Film Room: Jalen Knox

Matt Hamilton is a former college graduate assistant and currently works for the NFL Network. Throughout the year, he breaks down the film of Tiger commitments for PowerMizzou.com. Here is Hamilton's analysis of 2018 receiver Jalen Knox.

Knox is a dynamic playmaker who can line up at receiver and in the backfield. An "offensive weapon" more than a true RB, not the type to get 15-20 carries a game, but can be utilized in on jet sweeps, screens, as a vertical threat, on kick returns, options, etc. Not saying he's going to have this type of impact, but in terms of a pure usage standpoint, I see him being used similarly to how the Chiefs employed Tyreek Hill last season.

He has good burst and excellent top end speed. Just effortless as a runner, gains ground in the open field even when he takes his foot off the gas. Is a natural pass catcher with a surprisingly wide catch radius. Not the most elusive runner, won't break many ankles in the open field, but has very good vision and finds daylight.

Also love the effort level he displays away from the ball as a blocker. Has a relentless mentality, best exemplified on one interception where he tracks the defender down from 20 yards away to prevent a TD.

Over the past few years, we're seeing the emergence of these types of playmakers that can line up all over the field. Whether you look at Hill or Carolina Panthers draftees Christian McCaffery and Curtis Samuel, these running back/receiver hybrids are becoming increasingly prevalent (and valuable), as they allow offenses to run a wide variety of looks out of the same personnel grouping. This is especially helpful when you're running a no huddle offense and want to keep the same personnel on the field and prevent the defense from substituting. Overall, while I'm not ready to put him in the category of those three players, Knox has the playmaking ability and versatility to make a significant impact and add another layer to Josh Heupel's system.