2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Frank Gore Jr, RB Southern Mississippi
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Frank Gore Jr, a running back from Miami, Florida. At Miami Killian Senior High School, Gore played QB and RB, eventually becoming a 3-star recruit. After originally committing to Florida Atlantic University, Gore ended up at the University of Southern Mississippi.
At Southern Miss, Gore became the starting running back immediately as a freshman. While he put up modest numbers in his freshman and sophomore seasons, Gore broke out in his third full year and built on his gaudy numbers in his fourth year as a redshirt junior. In his final two seasons, Gore compiled 2513 rushing yards, 440 receiving yards, and 22 total touchdowns.
Given his collegiate production and pedigree, Gore is expected to be drafted on Day 3 of this year’s NFL Draft. If he can overcome his size limitations and step up to a new level of competition, he could stick to a team and make an impact in the near future.
Measurables
Height: 5’7″ (2nd-percentile)
Weight: 199 lbs (15th-percentile)
Age: 21.9
Class: Junior
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2020 | Southern Mississippi | CUSA | FR | RB | 10 | 121 | 708 | 5.9 | 2 | 9 | 97 | 10.8 | 1 | 130 | 805 | 6.2 | 3 |
| 2021 | Southern Mississippi | CUSA | FR | RB | 12 | 179 | 801 | 4.5 | 5 | 20 | 155 | 7.8 | 0 | 199 | 956 | 4.8 | 5 |
| *2022 | Southern Mississippi | Sun Belt | SO | 13 | 228 | 1382 | 6.1 | 9 | 19 | 219 | 11.5 | 0 | 247 | 1601 | 6.5 | 9 | |
| 2023 | Southern Mississippi | Sun Belt | JR | RB | 12 | 231 | 1131 | 4.9 | 10 | 27 | 221 | 8.2 | 3 | 258 | 1352 | 5.2 | 13 |
| Career | Southern Mississippi | 759 | 4022 | 5.3 | 26 | 75 | 692 | 9.2 | 4 | 834 | 4714 | 5.7 | 30 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Excellent vision with the ability to read blocks and leverage.
- Good contact balance.
- Decisive runner who hits the hole quickly.
- A solid receiver who can work well in the screen game.
Weaknesses
- Lacks the size necessary to be an early-down grinder.
- Routinely shutdown against top-tier talent.
- Not very elusive, which is a concern given his size.
- Relies on his speed too often, which is not elite.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Late Round 5/Early Round 6
Ideal Landing Spot: New England Patriots
Gore can come in immediately and help fill out the depth of the Patriots running back room. In return, he’ll get to learn behind at least Rhamondre Stevenson, if not another veteran back or two. The goal for Gore’s ultimate NFL and fantasy value should be to sit and learn how to become a complete NFL runner while also doing his best to pack on as much size as possible.
The Patriots have a ton of needs on the offensive side of the ball, and Gore helps to provide a reliable, if undersized, back who can help on special teams as well. Though he’s not truly elite at any one skill, he is much like his father in his feel for the game. The tape clearly shows that he reads blocks well, turns upfield quickly consistently finds holes, and sets up blocks to gain extra yards. He’s a gamer, and New England could use his mentality on their roster.
For Gore, his fantasy value promises to offer a slow burn. I’m not sure there’s a place he can walk into from Day 1 and take on a significant role. Perhaps Denver is another wide-open possibility, but somewhere where there’s time afforded him to learn and grow – physically and mentally – would be ideal.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Frank Gore Jr below.
