To see my previous rookie profile on Florida QB Kyle Trask, click here.
The transfer portal has added another element to college football. Before, a player would graduate and go to another school if they had an additional year of eligibility. Now with more waivers being granted, players are jumping into the portal in large numbers. One player that has helped their draft stock is Khalil Herbert, who is a mid-round prospect that is gaining more attention.
Jayhawk to Hokie
Herbert was ranked outside the top 2,000 high school players in 2016 and the only Power 5 offer was Kansas. In his freshman year, Herbert had modest playing time but did score three touchdowns on 50 offensive touches. His sophomore year, Herbert was lead back with over 600 yards and 5.5 yards per carry (but was only the starter for a year).
In 2019 after four games, Herbert decided to redshirt and transfer. He was averaging over eight yards per carry before the decision to redshirt. The Kansas team was horrible during Herbert’s tenure, with only nine wins in four years, and offensively ranked 100th or worst in three of the four years per TeamRankings.
Khalil Herbert ranked top five in elusive rating and breakaway percentage, per PFF.
Falling under the radar because he didn’t really breakout until age 22. Kansas transfer. More than one above average trait. pic.twitter.com/PlCn4dcE0Y
— Steve (@StevieWFT) March 5, 2021
Herbert transferred to Virginia Tech for his final season and showed off his skills in a much better offense. The Hokies ranked 30th in offense in 2020 and Herbert had his highest totals in carries, yards, touchdowns, and receptions. He rushed for 5th highest total in the nation in 2020 and per PFF caused 42 missed tackles with a 55% breakaway percentage (rush yards on runs over 15 yards).
What the Film Shows
Herbert showed flashes at Kansas of how good he could be but the offense was so bad that it limited his opportunities. At Kansas, Herbert had a 10% breakaway percentage, which was higher than the 8% Najee Harris had in his career at Bama.
At Virginia Tech, Herbert was able to run in zone blocking schemes 78% of the time, which was 10% higher than his time at Kansas. One of Herbert’s most impressive attributes is his patience to allow blocks to be set up, and zone running schemes show this off the best.
Herbert shows great burst through the holes and has the balance to bounce off defenders and cut runs back against the defense. He is his best in the open field and shows off the ability to quickly change direction, while his subtle hesitation moves can make defenders miss. He had an elusive rating of 126 in 2020 which was higher than Travis Etienne’s rating of 102 per PFF_College; and was right up there in 50+ yard runs.
Most career 50+ yard carries in the 2021 Draft class:
1. Travis Etienne, Clemson – 11
2. Khalil Herbert, VA Tech – 10
3. Jaret Patterson, Buffalo – 9
4. Chuba Hubbard, Okla St – 7 pic.twitter.com/tFyH7tfux3— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 4, 2021
Herbert is not just a speed back that you want to run outside. He led the NCAA in yards after contact with 6.1 in 2020. Despite a low reception rate throughout his career, Herbert is more than capable as a receiver and should be able to be an asset in the passing game in the NFL.
Next Level and Fantasy Football Impact
Herbert will be a middle-round prospect that was hurt by his time at Kansas. If he was able to play at Virginia Tech his whole career he may have been a day two prospect. His running style is similar to Le’Veon Bell in that he is so patient, and then cuts at the last moment to the open hole in the defense. Compared to other possible day three running backs, Herbert displays some of the best qualities as an all-around complete back.
[pickup_prop id=”5998″]
NFL teams that would make sense for Herbert are the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets. Both teams have new coaches that run zone blocking schemes and are in need of running back help. For fantasy football purposes, it will depend on what team Herbert is drafted by to determine how quickly he will be fantasy relevant.
Since he is a lesser known player, he could be snatched in the 4th-round or even on waivers after the draft. Herbert is an intriguing NFL prospect that is worth a flier when compared to other mid-tier RBs in the 2021 class.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.