[Bamabeachlivin]

NAME: Jermaine Preyear
POSITION: Running back
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-11, 205
HOMETOWN/SCHOOL: Mobile/Davidson HS
SENIOR YEAR STATS: Rushed for 1,026 yards and eight touchdowns.
ESPN SCOUTS INC. GRADE/POSITION RANK: 77 (No. 5 FB)

LIKELIHOOD TO START IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2
LIKELIHOOD TO PLAY IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2

THE SKINNY
Like Chris Jordan and Ivan Matchett, Preyear is a talented player who is probably going to get another year to develop given Alabama's myriad of experienced backfield options. Preyear projects as a fullback in college eventually, and would probably be best served by redshirting as a true freshman and hitting the weights over the winter. As always, a rash of injuries could change that.

ESPN SCOUTS INC. EVALUATION
Most defensive coordinators will tell you that even though the inside trap is a very simple play schematically, it can become a major headache if you go against a fullback who runs it effectively. Jermaine Preyear could be one of those guys causing the major headaches at the college level. He is a bit of a tweener — does not have the ideal size to be a Division I pure fullback or the great perimeter speed you want in a tailback. He will end up as an I-formation fullback or potentially a versatile single-back in college. He is a good in-line runner — he hits the hole quickly but with a mix of patience and vision. He instinctively sets up blocks ahead of him. He makes subtle cuts at the line of scrimmage and just has a knack for getting through the initial trash. His size allows him to get hidden in traffic, and his quickness gives him the ability to slide into daylight. What impresses you is his ability to stay square to the line of scrimmage and keep such a low center of gravity. Even with that running style, he never exposes his whole body to solid hits, he has just enough elusiveness and vision to make quick lateral steps avoiding head on contact. Although right now he does not have the potential speed to get to the corner or be an outside zone threat in college, he has the straight-line speed to pop one through the middle for a big gain. The second gear might not be there, but he rarely gets caught from behind. With some coaching, he might be able to fine tune his running form in the open field. Right now, he tends to get upright and a bit stiff. He possesses nice hands and shows some athleticism catching the ball out of the backfield. His blocking ability has yet to be displayed, but he has the tools and instincts to potentially be an effective pass blocker. Not sure if he has the natural size to be an effective lead blocker on linebackers who are in the 240-pound range. Preyear is not a burner with crazy elusiveness nor does he always look extremely athletic. His upside is also limited physically, especially if put into a full-time fullback spot. However, he is a good, solid football player who will find a niche in a college offense and be effective. He has a way of taking something small and turning it into something special on the football field.
Story

[Stoney]

This is the go to guy on 3rd and 1.