Miami Hurricanes RB DeeJay Dallas impresses NFL Combine experts
Miami Hurricanes running back DeeJay Dallas is more than his speed according to the NFL Combine experts on the NFL Network on Friday night in Indianapolis. Dallas projects to be a multi-dimensional player in the NFL.
After running a very solid 4.58 40-yard dash, Miami Hurricanes running back DeeJay Dallas received praise for his all-around game from NFL Network Daniel Jeremiah analyst and former NFL RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Dallas was excellent in pass protection, a good return man and a diverse runner in his one season as a starter.
Dallas ran for 693 yards and eight touchdowns and added 14 receptions for 140 yards and another two TDs in 10 games with the Miami Hurricanes in his junior season in 2019. Dallas decided to forego his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.
Dallas added 20 kick returns for 420 yards and 11 punt returns for 191 yards and TD in his Miami football career. In his Miami career, Dallas finished his Miami career with 2,555 all-purpose yards and scored an even 20 TDs. The Georgia native will provide an NFL team with a versatile player who will be a good locker room presence.
Andrew Ivins of Inside the U quoted Jeremiah during the NFL Network coverage of the Combine discussing the diverse game that Dallas will bring to an NFL team. Host Rich Eisen mentioned that Dallas’ ability in pass protection will project well in the NFL. Jeremiah was satisfied with Dallas’ time in the 40-yard dash.
"“That’s plenty good enough for him the way he plays…You want to talk about short yardage? This dude is a bulldog in short yardage. This is the best pass protecting back in the draft class in my opinion. That’s plenty good enough for him the way he plays. You want to talk about short yardage? This dude is a bulldog in short yardage.”"
Jones-Drew was impressed by Dallas a returner in his collegiate career. As the featured RB in 2019, Dallas only returned on kick and he did not return a punt. Dallas had a punt return for a TD against Pittsburgh in 2019.
"“He’s a returner too…And that’s the other thing, a lot of these other guys, when you watch their tape you see them punt returning or doing kick returns – that means they can make slight movements going full speed. That’s what you want. You want to get these guys out in space.”"
Dallas did not get to finish the regular season for Miami. He missed a game earlier in the season at Pittsburgh and was out for the final two games against Duke and Louisiana Tech after dislocating his elbow in the loss to FIU. Dallas is one of eight Miami football alums at the combine in Indianapolis this weekend.