Thurlow Wilkins is a running back in the mold of Deebo Samuel. Samuel stands 5’11 215 lbs, while Wilkins is 6’1 210 lbs. Samuel ran a 4.48 40-yard dash with a stellar 1.48 10-yard split while Wilkins ran a 4.31 but didn’t get a recorded 10-yard split. They had nearly identical broad jumps with Samuel barely edging out Wilkins (10 foot 2 to 10 foot 1 inches). Samuel had a 39-inch vertical while Wilkins put up a 36-inch leap. Both logged 15 reps on the bench and they were within .04 of each other in the shuttle.
Granted Samuel was more receiver than a runner and vice versa for Wilkins their athletic profiles are nearly identical. In 2022 while at Concord University Wilkins ran the ball 196 times producing 1179 yards or 6 yards per carry on his way to 12 rushing touchdowns. He added 16 receptions for 122 yards, and 7 kick returns for 106 yards. This included four 100-yard games including a 29-touch, 302-yard, 4 touchdown performance against Charleston. He would go on to be named All-American.
Wilkins at times completely took over games and left opponents wishing they had prepared for him better during the 2022 season. In 2023 he appeared in 6 games with 29 carries for 102 yards, adding 11 receptions for 67 yards, and 2 kick returns for 30 yards.
All-Purpose Player
Before his time at Concord, he had played for the Tusculum Pioneers where he wasn’t the primary back but was a vital part of their running back by committee and the primary kick returner as well. Averaging just over 50 yards rushing per game in 9 appearances he finished the season with 81 carries for 481 yards and 3 touchdowns for a 5.7 yard average he also had 19 kick returns for 620 yards and 1 touchdown. Averaging 32.6 yards per return. This broke down to over 120 all purpose yards per game.
Wilkins has the athletic ability, and the college production to project well at the next level as a running back/wide receiver hybrid who could also see a lot of time on special teams as well. I could see his name being called on UFL Draft day by a team like St. Louis, maybe DC, or Birmingham. Teams that had depth concerns at running back, or teams that lost players to the NFL. I see Wilkins doing his damage as an all-purpose weapon, a movable chess piece used to attack a defense in multiple ways.
There could be times we see him line up in three different positions on the same drive. He may not be the top running back, receiver, or return man on his team right away but I expect he will contribute in all three areas and as a whole amount to a big-time contributor for his next team.
Ceiling and Floor
He strikes me as a low-risk high-reward selection with his ceiling being a top UFL back, and his floor being a final roster cut called back due to injuries. He feels like a can’t-miss small-school prospect, and I have a feeling that his next team will be thrilled by his production.
Sponsor: Upside
This article and so much more is brought to you by Upside. Upside is a free not strings attached app that will pay you cashback for the purchases you already make. Gas, Groceries, or a Good Meal, with just 3 clicks, you can earn CashBack today at HUNDREDS of locations. Use our code Sam363682 to save an additional 15 cents per gallon on your next fuel purchase. With discounts up to 25 cents per gallon, you could earn 40 cents back per gallon on your first purchase. Again use our code Sam363682 at sign up.
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to tune in!
Wednesday Broadcast Schedule
NinerNuts 12:00 pm ET (49ers dedicated)
Summer Showcase Overtime 6:00 pm ET (ELF)
Eagles Elite 8:30 pm ET (Eagles Dedicated)
Summer Showcase Northern Lights (CFL) 10:30 pm ET
Discord/Facebook
Are you on discord or facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues and give us your jot takes. You can also promote your content!
Share this:
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.