STRENGTHS: Narrow frame, but good thickness and muscle tone on his body. Runs with a physical temperament and good body strength, lowering his pads to plow into defenders at the line of scrimmage and run through arm tackles. Works off contact with his aggressive run style and toughness to finish carries, almost always falling forward.
Hits his top speed quickly with long-striding acceleration and natural burst. Races away from defenders with his striding long-speed to hit the home run, posting an impressive touchdown distance of 40.3 yards and leading the country with eight 60-yard runs in 2014.
Doesn't have any trouble changing directions with excellent balance. Sees the field well with vision to read blocks and find holes, making himself skinny and keeping his pads square to the line of scrimmage.
Soft hands as a receiver and reliable catching the ball in space or tight spaces. Nice job bodying up defenders in pass protection and not shy about extending his arms and being aggressive with his hands, showing a lot of promise in this area. Has experience as a return man on kickoffs and could fill that role in the NFL if needed.
Durable and toughs his way through minor bumps and bruises. Displays stamina and didn't wear down late in games, averaging 8.4 yards per carry in the second half of games in 2014. Strong character on the field and away from the game, earning high praise from his coaches for his work ethic and accountability. Impressive production, averaging 142.6 rushing yards per start and 7.5 yards per carry the last two seasons as the full-time starter.
WEAKNESSES: High pad level can be an issue at times due to his taller stature, making a big target for tacklers. Tapered and slender frame and near maxed out physically, lacking ideal body type for the position. Average power and doesn't run with much shock to deliver hits.
Lacks the creative elusiveness to dance his way out of trouble in the open field, showing more of a one-cut style to dart through creases. Has some tightness in his running style, struggling to fluidly change directions on a dime. Will chop his feet at times when the hole isn't there and shows some indecisiveness at the line of scrimmage. Good field speed at the second level, but will never be the fastest player in an NFL stadium.
Ball security has room for improvement, especially at the contact point, with four fumbles (three lost) in 2014.
COMPARES TO: DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys - With similar body types and run styles, Coleman mirrors a lot of what Murray does on the football field, running with athleticism, toughness and the home-run ability to carry an offense.
