Ever since Indiana's season ended with a win over Purdue in late November there has been a good deal of speculation about whether standout wide receiver Tandon Doss would return for the 2011 season. The Indianapolis native put an end to those questions today when he announced that he will forego...[details]
Notes: Played receiver, running back and returner as an Indiana prep. As a true freshman in 2008 (wore jersey No. 81), caught 14 balls for 186 yards (13.3-yard average) and one touchdown in eight games. Missed four contests because of shoulder and knee injuries. Was the Hoosiers' leading receiver in '09 when he started 10-of-12 games (yielded starts to Demarlo Belcher) and produced 77-962-5 (12.5) while returning 25 kickoffs for 533 yards (21.3) and four punts for 44 yards (11.0). Established an IU single-season kickoff-return-yards record in '10 when he started all 11 games played, racking up 63-706-7 (11.2) receiving, 28-163-1 (5.8) rushing, 41-1,016 (24.8) on kickoff returns and 7-49 (7.0) on punt returns. Sat out the season opener against Towson while nursing a groin injury and did not work out after having surgery on Dec. 12.
Positives: Good body length. Has a feel for the game and is very instinctive. Crafty route runner. Sinks his hips in transition. Understands coverages and is effective against zone - settles into soft spots. Light on his feet. Terrific hand-eye coordination and body control to adjust to throws. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Reliable catcher - very soft hands to pull in everything in his radius. Catches and turns upfield. Good two-year production.
Negatives: Needs to get stronger - too easily bumped off routes. Lacks top-end burst and acceleration (duck-footed runner). Is a bit straight-linish. Not explosive in and out of cuts. Can be more aggressive working back to throws. Was not asked to run a full route tree. Not creative after the catch, and run strength is just average. Soft blocker. Average returner. Has a passive playing temperament and can be more physical.
Summary: Very sticky-handed, competitive, productive zone beater with experience playing the slot. Is not an explosive, playmaking athlete but is a sound route runner who can make a living getting open and moving the chains in similar fashion to a T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a team such as the Colts, Saints or Giants.
NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.
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