At first glance, Boston Scott's stats are not eye-popping. The Louisiana Tech running back ranks 81st in the FBS in rushing yards (665), 434th in yards per carry (5.5) and 81st in rushing touchdowns (seven).
Go beyond the surface and you'll see why Scott is one of the most elusive players in college football.
[divider]
Compare: CFB Teams | CFB Players
[divider]
The 5-foot-6, 203-pound senior had zero scholarship four years ago when he joined the Bulldogs as a preferred walk-on from Zachary, La., a small town 100 miles northwest of New Orleans.
"I loved football. I was going to show up, practice hard and, if things turned my way, I would run with it," he said last December.
Things turned his way — in a big, big way. After registering one carry as a redshirt freshman in 2014, he exploded for an 8.1 yards-per-carry average in 2015. The season-long numbers weren't huge (34 carries for 274 yards, one catch for one yard and zero touchdowns) but he became a weapon for an explosive offense and return specialist (27.9 yards per kickoff return).
Film Room: Gallup's Draft Stock is Soaring
Scott, who prior to the 2015 season was temporarily forced to leave to the team after being diagnosed with cramp-fasciculation syndrome — an extremely rare condition that causes involuntary muscle twitching and discomfort — doubled his carries as a junior last year while averaging 7.4 yards per tote and finding the end zone six times. He also became a legitimate receiving threat, adding 11 catches for 125 yards.
“I’ve always been impressed with how consistent he can be with his hands," quarterback Ryan Higgins said of Scott before the season. "Whether it’s a deep ball or a slant route or anything like that, he’s got a lot of attributes that I’m excited he’ll be able to show this next season.”
While his efficiency numbers have dipped slightly this year, he's still terrorizing defenses with an array of spins, jukes and the occasional truck stick. On 139 total touches, has had forced 37 missed tackles, giving him a Pro Football Focus elusive rating of 105.2, fourth-best among all FBS running backs.
His missed-tackle average (3.7 touches per missed tackle) is better than San Diego State's Rashaad Penny (4.1), Notre Dame's Josh Adams (4.4) and Alabama's Damien Harris (4.7).
Scott has a remarkably well-rounded, all-purpose game for his size. Rarely are diminutive college running backs not scheme- or system-dependent and they almost never have the power to be effective on between-the-tackles, goal-line runs.
Boston Scott's size and stats aren't enough to earn much attention at Louisiana Tech's Pro Day or an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine but the undersized, beat-the-odds running back has an all-around game, special teams experience and relentless attitude to warrant consideration as an undrafted free agent.
[divider]
NEXT: The Entire College Football Playoff Top 10 Could Remain the Same Next Week
