2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch from Independent schools
By Kyle Edmond
Liberty – Joshua Mack, Running Back, Redshirt Senior
Liberty has had its fair share of turmoil this off-season coming from a few different outlets, but one positive that will be there moving into the 2020 season is Joshua Mack. Despite being the second running back on the depth chart a year ago, he was still able to make a strong impression. Now looking to be the bell-cow of the 2020 season, Mack has a big opportunity to make a push for the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 2019 season was Mack’s first with Liberty after transferring from Maine and sitting out the 2018 season, but he made the most of his time out of the gate. On 136 carries he totaled 792 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while adding 13 receptions for 177 yards. All-in-all, he touched the ball on 149 plays and totaled 969 yards, averaging over 6.5 yards a touch, all while being the second back on the team.
Now as the starter in 2020, Mack should only increase his impact. Before transferring from Maine, Mack led the FCS in rushing yards per game during the 2017 season with 133.5 yards per game. He also slotted in at third in the FCS for total rushing yards with 1,335, making him a 2017 Walter Payton Award finalist.
It’ll be interesting to see what Mack can do in an FBS offense as the lead back. Should he come anywhere close to the numbers he posted at Maine, then he should be a lock to be drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.