2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Austin Jones, RB, USC

Austin Jones is an explosive RB for USC who shows good vision as a runner and solid hands as a receiver. Hula Bowl scout Mike Bey breaks down Jones as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Austin Jones, #6
School (Code)	CASC
DOB, Class Yr	2/7/2001, SR
Height, Weight	5096e, 195e
40 Yd Dash	4.46e
Arms, Hands	N/A, N/A
Position/Depth	RB/1^st
Honors/Captainship	All Pac-12 HM (2020)
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	@ORST, @CALA, INND, UTUN (PAC-12 Championship)
Scout Name / Date	Mike Bey 12/12/2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	13 GP, 2 GS, 113 Att, 644 Yds 5 TD, 21 Rec, 247 yds, 1 TD
2021	@CAST 11 GP, 11 GS, 107 Att, 378 Yds, 2 TD, 32 Rec, 267 Yds, 1 TD
2020	@CAST 6 GP, 6 GS, 126 Att, 550 Yds, 9 TD, 21 Rec, 156 Yds
2019	@CAST 12 GP, 45 Att, 227 Yds, 1 TD, 14 Rec, 108 Yds

Player Summary:

SR RB in the zone/gap blocking scheme of CASC. He became the starting RB after Travis Dye suffered a season-ending leg injury and has averaged approximately 20 carries per game since becoming the starter. He transferred from CAST prior to the 2022 season. He has adequate height, poor weight and good speed with a lean, athletic build. He is an average athlete showing quality balance, solid COD and explosiveness, average acceleration, adequate lateral quickness and agility with average play speed. He shows good vision as he finds the open hole on zone runs and exhibits good patience as he waits for the block to be set up on power runs. He shows solid burst through the hole and exhibits very good contact balance as he keeps his feet moving on contact before finishing the run by falling forward for extra yardage. He is a reliable receiver in the passing game as he runs curl, swing and flat routes when lined up in the backfield as well as comeback and drag routes when he lines up in the slot or on the outside. He shows solid hands as he makes the catch with his hands close to his body and uses his average play speed to pick up a first down. He is average in pass pro as he shows the willingness to block, locates the blitzing defender and squares his shoulders before using his hands and leverage to maintain his block on OLB and DB with subpar explosiveness and play speed. He exhibits quality mental toughness as he doesn’t shy away from contact both when running the ball and in pass pro. Adequate lateral quickness and agility prevents him from beating OLB and DB with good AA to the edge and turning the corner consistently. Lack of quality play speed limits his playmaking ability both when running the ball and as a receiver after the catch. Gets overwhelmed in pass pro when trying to block EDGE and MLB with good explosiveness due to his lack of quality play strength.