Report: Colts Interview Illinois St. RB Marshaun Coprich; “High on Skillset”
According to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts talked with Illinois St. running back Marshaun Coprich following his pro day workout on Wednesday:
Illinois State RB Marshaun Coprich (4.38 40-yard dash combine), 38-inch vertical at Pro Day, ran WR routes, talked with Colts, Bears today
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2016
It coincides with a report from DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline, who also said the Colts interviewed Coprich on Wednesday and are “very high on his skillset“.
The 5’8″, 207 pound running back roared for the Redbirds last season, amassing 1,967 rushing yards (2nd most in FCS) on 321 carries (6.1 ypc avg) and 23 rushing touchdowns.
He finished his Redbirds career as the university’s all-time leading rusher in yards (5,195), attempts (926), touchdowns (59), all-purpose yards (5,800), points scored (362), and total touchdowns (60). Not to mention, every Illinois St. single-season rushing record as well.
His 5,195 career rushing yards rank 2nd in MVFC history.
Coprich doesn’t come without some off-the-field concerns; however as per NFL.com:
"“He was arrested before his senior season for trying to sell marijuana to an undercover police officer. His suspension was lifted after agreeing to a first-time offender program and performing community service.”"
While Frank Gore remains solid starting, the Colts could clearly use a long-term answer at the position, as the veteran running back turns 33 years old in May.
General Manager Ryan Grigson indicated at the annual meetings that despite recently signing running backs Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman, the Colts could still be in the market for another running back:
"“But again, we’re probably not done there either (at running back),” said Grigson. “There’s a lot of good backs that you can get like Vick Ballard.”"
By all indications, if any character concerns check out, Coprich sounds like an intriguing mid-late round prospect (via his NFL.com draft profile):
"SOURCES TELL US“He’s not Darren Sproles, OK? I’ve heard that on the road and I don’t see it. He is a good running back though. He’s small but he runs well.” — NFC North area scout"
"NFL COMPARISONJacquizz RodgersBOTTOM LINEWhile he lacks height, he does not lack a willingness to make a living among the wide bodies as a zone-scheme runner. He has the elusiveness and burst to gain yards on the NFL level, but he is more of a volume-carry runner than a change-of-pace back. Coprich has pass-catching potential and some kick returning in his background which could help his cause, but his prior arrest and current probation could make NFL teams a little nervous come draft time."
In fact, one could make the case that Coprich could be a sleeper:
Illinois State RB Marshaun Coprich is a fun back to watch. Rocked up at 5-8, 207. If he answers questions about character, he could rise.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 4, 2016
Five underrated 2016 prospects:
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) March 4, 2016
1. Joe Schobert, LB
2. Connor McGovern, G
3. Kevin Peterson, CB
4. James Cowser, OLB
5. Marshaun Coprich, RB
It’ll be interesting to see if the talented running back prospect ultimately ends up in Horseshoe Blue, as the team could use a young talented running back in their stable.