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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ulysses Bentley IV, RB, Ole Miss

Bentley IV is a versatile, dynamic, physical, and experienced running back with prominent instincts/vision, strong contact balance, and intriguing play speed to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally.
Ulysses Bentley IV is a versatile, dynamic, physical, and experienced running back with prominent instincts/vision, strong contact balance, and intriguing play speed to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally. Check out this scouting report by Ryan Vidales of the Hula Bowl.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Ulysses Bentley IV, #24
School (Code)Ole Miss (MSUN)
DOB, Class YrN/A, Fifth-Year Senior.
Height, Weight5100, 200
40 Yd Dash4.52
Position/DepthRB, #2
Honors/Captainship2021 All-AAC Second Team; 2020 All-AAC First Team; 2020 AAC Co-Rookie of the Year
Season Viewed (yr)2023
Games WatchedTNVA, @ALAU, ARUN, LAST, GATC
Scout Name / DateRyan Vidales 11/12/23

Per Year Stats

2023(At Ole Miss) 10 GP, 73 Car, 410 Rush Yds, 3 Rush TD, 10 Rec, 82 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD, 13 KR, 252 KR Yds
2022(At Ole Miss) 6 GP, 16 Car, 73 Rush Yds, 4 Rush TD, 1 Rec, 4 Rec Yds
2021(At SMU) 11 GP, 96 Car, 610 Rush Yds, 4 Rush TD, 19 Rec, 90 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD. 5 KR, 138 KR Yds
2020(At SMU) 10 GP, 170 Car, 913 Rush Yds, 11 Rush TD, 21 Rec, 174 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD
2019(At SMU) 4 GP, 7 Car, 36 Rush Yds

Player Summary:

Fifth-year senior who began his college career as a two-year starter and two-time All-AAC standout at SMU under Sonny Dykes. Transferred to Ole Miss before the 2022 season; Only appeared in six games during his first season at Ole Miss due to a wrist injury. Currently serves as the Rebels’ RB2 behind 2022 Freshman All-American Quinshon Judkins. Has produced impressive numbers on limited carriers this season. Can carry an RB1 workload as evidenced by his time at SMU. Offers decent size, solid toughness, and capable durability to carry the ball inside the tackles. Runs fairly well behind his pads. Absorbs contact well with a low COG and notable contact balance to pick up yards after contact. Exhibits great patience to allow ample time for blocks to develop. Operates with quality instincts/vision to locate and attack back-cut lanes in the first & second levels. Displays quick twitch and shiftiness to avoid initial rushers at the LOS. Flashes strong acceleration/burst to explode through open running lanes and beat defenders to the edge. Possesses proficient play speed to break off long runs when breaks past the second level. Secure pass catcher with adept ball skills, viable run after the catch ability, and moderate ball production over five seasons. Provides noteworthy special teams versatility as a kick return specialist. Could also assist on kickoff and punt coverage. Above-average pass and run blocker but is willing to contribute in both facets. Lacks the playing strength to sustain blocks against the blitz, which could negatively impact his third-down value. Will need some time to refine his blocking ability and adjust to the speed of the pro game before seeing extensive playing time at the next level. However, he boasts the play speed, durability, ball security, and receiving ability to become a serviceable change-of-pace back early in his career at the next level.

Scheme Fit:

Pass-heavy, spread offensive scheme that forces defenses to drop into zone and lighten the box.

Power Statement:

Bentley IV is a versatile, dynamic, physical, and experienced running back with prominent instincts/vision, strong contact balance, and intriguing play speed to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally.

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