Brandon Bourbon
Potosi High School (MO)
6’2″ 206 pounds
Running Back
Status: Undecided
Scouts, Inc. Grade: 75
On the Trail
Also Considering: BYU
Scouts, Inc. Evaluation
Bourbon certainly has an impressive combination of size and straight-line speed at the high school level which has allowed him to dominate his inferior level of competition. Is tall, thickly-built with broad shoulders; still lean enough to add 10-15 more pounds of bulk while retaining his current speed and athleticism. Hits the hole fast as a downhill runner but can still see and decisively hit the cutback. Runs with good vision and body control. Shows good lateral footwork for his size jump-cutting and sidestepping the first defender through the hole but feel his production at the next level, if he remains as a running back, will stem off plant and go downhill runs. Consistently breaks first contact with his strong frame. He shows good burst out of his cuts and accelerates to top speed quickly giving him good power through the second level. Very difficult for smaller defensive backs to arm-tackle when he lowers the shoulder with his strong upper-body. Will need to constantly be aware of running leverage at the next level but he does a good job of lowering the pads when he needs to and pushing the pile with strong leg drive. Can move the chains with his good speed and acceleration as well; consistently splits the closing safeties showing an extra gear when needing to separate. Overall, it’s difficult to tell whether Bourbon is as physically superior as he seems on film or his competition is just that weak. We question his hips and ability to pick and slide as a zone runner but either way his blend of size, speed and athleticism is very impressive. If he does not make it as a downhill, carry the load type back, this guy could make a heck of a safety or outside linebacker as well as a stud on special teams.
