KEVAN BARLOW
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

#43-KEVAN BARLOW University of Pittsburgh Panthers 6:01.1-238

ANALYSIS
Positives... Very physical inside runner with big thighs and thick calves...Runs with good body lean, displays solid in-line lateral quickness...Has a good feel for the defenders and knows how to avoid them in the open...Breaks tackles on contact with his leg drive...Has the agility to bounce outside and the acceleration to get the most out of his speed upfield...His lateral movements will generally make the initial tackler miss...Has the agility to adjust in his pass routes, adjusting and catching the ball with his hands properly extended away from his body...Has the body control to take a seam to gain extra yardage... Shows good avoidance skills running between the tackles.

Negatives... Has a lot of growing up to do off the field and needs quite a bit of prodding from coaches in practice to "stay focused"...Moody and surly, at times and lacks dedication to learn football techniques needed to match his impressive athletic ability... Shows inconsistencies coming off the snap, as he seems to lack that necessary sudden burst needed...Even though he has great speed for a player of his size, he rarely displays fluid hip swerve or the burst to run away from defenders after the initial hit...While effective as a receiver, he needs route definement and has to do a better job of being aware of where defenders are...Aligns and positions himself properly when blocking in pass protection, but has no focus on the job at hand...Even though he has the size of a fullback, he lacks the ability (or desire) and technique to be considered an effective lead blocker...His history of poor work habits and a surly attitude may out-weigh his talent, unless he matures in a hurry...Has a strong lower frame, but needs to dedicate time in the weight room to develop his upper body.

CAREER NOTES
A part-time starter for most of his career, Kevan finally was given the opportunity to be the Panthers' full-time tailback in 2000 and responded with a banner season...With only fifteen starts under his belt for his career, he still managed to amass 2324 yards with 20 touchdowns on 486 carries (4.8 avg), becoming only the ninth player in school history to rush for over 2000 yards in a career (ranks seventh on Pittsburgh's all-time record list)...Ranks 11th on Pittsburgh's career scoring list with 144 points.

REMIND ME OF... Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis.

GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... This kid can be a load and a half, when he puts his mind to it. Prior to the Senior Bowl, most teams had him listed as a "bad character" type, but after a strong showing during the week's practices, the fickle general managers seem blind to his immaturity. Boom or bust type who will only have himself to blame if he does not take advantage of this one last opportunity.

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