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USF RB Marlon Mack adds dynamic player to backfield

By Evan Reller

Oct 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Marlon Mack (5) stiff arms Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Eric Wilson (23) in the first half at Nippert Stadium. The Bulls won 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Marlon Mack (5) stiff arms Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Eric Wilson (23) in the first half at Nippert Stadium. The Bulls won 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts added some speed and playmaking ability to their backfield with the addition of USF running back Marlon Mack.

USF RB Marlon Mack is an incredible athlete with breakaway ability who gives the Colts a nice change of pace back to the position. He can score anytime he touches the ball, but at times looks too much for the big play rather than just getting yards.

Mack has the rare ability to string together cuts and might be the most elusive back in the draft. He’s definitely a scat back and could turn into a ideal third down threat for the Colts.

He was very productive in his time at USF, setting a conference record with 3,609 rushing yards in his career. Mack finished with 4,107 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns.

The biggest knock on Mack will probably be ball security with four fumbles in 2016. It appears to be a technique problem (he carries the ball away from his body at times) but something that could be corrected.

From Pro Football Focus:

"Round 4, pick No. 143 overall: Marlon Mack, RB, South FloridaMarlon Mack is one of the best athletes out of the running back class, and it frequently shows up on tape. He gained 52 percent of his rushing yards on his 15 breakaway runs (15-plus yards), the fourth-highest breakaway percentage in the class. However, he also relies on his athleticism too much at times, trying to bounce runs and run East-West far too often instead of just taking what he can. If he can figure out the balance between the two, he may be a steal this late. — Matt Claassen,"

The value of this pick can’t be understated. The Colts didn’t reach early on a deep running back class and got a player with big play potential and speed at the position.

He’s got speed and is exceptional with space. Mack is also a good pass catcher, which is something the Colts desperately need from their running back (remember how good the red zone offense was with Ahmad Bradshaw catching passes).

Following the pick, Bleacher/Report draft scout had this to say:

The Colts are simply going down a punch list of needs in this draft. They’ve taken care of the secondary, pass rush, offensive line and now running back. All that is left is inside linebacker and depth.

The running back depth chart will start with Frank Gore, Robert Turbin, and then Marlon. That isn’t a bad trio at the position and with differing skill sets, give the Colts flexibility at the position.

While it remains to be seen how good these picks will be, Ballard is getting fans excited by adding dynamic players to the roster.

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