CHRIS WELLS

ARPER

OHIO STATE

#28

PROJECTION:  Top 20 Overall     COMPARISON:  Larry Johnson

CLASS JUNIOR

HEIGHT 6-1

WEIGHT 235 lbs.

HOMETOWN Akron, OH

HIGH SCHOOL Garfield

BIRTHDAY 8/7/1988

SCOUTING REPORT

STRENGTHS: Excellent size & strength...Terrific athleticism...Amazing stiff arm & vision...Great balance

WEAKNESSES: Lacks elite speed & suddenness...Durability concerns...Somewhat unproven as a receiver

OVERALL: The consensus top high school running back in 2006, Chris “Beanie” Wells instantly contributed for the Buckeyes as a freshman, including a 52 yard touchdown run against Michigan. He became the starter as a sophomore when Antonio Pittman left early for the NFL and Wells stepped up to rush for over 1,600 yards, including 222 yards on the ground vs. Michigan, the most for any Buckeye against the school up north. As a junior, Wells didn’t match the same production mostly because he was hindered by a few different injuries, including a foot injury that caused him to miss three games. He has a remarkable combination of size, strength, and quickness. Wells doesn’t have elite speed, but much better acceleration than one would think by his appearance. He is powerful and will break through tackles. Wells is a master of the stutter-step as he uses his patience to set up defenders to miss in the open field. He has terrific balance and is tough to bring down by just one tackler. Wells has fantastic vision and one of the best stiff arms (if not the best) in this draft. He has some durability concerns because of his physical running style and has an injury history with his foot, ankle, and a few other minor bumps and bruises. Wells, who has shown he is willing to block in the backfield, is also unproven as a receiver as he collected only 15 receptions over his three-year career in Columbus. He does have an explosive burst and isn’t afraid to leave his feet (see Illinois game).

BOTTOM LINE: A player that needs to stay healthy, Beanie Wells looks the part of an NFL running back. He has a quick burst off the snap, picks up steam as he gets downfield, and has a powerful stiff arm.

2008 STATISTICS