Brandon Kaufman - WR - Eastern Washington University

GBPACKMAN4LIFE · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 17254 Location: Spokane, WA

...is a beast.

I am a senior reporter for "The Easterner" at Eastern Washington University and covered the Eagles' 2012 football season in which they made the final four teams in the FCS playoffs but unfortunately lost to eventual runner-up Sam Houston State. I had an up close look at junior WR Brandon Kaufman, who broke the all-time FCS record for yards in a single season, finishing with 1850 yards and 16 TD on 93 receptions.

In three playoff games, Kaufman averaged 193+ receiving yards/game versus Wagner, Illinois State, and Sam Houston State. Here were his game logs:

vs. Wagner - 10 rec, 174 yds, 0 TD, 47 long
vs. Illinois St. - 9 rec, 191 yds, 3 TD, 76 long
vs. Sam Houston St. - 9 rec, 215 yds, 3 TD, 60 long

Kaufman is listed at 6'5", 215 lbs. Here is his EWU athletics page.

Some playoff highlights:

(vs. Sam Houston St.)
22 yd TD catch, breaking all-time single-season FCS receiving record
43 yd TD catch, wrestles ball away from defender in EZ
60 yd catch, gets a 8-yard slant and breaks about 6 tackles. Serious HEART.
33 yd TD catch, gets between the CB and S

(vs. Illinois St.)
47 yard TD catch, Kaufman beats CB and S deep
76 yard TD catch, pulls a Randy Moss on his defender, then beats him to the EZ

(vs. Wagner)
45 yard catch, another quick slant that he turns into big yardage
47 yard catch, initially looks like a drop but great concentration and he hauls it in
3 yard 2 pt conv., quick slant, leaves defender in dust

Versus Idaho and WSU in 2012, Kaufman totaled 5/148/0 and 5/142/2, respectively. Here are some highlights vs. Idaho.

Here is a catch where Kaufman kicks it to himself in the endzone for a TD. Friggin' ridiculous.

I've interviewed Brandon a few times and I always come away impressed. He is extremely soft-spoken and humble, effusively praising others as opposed to himself. In the playoffs, when asked how he was able to be so dominant, he talked about the seniors and how he was digging deep within himself to leave absolutely everything on the field for them. Motivation for BK is not an issue. Character for BK is not an issue.

He is an above average run blocker, walls off defenders with ease and occasionally will drive his defenders. Could use some bulking up, and I don't think he'd lose his long speed. Once he gets the ball in his hands he is extremely difficult to take down.

Has a little bit of an injury history; played only four games in 2011 before breaking a metacarpal in his left hand. Also, had surgery shortly thereafter on his knee to repair nagging injury from 2010 season. In 2011 season opener @ UW, Kaufman totaled 10 receptions for 140 yards.

Kaufman has decided to forego his senior year at EWU and declare for the 2013 NFL draft. Via JoshBDraft, Kaufman was not given a top three round grade.

I think he's a 4th-5th round pick right now that could move up slightly if he tests well at the combine. He is faster than he is quick but still does have good short range speed.
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goldfishwars · Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Posts: 7721

That field is worse than Boise.
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nicfre2011 · Joined: 15 Mar 2011 Posts: 6277 Location: SC

GBPACKMAN4LIFE, good write-up. Thanks for posting!
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Thanks to ryknowssd for the sig!

Trent Baalke for 2013 NFL executive of the year.

ark23 · Joined: 04 Dec 2012 Posts: 1513 Location: Columbus, Ohio

Was his QB Padron, the SMU transfer, for most of the year?

His height and ball skills are intriguing but he doesn't have great burst off the line or long speed. Will he be able to get separation at the next level is the big question.

GBPACKMAN4LIFE · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 17254 Location: Spokane, WA

popie70 · Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 1061 Location: Denver, CO

Only saw him play once (against ISU). Thought he had good hands and excellent straight line speed. I use to work with the football team at ISU and know some of those guys he beat and they definitely have excellent speed. The only thing was I didn't see a lot of route variations for him, so I wonder if he has good route running skills.

I could be completely wrong since this is just off one game. But I would think he is a 5th/6th round guy

The Cryptkeeper · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 2464

Combine and pro day will be huge for him, but that's the case for practically every FCS prospect.

alfalcone · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 1294

ColumbusCrewzer · Joined: 03 Jul 2007 Posts: 7893 Location: VA

alfalcone · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 1294

GBPACKMAN4LIFE · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 17254 Location: Spokane, WA

I'll be at Kaufman's pro day on March 6. Kyle Padron will be throwing to Kaufman, Nicholas Edwards, Greg Herd and (possibly) WSU wide receiver Marquess Wilson.

I'll report back with my findings.
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GBPACKMAN4LIFE · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 17254 Location: Spokane, WA

Took this vid of Kaufman jumpin' 35 1/2 inches at the EWU pro day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCO3D7t67bc&feature=youtu.be

Other pro day stats: 4.57 40-yd dash, 4.59 20-yd shuttle, 11.84 60-yd shuttle, 6.83 cone drill
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LuckIsGOAT · Joined: 27 Feb 2013 Posts: 2460 Location: San Francisco

He's going to be a beast
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RockyDennis · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 4090

I saw him play in high school out in Colorado. He wasnt a big time recruit and I believe a knee injury ended his shot at playing at a bigger school. I hope he does well.

PowerElite · Joined: 25 Dec 2009 Posts: 8224

This guy looks so slow and stiff.