Today we are focusing on Xazavian Valladay the star running back and workhorse for the Wyoming Cowboys. Valladay is a 6’0″ 196lbs, Junior who led the Mountain West Conference last season in Rushing Attempts, Rushing Yards, and Average Rushing Yards per game. He also led the conference in Average All Purpose Yards per game and came 2nd in total yards on the season. The film I watched to scout Valladay was vs. UNLV (2019), vs. Mizzou (2019), and vs. Hawaii (2020).
Pros:
Valladay strong points start with his running ability. He does a great job at reading his blocks and exploding through the hole. If the hole isn’t open right away he does a great job of being patient and then using a jump cut or a hard cut back into the open lane. He is fast enough to gain the edge on defenders on outside runs or to hit the home run when he finds the open field. He shows great balance as he can bounce of tacklers and run through arm tackles. He has a high football IQ and understands what plays the defense is running across from him.
Cons:
Valladay doesn’t have any major glaring weaknesses but I would like to see him improve in the receiving game. Unfortunately Wyoming’s scheme doesn’t require him to be a huge threat in the passing game, but it would help to make him a 3 down back at the next level. He also needs to improve his pass blocking. He does a great job of picking up pass rushers, but he only usually dips his shoulder into them, at the next level this wont work as bigger, stronger, faster defenders will run through him or around him with ease.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that Valladay is well rounded Running Back who doesn’t do anything better than the other top tier backs, but doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses either. You are drafting him to be a runner, a guy who can run effectively inside or outside and can be a home run threat on any play. If you can develop him into a receiver that will be a bonus. He can improve some of his techniques, but overall you are getting a NFL game ready prospect, who seems to be undervalued as he doesn’t play in a power 5 conference. I gave him a prospect rating of 5.7 which translates to a 4th round pick.
