2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Izaiah Gathings, WR/TE, Middle Tennessee
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Izaiah Gathings, #2 |
| School (Code) | TNMI |
| DOB, Class Yr | 9/18/2000, Senior |
| Height, Weight | 6027, 219 |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.55 |
| Arms, Hands | 3338, 0978 |
| Position/Depth | WR |
| Honors/Captainship | 2020/2021 All-Big South First Team |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 |
| Games Watched | FLMI, COST, TXEP |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Jaffe / 10/31/2022 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
| 2022 | (TNMI ) 8 GP, 41 REC, 374 REC YDS, 1 TD |
| 2021 | (TNMI ) 12 GP, 24 REC, 302 REC YDS, 1 TD |
| 2020 | (NCGW) 4 GP, 26 REC, 267 REC YDS, 2 TDS |
| 2019 | (NCGW) 12 GP, 71 REC, 1,046 REC YDS, 11 TDS |
| 2018 | (NCGW) 8 GP, 4 REC, 28 REC YDS |
Player Summary:
Senior at TNMI who transferred from NCGW after spending 3 seasons there. Possesses good height and weight, with a large filled in frame with good muscle and definition, along with rare arm length and good hand size. Big bodied WR who can align at X/Z/Slot, as well at F-TE/Y-TE. In the passing game, he works a poor release, playing without burst or explosion off the LOS. Adequate route running ability on short and intermediate concepts due to a lack of footwork and foot quickness. Can win on deep routes due to solid physicality with hand usage, and good acceleration down field. Ability to find open grass and seams against Zone Coverage, along with the awareness to help his QB in scramble drill. Struggles to manipulate DBs in Man Coverage due to a lack of quickness, however, can fight through contact to get to the catch point. Good natural hands with ability to pluck the football out of the air. Very good catch radius due to his rare, long arm length, and grip strength. Good on contested catches due to high pointing the football and solid body positioning, reeling in passes while being able to take contact. Good body control/adjust to balls thrown low/high/behind/and out in front. Solid YAC using his size and strength to break through contact from DBs. In pass pro, he can line up as a Y-TE, being a productive blocker. Displays good inside hands, solid leverage, and incredible reach and lockout. Very useful in the run game as well as he works good strike timing, impactful punch, and strong inside hands to latch and drive. Good competitive toughness as he initiates the contact to any position on the field and plays through the whistle.
Scheme Fit:
F-TE in a heavier passing offense, can be useful in the run and pass game, involved in pre snap motions to release into the flat or out wide.
Power Statement:
Big bodied pass catcher with a large catch radius who possesses a major threat to smaller DBs. Physical run blocker with solid technique, imposing his will through to the whistle. F-TE at the NFL level who can help a team.
