• NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Shaka Taylor, RB, Nebraska Wesleyan University by Matt Anzio
• Player:  Shaka Taylor
• Position: Running Back
• School: Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Height: 5’ 11
• Weight: 215 lbs
• Projected Forty: 4.62
• Projected Round : UDFA
• Hometown: Norfolk Nebraska  ( Lincoln)
• Jersey Number: 34

Stats & Awards

• Career: 4664  Yards from scrimmage

• 2018

• 191 carries, 1040 yds, 7 TD’s 104 ypg.
• 44 catches, 473 yds & 5 TD’s Receiving
• First Team ARC
• Had 100 or more rushing yds in 7 games this season
• First RB in school History with 100 catches
• All Time Leader In Rush Yards for Wesleyan
• Career Leader in All Purpose Yards & TD’s for his school
• 22 carries, 210 yds 1 TD with 7 catches 54 yds vs Loras
• Bowl Invites FAF All American Bowl, PodyumAll Star &  Aztec Bowl

• 2017:

• 216 carries 1077 yds 5 TD’s 119.7 ypg.
• 57 catch, 607 yds & 6 TD’s Receiving
•  30 carries 230 yds, 1 TD, 9 catches for 134 & 2 receiving TD’s vs Simpson
• First Team All IIAC
• D-3 Football Team of the week member 2017

Diamond Report

In The Run Game:  

Strong powerful legs with good agility natural short quick  movement in his hips & bounce in his feet. Has a quick one cut & go style.Has the vision to see the blocks being set up & hits the hole straight forward full steam ahead. Most  definitely a North South runner was used primarily under center or shotgun in College. Has run some toss or stretch plays with effectiveness but i would have to see him against players of the same or higher level to truly evaluate.   Does run a little high would like to see him get his pad level lower at times. His effort is not in question he hits openings in stride for the extra yd or two short yardage goal line situations he could be useful for many NFL, CFL, AAF Arena team could help mold into a serviceable  redzone run threat. Can run outside on sweep or toss plays but would have to see it against tough competition to make an accurate evaluation. Excellent vision understanding of plays he can see the plays develop hit the holes follow his blocks. His Schools All Time Leader in rushing & 1st team All Pro for both 17-18 seasons. Two years in a row had over 1000 yard rushing seasons. Rarely goes down on the first hit strong stiff arm along with his thick thighs strong legs make him very difficult for DB’s & smaller LB’s to tackle. Can juke a guy here & there but he doesn’t dance around too much.  Adding the necessary muscle & power is going to be key for Taylor in the process leading up to the coming season. Has the attributes to develop into a goal line force at the next level. He has the right frame to build on he can get stronger even add extra short burst with the right training & his dedication.

In The Pass Game  Blocking & ST :

Watched him make many  big catches understands routes & very good with the ball in his hand. Solid YAC in the pass game. Strong hands can pluck the ball out the air consistently a threat in the pass game .Can be moved into the slot or even out wide he is a true student of the game. Quick break off at the top of routes. Dangerous in the open field  ability to make the tough catch fake out defenders. His size can come as an advantage against smaller DB’s finds the ball in the air sure handed does not give up on routes. He has shown the ability to block. Think in the right situation he could be a real asset in the pass blocking game. He has the size, intelligence & willingness to commit himself. Pair all that with Taylor’s determination to improve on his blocking skills. Blocking will be detrimental to Shaka’s success. Return specialist returned 24 kick returns for 478 yds while adding 19 punt return for 98 yds in his collegiate career.

Summary:

Taylor is a back with good size & good numbers with a ton of upside.

He has shown to be consistently improving every year since his season ending injuring in 2016. He has gone on to set multiple records as mentioned above & has been a 1000 yd rusher both years following the injury. Has shown to be a weapon in the pass game has the ability to get open make catches in traffic. Using his athleticism intelligence & love of the game.  He is a dependable in between the tackles runner, a pass catcher & return specialist. Need to see more of him as a blocker but that is something could see him excelling at ,especially cause he understands where he needs to improve. Pass protection has improved but it is an area he is working on as he prepares for his next chapter. The Son of a football coach & a sports management major it is fair to say Taylor has a love for the game of Football. Of course he would like to be playing but no matter the outcome think he will be working in the world of football in some facet. Would of liked to see him in a Bowl/All Star setting against other top small school ballers. He is attempting to showcase his talents at Nebraska’s pro day . That could put him on some talent evaluators radar. Could impress  in individual drills with a chance to showcase his lower body strength. Think he can really do well in the vert, broad & his 10 yd split. If he can show prominent upper body power by having a good number on the bench to match everything else then it is quite possible he could get that shot at his goal.