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The Eagles led the league in rushing last season, but Chip Kelly is not done experimenting with his strongest position. The team traded for Darren Sproles and then dealt Bryce Brown before signing Toldeo's David Flullen and Missouri's Henry Josey as undrafted free agents. Josey is a similar player to Sproles and could be a weapon in open space.
While Josey went undrafted, it is easy to see why the Eagles had interest in the short speedster. Josey comes to Philadelphia with an interesting college resume that features great numbers and a major injury.
College Career
Josey was a star running back in high school and chose Missouri over TCU, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Purdue and Baylor in 2010. The Angleton, Texas native made his debut for the Tigers as a freshman with 437 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 13 games. Josey became the featured back as a sophomore and played in 10 games. He produced 1,168 rushing yards (with a ridiculous 8.1 YPC) and nine rushing touchdowns before suffering a catastrophic, season-ending knee injury against Texas. He was still named to the first-team All-Big 12.
Josey was forced to sit out his junior year due to the injury he suffered in 2011. He returned last season and did so in dominating form. He carried the ball 174 times for 1,166 rushing yards (6.7 YPC) and 16 rushing touchdowns. He finished his college career with 175 receiving yards. He was the 2013 Cotton Bowl's Offensive Player of the Game.
Combine Numbers
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 194 lbs.
Arm Length: 30 1/4"
Hands: 9 1/2"
40: 4.43 seconds
Bench Press: 20 reps
Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches
Broad Jump: 118.0 inches
3 Cone: 7.07 seconds
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.13 seconds
Strengths
Josey has good burst and can power through the middle of the defense despite his size. His speed flashes immediately upon receiving the ball in his hands. He is a fearless runner and willing blocker. Josey carries the ball well and rarely fumbles. He is surprisingly effective in the red zone and has a nose for the end zone. He has good hands despite not being asked to catch the ball frequently in college. He is deadly in open space.
Weaknesses
Josey is very small and takes big hits due to his playing style. He seems to have concentration issues at times and sometimes out-runs or runs into his blockers. He could stand to be a bit more patient. He missed his entire junior year with a major knee injury and that could be concerning given his size.
How He Fits
Josey has some kick return experience and could be of use as a backup option for Darren Sproles on two-back sets. Josey and Sproles are similar players and given the latter's age, it could make the younger back a bit more attractive to keep around. The fourth running back spot will likely come down to Josey, Fluellen and Matthew Tucker, which could be tough competition.
In Action
*Before you watch the game tape, watch this ESPN special on Josey.