Height: 5-11
Weight: 203
Age: 23.4
40-Yard Dash: 4.51 (71st-percentile)
Speed Score: 98.1 (51st-percentile)
Burst Score: 115.4 (30th-percentile)
Agility Score: 11.47 (33rd-percentile)
Best Comparable: Jeremy Langford
Despite not being invited to the NFL combine, I’Tavius Mathers impressed scouts at Middle Tennessee State’s pro day with his route running and pass catching abilities. Unfortunately, his pro-day metrics do not stand out enough to set him apart from other running backs in this class. His above average 40-yard dash fails to make up for his deficiencies in lateral quickness: 11.47 Agility Score (33rd-percentile) and explosion: 115.4 Burst Score (30th-percentile). Additionally, his Speed Score of 98.1 (51st-percentile) is barely above league average among all running backs.
Although I’Tavius Mathers failed to take over a crowded backfield at Ole Miss, he led the team in total rushing yardage in 2013. Discontent with his playing time, Mathers opted to transfer to Middle Tennessee State and play in his hometown of Murfreesboro, Tenessee. After being forced to miss a season because of the NCAA’s transfer rules, Mathers bounced back in 2016 and posted a 31.7-percent College Dominator Rating (66th-percentile).
I’Tavius Mathers Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Over the course of 2016, I’Tavius Mathers carried the rock 232 times for a total of 1,561 yards (6.7 yards per carry, 90th-percentile) and 17 touchdowns. He was very productive in the passing game, catching 66 targets for 633 yards and three touchdowns. Mathers prove to be capable against stiffer competition when he played against Vanderbilt and Missouri. Against Vanderbilt, Mathers rushed 13 times for 65 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and caught six balls for 63 yards (10.5 yards per catch), before dominating against Missouri. He carried the ball 28 times for 215 yards (7.7 yards per carry), including a 71-yard touchdown. He also caught eight balls for 48 yards and a 4-yard touchdown.
I’Tavius Mathers may be drafted in the 7th round or signed as a UDFA, but he should be able to compete for a roster spot immediately. Mathers’s size + speed combo and prolific receiving ability should allow him to flourish on special teams and as a third-down back. Provided he’s on an NFL roster, dynasty players in deep leagues can feel comfortable selecting him at his current rookie ADP (undrafted).
