R.C. Fischer

Rookie Scouting Reports

24 April 2025

Let's look at my favorite OL prospect of 2025, and why he is just that...

R.C. Fischer

Rookie Scouting Reports

23 April 2025

Our current grading/ranking of the 2025 NFL Draft prospects by position group...

Ross Jacobs

Rookie Scouting Reports

23 April 2025

Ross Jacobs takes a look at the NFL's consensus highest rated guard. 

Ross Jacobs

Rookie Scouting Reports

21 April 2025

Scouting a potential 1st-round OL talent with questions on some character/background.

Ross Jacobs

Rookie Scouting Reports

19 April 2025

Let's take a look at the hottest OL name in the 1st-round group...

R.C. Fischer

Rookie Scouting Reports

18 April 2025

Let's take a look at the new FCS/Pro Day sensation RB to see if there's something real here.

*Our RB grades can and will change as more information comes in from Pro Day workouts, leaked Wonderlic test results, etc. We will update ratings as new info becomes available.

*We use the term “Power RB” to separate physically bigger, more between-the-tackles–capable RBs from our “Speed RBs” group. “Speed RBs” are physically smaller, but much faster/quicker, and less likely to flourish between the tackles.

When UC-Davis star RB Lan Larison posted Pro Day reported numbers of a 4.5+ 40-time and a sub-7.0 three-cone with an impressive 21 bench reps at 5’10”+/209...my text and email lit up. People wanting to know what we think about this sudden hot/buzz RB out of the FCS ranks. The draftniks, always looking for their hidden gem prospect (and rightfully so to pursue/seek) to plant a flag on and scream ‘my sleeper’ on all the social medias -- they are also stoking the flames on Larison. ‘Next Christian McCaffrey’ talk is the typical hyperbolic headlines that get clicks and views. I get it...’this is the business we have chosen’.

I can’t say that my interest wasn’t piqued when the Pro Day data hit...it made me go scramble to YouTube to get a preview of what this thing was...and he looked pretty good, so I had to set out an accelerated plan to study him deeper.

Two things, right away, to set the tone...

1) The initial speed reports from Pro Days can be deceiving. I see 4.57 40-time times reported, but I’ve also seen ‘official’ reports at 4.60. If you’re 209 pounds and run in the 4.6s...that’s not historically ‘good’ for a translation to the league.

And a 4.6 runner at the FCS level can look like a 4.4s guy running by everyone, but it’s an optical illusion on tape...running by everyone on the Texas A&M-Commerce defense is a lot different than doing so versus actual Texas A&M.

2) The first thing that came to mind seeing the Pro Day reports and looking at a few minutes of tape was...a year ago ‘this guy’ (the FCS RB sleeper) was Dylan Laube...and where did that get him in the draft/league? And it’s important to compare Laube to Larison for their similar FCS careers and physiques.

5’10”/206, 4.54 40-time, 1.60 10-yd, 23 bench reps, 37” vert., 4.02 shuttle, 6.84 three-cone = Dylan Laube, New Hampshire (2024 Combine)

5’10”/209, 4.60 40-time, 1.67 10-yd, 21 bench reps, 35.5” vert., 4.21 shuttle, 6.93 three-cone = Lan Larison, UC-Davis (2025 Pro Day)

On paper, Dylan Laube is measurables-better than Larison in every category...but both have attributes that translate ‘hopeful’ to the NFL.

And it may seem that I am saying that Laube ended up a bust, of sorts, barely playing in 2024 -- but I think Antonio Pierce was a horrible head coach who didn’t use Laube because of his own stupidity. There’s still hope ahead for Laube.

Let’s compare Laube and Larison, tape-wise...

But first...we have to note that Laube was a big FCS success, but so was Larison -- a 284-1,465-17 rushing, 62-847-6 receiving (14g) season in 2024. Larison brings more than just ‘good measurables’ to the table...similar to Laube, who crushed it in the FCS as well.

My tape study of Larison conclusions -- he’s not bad...a solid enough runner but lacks the big speed you’d want translating to the next level...but he’s a smart, quick enough runner to at least try and make an NFL roster. A lot of receiving game work but didn’t overwhelm me with his hands...good enough routes, good transition to after the catch, good enough hands -- but nothing special in any area. Just good/possible fringe NFL worthy.

Dylan Laube, by comparison scouting (as a receiver), was a much better route runner...like a WR...better hands and routes and more physical after the catch...arguably the best receiving RB talent in last year’s draft.

Overall, I think Larison is not-nothing, but he’s also not striking me as ‘watch out for this guy to become a star!’. A smart young man, hard worker, talented enough to maybe make an NFL roster in a year or two of being on the practice squad...draftable very late maybe in past years but probably is a UDFA in this loaded class.

Lan Larison, Through the Lens of Our RB Scouting Algorithm:

 -- 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year.

 -- 2023 and 2024 FCS All-American

 -- I saw this stat on the internet, and thought I’d share it here because it is interesting:

Highest receiving ypg amongst all RB prospects since 2013..

Dylan Laube, New Hampshire (69.9)

LAN LARISON, UC-DAVIS (60.5)

Desmond Reid, Pitt (52.6)

Antonio Gibson, Memphis (52.5)

Travis Etienne, Clemson (49.0)

Saquon Barkley, Penn. State (48.6)

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (47.4)

CAM SKATTEBO, ARIZONA STATE (46.5)

Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (46.1)

Evan Hull, Northwestern (45.5)

Tyrone Tracy, Purdue (45.3)

Joe Mixon, Oklahoma (44.8)

Todd Gurley, Georgia (44.1)

2025 Measurables:

5’10.4”/209

9.75” hands, 30.125” arms

4.60 40-time, 2.70 20-yd, 1.67 10-yd

4.21 shuttle, 6.93 three-cone

21 bench press reps

35.5” vertical

9’11” broad jump

The Historical RB Prospects to Whom Lan Larison Most Compares Within Our System:

Laube is the obvious comp, but I still think Larison is lesser than Laube but greater than Tyler Hoosman (#2 comp). The comp list is mostly good athletes from the FCS who have been fringe or never-were NFLers. Hopefully, Laube and Larison can break that mold...

