Measurables
School: Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 199 lbs.
2024 NFL Draft: Frank Gore Jr. Scouting Report
Frank Gore Jr., the son of legendary NFL running back Frank Gore, has faced immense pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a star athlete. However, unlike many other kids of famous athletes who have failed to meet the expectations, Gore Jr. has the potential to be exceptional. He was a 3-star recruit from Killian High School in Miami, Florida, and was ranked as the No. 65 running back in the 2020 class. Gore Jr. initially committed to Lane Kiffin at FAU but later switched his commitment to Southern Mississippi after Kiffin left to coach Ole Miss.
During his freshman season, Gore Jr. rushed for 707 yards on 122 carries and caught 9 passes for 97 yards. While these numbers were decent for a freshman, he knew improvement was needed to get to the next level. In the next season, he focused on proving himself as a receiver, which turned out to be a smart decision. Gore finished his second season with 801 rushing yards on 179 attempts and five touchdowns. He also doubled his receptions, finishing with 20 catches for 155 yards. Although his numbers were not outstanding, he showed consistency and remarkable potential both as a runner and a receiver.
Gore Jr. was entering his third season and was going to have a breakthrough year. Southern Miss had the best team since he had joined and it was evident. Gore Jr. finally surpassed the 1000+ rushing yard mark, running for 1382 yards on 228 carries and scoring 9 touchdowns over a 13-game period. He also had a solid receiving season, with 19 receptions for 219 yards. This was an outstanding performance as it showcased the elite traits he possessed. His fourth and final season in college was even more impressive. He rushed for 1131 yards on 231 carries, also racking up a career-high 10 touchdowns. In addition, he had a career-high 221 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Gore Jr. was now ready for the NFL draft. He won the MVP at the Shrine Bowl, impressing everyone, all eyes are on him for the remainder of the draft process.
Strengths
- Is a very versatile player who could add value to teams as both a running back and a possible slot receiver
- He is a very durable running back who never had any serious injuries and can have high volume in carries
- Displays excellent vision being able to read and react using jump cuts and always falling forward when getting tackled
- Finds the hole well and can get to the second level with his compact build and elite balance
- Very seldom gets tackled for loss as his legs are constantly churning playing with high-energy
Weaknesses
- True lack of size not having enough weight or muscle to be a true power back at the next level
- Doesn’t possess breakaway speed and isn’t truly elite when making big plays
- Below average blocker because of size and wingspan
- Tries to run through defenders instead of avoiding contact
Projected Draft Position: Early Day 3
Best Team Fits: Vikings, 49ers, Packers
Player Comparison: Michael Carter
Frank Gore Jr. Player Profile
Gore Jr. is not among the top prospects in most draft rankings. However, after performing well at the Shrine Bowl and showcasing his skills at the combine, his stock will rise. Despite not being exceptional in any particular area, he is a well-rounded player who excelled at a small school. His unique skillset should pique the interest of scouts and spark discussions about his potential to become a starting player in the league.
Gore Jr. has excellent hands and can catch the ball well, making him an asset in the screen game. He had a lot of carries in college, but he seemed to improve with each passing year, displaying impressive durability and avoiding serious injuries. Gore Jr.’s vision is strong, as he can find holes and hit them hard, always falling forward upon contact. His compact frame and low center of gravity enable him to absorb hits and maintain his balance. Bringing Gore Jr. down is incredibly hard as he is constantly churning his legs and playing with a high motor.
He has some significant weaknesses that need to be addressed over a few seasons. To be a pure power back at the next level, he lacks the size and strength that could make teams hesitant. He lacks breakaway speed, making it difficult for him to make big gains and he can be chased down by high-energy defenders. Gore Jr. is a below-average blocker, which poses a significant issue if he wants to be an every-down back. He often tries to run through people instead of using his agility effectively.
Overall, Gore Jr. is a promising but inexperienced prospect. With proper coaching, he has the potential to become exceptional. While he may not reach the level of his father, he can establish his own identity if he addresses some of his weaknesses. On the third day of the NFL draft, teams can select him as a high-energy leader, which is a risk worth taking. Gore Jr. will have the opportunity to showcase his athletic abilities and interview with teams at the 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Main Photo: [Jerome Miron] – USA Today Sports
