Capital One Orange Bowl against Wisconsin in which he rushed for 69 yards alongside a 39-yard touchdown run. DeeJay Dallas instantly made his mark during his Sophomore year in Miami as he played all 13 games of the season and produced a team-best 1,260 all-purpose yards along with tying the teams best 6 rushing touchdowns.
Dallas would become the primary running back in his Junior year for the Hurricanes, rushing for 693 yards on the season in 115 carries with 8 rushing touchdowns on the year. At the beginning of the season, Dallas was successful when the team ran the ‘Wildcat’ formation and his performance peaked in the first home game of the season against Bethune-Cookman where he matched his career-high three rushing touchdowns in a game and totaled 108 rushing yards. Though, Dallas incurred some injuries in his final year and missed three games including the final two games of the season with a dislocated left elbow before declaring for the 202o NFL draft.
Strengths
- Gains yards after contact by keeping his legs moving at all times;
- Hard to get down due to his ability to avoid tackles;
- Could be used on Special teams as he has been utilized as a returner before;
- Good burst of speed to getaway when in space;
- Good hands as a pass catcher due to having receiver experience in high school.
Weaknesses
- Isn’t patient as a runner. Rarely lets the play develop and is always one speed;
- Not very good when used in protection;
- Needs to improve ball protection (4 fumbles in 18/19)
- Added weight to have a running back build but lost explosiveness;
- Relatively new to the position;
- Needs to do more with his footwork to create angles against defenders.
NFL Comparison: Dare Ogunbowale
Teams With Need at Position: Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans
Projection: Fifth or Sixth round
Bottom Line on DeeJay Dallas
DeeJay Dallas has some obvious holes heading in to the NFL 2020 draft but he is new to the position of primary running back and Dallas shows traits to be a successful NFL running back in the future. The Georgia native is impressive at gaining yards after contact and the power running he possesses is unquestionable. He is difficult to tackle due to his explosive nature and strength in the lower half of his body. Also, his history as a wide receiver in high school aids his productivity when catching the ball and this could be how he is utilised when Dallas makes the step up in 2020. Furthermore, Dallas could be viewed as a useful special teams player due to history as a returner.
Although, he needs to improve as a blocker to protect the quarterback and improve patience, waiting for the holes to appear before attempting runs. Furthermore, improvement in his footwork and ability to create angles to make defenders miss would make him a better NFL prospect and have a larger impact when in the NFL. He may be drafted as a back up running back but whichever team drafts Dallas could view him in a variety of roles as his career progresses.
Main photo:
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