*A score of 8.50+ is where we see a stronger correlation of RBs going on to become NFL good/great/elite. A score of 10.00+ is more rarefied air in our system and indicates a greater probability of becoming an elite NFL RB.

All of the RB ratings are based on a 0-10 scale, but a player can score negative, or above a 10.0 in certain instances.

Overall rating/score = A combination of several on-field performance measures, including refinement for strength of opponents faced, mixed with all the physical measurement metrics—then compared/rated historically within our database and formulas. More of a traditional three-down search—runner, blocker, and receiver.

*RB-Re score = New/testing starting in 2015. Our formula/rating that attempts to identify and quantify a prospect’s receiving skills even deeper than in our original formulas. RB prospects can now make it/thrive in the NFL strictly based on their receiving skills—it is an individual attribute sought out for the NFL, and no longer dismissed or overlooked. Our rating combines a study of their receiving numbers in college in relation to their offense and opponents, as well as profiling size-speed-agility along with hand-size measurables, etc.

*RB-Ru score = New/testing starting in 2015. Our formula/rating that attempts to classify and quantify a RB prospect’s ability strictly as a runner of the ball. Our rating combines a study of their rushing numbers in college in relation to their offense and strength of opponents, as well as profiling size-speed-agility along with various size measurables, etc.

Raw Speed Metric = A combination of several speed and size measurements from the NFL Combine, judged along with physical size profile, and then compared/rated historically within our database and scouting formulas. This is a rating strictly for RBs of a similar/bigger size profile.

Agility Metric = A combination of several speed and agility measurements from the NFL Combine, judged along with physical size profile, and then compared/rated historically within our database and scouting formulas. This is a rating strictly for RBs of a similar/bigger size profile.

2025 NFL Draft Outlook:

Larison is tracking more undrafted than 7th-round pick in the consensus right now. I’ll bet ‘undrafted’ is what happens. Too many good RB prospects this year for Larison to be assured of a draft pick.

If I were an NFL GM, I’d have Larison on my UDFA potential list...but not going crazy to pursue it.

NFL Outlook:  

Like most FCS star RBs...it will be an NFL grind ahead of him, and landing spot and luck will be the biggest factors to give Larison a chance to show what he can do. It’s always a tall hill to climb for these types of players.  

*GROK 3.0 Scouting Report (350-word to compare and contrast the mainstream scouting)

Lan Larison, a 6’0”, 215-pound running back from UC Davis, is a 2025 NFL Draft prospect who epitomizes versatility, bringing a dynamic skill set from the FCS level. A fifth-year senior from Caldwell, Idaho, Larison transitioned from a dual-threat quarterback at Vallvue High School—where he was a two-star recruit—to a multi-faceted weapon at UC Davis. Over five seasons (2020-2024), he amassed 6,504 all-purpose yards and 51 touchdowns, setting program records for single-season (2,387 in 2024) and career all-purpose yards. In 2024, he led the FCS with 853 receiving yards as a running back, adding 1,465 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns on 284 carries and 62 receptions, earning a Walter Payton Award nomination and Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year honors [Web ID: 2] [Web ID: 5] [Web ID: 19].

Larison excels as a one-cut, downhill runner, displaying patience and elite vision to find late-opening holes in inside zone and power schemes. His short-area quickness, burst, and contact balance—churning through tackles with a strong lower half—make him tough to bring down, averaging 5.7 yards per carry career-wide. As a receiver, he’s a natural, with 127 receptions for 1,626 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing smooth route-running, reliable hands, and the ability to high-point jump balls [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 1] [Web ID: 2]. His 2024 pro day (4.46-second 40, 35.5-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump) highlighted his athleticism, especially after ankle surgery limited his offseason [Web ID: 12]. Larison also adds value as a return specialist and wildcat quarterback, occasionally throwing passes [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 6].

However, Larison’s lack of top-end speed limits his home-run potential, making him more of a grinder than a breakaway threat. His ball security is a concern, with four fumbles in 2024 after none earlier in his career, a red flag for NFL teams [Web ID: 13]. He also struggles in pass protection, lacking technique and power, and his modest short-yardage ability may cap his role as a third-down back rather than a bell-cow [Web ID: 1] [Web ID: 6]. The FCS competition level raises questions about his ability to adjust to NFL speed and physicality [Web ID: 7].

Larison projects as a Day 3 pick or high-priority UDFA, best suited for a West Coast or spread offense that maximizes his receiving skills and versatility. Teams like the New Orleans Saints, who scouted him closely, see him as a rotational back with special teams upside, drawing comparisons to Sione Vaki for his do-it-all mentality [Web ID: 0] [Web ID: 2] [Web ID: 12]. While his ceiling may be limited, Larison’s diverse skill set makes him a valuable depth piece with immediate third-down potential.

R.C. Fischer

Rookie Scouting Reports

18 April 2025

An update to our original Ollie scouting report from Feb. 2025. 

Ross Jacobs

Rookie Scouting Reports

16 April 2025

Let's take a look at the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

R.C. Fischer

Rookie Scouting Reports

15 April 2025

Let's look at one of the most overlooked RBs in this draft class...

R.C. Fischer

Rookie Scouting Reports

14 April 2025

Let's examine the 2024 NCAA leader in receptions and receiving yards, which is shocking for a real TE...