NATIONAL SCOUT
IAN FINNEN
PROSPECT PROJECTION
BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 7TH
One of the top prospects to come out of South Florida in the modern recruiting era and the type of wide receiver that will give opposing defenses fits given the rare combination of his size, speed and hands. Wasn’t always the biggest kid, but looks ready to go after checking into the All-American Bowl at a shade under 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Can simply overpower defensive backs with his imposing frame, but is way more than just some contested-catch specialist as he has proven to be a dynamic route runner that will attack leverage and sink his hips to create separation. Has made a number of highlight-reel worthy grabs over the years – including a nifty one-handed snag on ESPN2 as a senior – and tends to come down with whatever enters his orbit as he uses superb body control and impressive concentration to secure the prize. Does not get enough credit for what he does after the catch as he can evade tackles and out-run traffic to create big gains. Checks off box after box for talent evaluators as he has NFL bloodlines and is also a decorated track athlete, having captured gold medals in both hurdle events as a junior. Extensive body of work, which includes dozens and dozens of in-person evaluations, suggests that he’s the safest bet in the 2024 cycle and a future playmaker for a College Football Playoff contender that can handle a high-volume of targets. Will need to keep perfecting his craft, but should see the field early on in collegiate career and then eventually suit up on Sundays as a Day 1 selection.