A Closer Look At Eagles UDFA, Adrian Killins
Of all the Eagles UDFA’s, Adrian Killins is certainly the most elusive. The explosiveness surrounding his skillset makes him a very intriguing player.
Killins was a track star when he was in high school. In 2015 AK was named the Daytona Beach News-Journal 2015 Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year and won back to back Class 3A State Titles in the 200-meter zoom.
On the football field, Killins was listed a three-star recruit and ranked #26 amongst the RB’s in his class. Killins would go on to play College Football at UCF after graduating from Mainland.
During his tenure as a Knight, AK accounted for 4,361 all-purpose yards alongside 34 total TDs. Killins could line up anywhere on the Knights offense but saw the majority of his success out of the backfield. AK’s 406 rushing attempts were good enough for 2,459 career rushing yards and 25 TDs. Killins eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a game six times in his collegiate career. In a contest against Memphis in 2017, AK had an amazing 96-yard house call. An astounding 6.1 yards per carry also adds weight to AK’s impressive rushing resume.
2017 saw Killins best season on the ground, as the sophomore ran for 790 yards and 10 TDs.
On the receiving end, Killins caught 70 passes for nearly 900 yards (864) and eight TDs during his career at UCF. In his third season, Killins averaged 19.8 yards per catch on 19 receptions for 377 yards, in addition to finding the end-zone four times. Killins career-best in receptions in 2017. (25). Killins can even add value in the return game, as he posted up 1,038 kick return yards along the way.
At the next level, Killins will need some work if he hopes to become the complete back he was in college. His 5’8, 164 lb frame may be concerning to some at the next level. Pass protection could be difficult for the young back to pick-up at first. Many believe Killins will receive manufactured touches due to his stature. There is no doubt Killins will wow a lot of people in training camp, but his size may be a discrepancy in the NFL.
The Eagles have had their fair share of success with smaller backs throughout the team’s history.
The Coronavirus pandemic affected Killins in a major way since he was not able to participate at UCF’s Pro Day. AK was looking forward to the opportunity after not being invited to the NFL Combine.
“My film speaks for itself. Of course, the scouts want to see me run through specific drills and do certain things in person. But if you turn on my tape, I’m very versatile; as a punt returner, kick returner, a gunner on punts, as a running back and in the slot. I’m capable of doing a lot of things.”
Despite the circumstances, Killins was able to land in Philly where he will have a chance to make the roster as a rotational RB behind Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. Similar to the Eagles, UCF uses a “running back by committee” approach, meaning that AK is already used to splitting carries. The Eagles will not see any drop off in speed, whenever Killins enters the game. Although the time was not official, UCF once clocked Killins at a 4.39 during a 40-yard dash.
Look for Killins to be featured in a Darren Sproles type of role if he indeed makes the roster. The shiftiness in AK’s game allows him to be utilized as a jack of all trades from the RB spot.
Killins blistering speed will be able to provide lots of sparks for Philadelphia’s offense.
Featured Image: AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.
All stats courtesy of: UCFAthletics.com
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Categorized:Eagles