2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nate Noel, RB, Appalachian State

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Nate Noel, #5
School (Code)	Appalachian State University (NCAP)
Class Yr	4th-Year Junior
Height, Weight	5100, 185
40 Yd Dash	4.47
Position/Depth	RB/1st
Honors/Captainship	2021 1st-Team All Conference, 2022 All-Conference Honorable Mention
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	Vs. NCUN, @ GASO, @ SCCC
Scout Name / Date	Hayden Russell, 09/19/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	9 GP, 87 att, 604 yds, 6 TDs; 24 rec, 145 yds
2021	14 GP, 199 att, 1,126 yds, 4 TDs; 8 rec, 16 yds
2020	10 GP, 82 att, 510 yds, 3 TDs; 2 rec, 25 yds

Player Summary:

Nate Noel is a 4th-year junior RB who has taken significant snaps at Appalachian State since the 3rd game of his freshman year. Currently in his 3rd season as a starter in 2023. Possesses solid height and poor weight. Before the snap, scans the defense to identify the front. Best in zone running schemes; utilizes good vision to identify open lanes and will adjust accordingly. Does an excellent job creating lanes by stuttering and jab-stepping behind the LOS and changing direction to hold defenders and create easier blocks for the offensive line. When he identifies his hole, utilizes considerable COD and hip fluidity to turn upfield and fly into the running lane. Solid in gap scheme; scraps tight across the LOS with notable agility as he finds the designed running lane. Hits the gap with great burst to accelerate quickly and separate himself from defenders with impressive top-end speed. Uses great athleticism and foot quickness to make defenders miss in space. Runs hard and keeps his feet churning on contact, especially leg tackles, using exceptional balance to stay upright and fight for extra yards. A good checkdown option who is able to make catches at awkward angles and away from his body, and will turn upfield for additional yards. In pass protection, displays proper technique with a solid base and active hands, and keeps his head on a swivel to identify potential threats. Chippy in pass pro and shows a desire to win every rep. Rises to the occasion in clutch situations when his name is called. Adequate functional strength makes it difficult for him to run through contact despite his hard-nosed running style. His lack of size is a concern for holding up in pass protection against bigger blitzers at the next level.

Scheme Fit:

Translates best as a RB at the next level who plays best in zone run schemes.

Power Statement:

A well-rounded, hard-nosed RB who utilizes mental processing, vision, athleticism, and burst to excel as a runner, will make defenders miss in space, and will make an impact in the passing game as a receiver and in protection. His lack of size will create problems at the next level in terms of yards after contact and in protection.