Arizona State RB Marion Grice Generating Positive Hype for the 2014 NFL Draft

Nov 9, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Marion Grice (1) running up the field while Utah Utes linebacker Jason Whittingham (53) tries to tackle him during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Although nowhere near as productive, Marion Grice is showing the rest of the nation that Ka’Deem Carey is not the only running back in Arizona this season getting NFL scouts giddy.

Grice came to ASU as a JUCO transfer last season and had a huge impact on the offense, accounting for over 1,100 yards of total offense with 19 total touchdowns (11 rushing, 8 receiving). What sets this kid apart is his ability to catch the ball. He has effectively proven that his 41 catches a year ago were no fluke, already with 50 receptions as a senior.

The senior out of Houston is well built at 6’0″ 207 pounds, and has a very well-rounded game. He’s got great vision and burst, and hits the second level of the defense in the blink of an eye.

I don’t know if Grice is going to generate first round hype, but depending how he runs at the NFL Scouting Combine, he could very well end up as one of the top three or four backs off the board in May, possibly going as high as the second round.

In 2013, he has rushed for 996 yards on 161 carries and has 14 rushing touchdowns. He has also caught 50 passes for 438 yards and has added another six touchdowns receiving.

The rate at which this guy scores touchdowns is impressive, especially considering he’s not even played two full years of college football. He has the potential to be a big time weapon at the next level, and you can be sure NFL scouts are liking what they’ve seen from Grice in the last two years.

Don’t be surprised to hear his name called sooner rather than later in May.