Frank Gore Jr. witnessed a persistent, near robotic-like approach to the game of football from and up-close perspective for years.
He understands the grueling and violent nature of the sport. He knows the process of readying oneself for the punishment of playing running back. And he comprehends accomplishing greatness is an all-encompassing undertaking.
He learned all of this while being raised by his dad, Frank Gore, one of the most productive running backs in NFL history.
“I’ve seen it all,” Frank Gore Jr., who was a standout running back at Southern Miss, said at the NFL Combine. “I’m going to take the same steps so hopefully I have the same career.”
The son of the former NFL star believes he can earn his own spot as a pro. And his collegiate resume certainly indicates he will.
Frank Gore Jr. Draft Projection
I project Frank Gore Jr. will be selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Teams like the Chargers or Browns would be good fits.
Gore’s pedigree might make him more appealing to NFL teams in need of a running back.
“Helping me weather the storm, helping know what to look for, what not to look for, what to do, what not to do,” he said of how his father has helped him. “He’s been there every step of the way. Definitely had my back throughout every step.”
Is Frank Gore Jr. The Son Of Frank Gore?
Frank Gore Jr. is the son of NFL legend Frank Gore, who is third in NFL history with 16,000 career rushing yards. That’s behind only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton.
At the NFL Combine, Frank Gore Jr. spoke about the impact his father has had on him.
“It’s a blessing and it’s an opportunity,” he said. “I’m not going to shy away from my name. I am who I am. It’s a blessing to have this name. He had this name, he made it what it is. Now, I have the responsibility to take it further.”
What Was Frank Gore Jr.’s 40 Time?
Gore ran an unofficial 4.4-second 40 at Southern Miss’ Pro Day. He didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
He competed in one measurable exercise at the combine, which was the bench press. His 12 reps was good for 11th among running backs.
“I’ve been preparing for this moment all my life,” Gore said. “Blessed to be here.”
Frank Gore Jr.’s Stats And Highlights
Gore, at 5-foot-8, 201 pounds, was among the best Sun Belt running backs the past few seasons.
He was fifth in the conference in 2023 with 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 27 passes for 221 yards and three scores.
The year before, Gore was second in the Sun Belt with 1,382 yards to go with nine touchdowns rushing. He caught 20 passes for 221 yards as well, and that’s not to mention how he threw for 191 yards and four touchdowns on 8-of-15 passing.
Gore was on the All-Conference USA second team in 2020 after rushing for 708 yards and five touchdowns on 121 attempts. He was then on the all-conference honorable mention list in 2021 after a season in which he totaled 801 yards and five touchdowns on 179 attempts. He was also on the first-team all-conference special teams unit in 2022.
“I love Southern Miss,” Gore said. “It helped me become a man, matured me a lot. My coaches, my teammates, we’re all like a family. Still talk to them every day, to this day. I love Southern Miss, to be sure. I’m thankful I got to choose that school and thankful I got to play there for four years.”
Frank Gore Jr.’s NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Gore’s playing style in the NFL will be similar to LeSean McCoy and, of course, his father.
“I’m pretty similar to my dad,” Frank Gore Jr. said. “We have our similarities, but we’re also different in a way. We’re pretty similar. He groomed me, so of course we’re similar.”
“I would say I’m more agile, a little bit more lateral movement,” he added. “He’s more of a thumper, but I would say other than that, we’re pretty similar.”
Frank Gore Jr. possesses excellent vision. He obviously has a deep understanding of the game, and he seemingly knows where all of his linemen and the defenders are at all times. He understands leverage and pursuit angles, so he’ll get the most out of every run.
He also makes excellent decisions at the line of scrimmage. He usually finds the best lane to run through and makes his cuts at exactly the right moments.
Gore is a fluid runner, as he doesn’t need to slow down much to change directions. He’s also efficient with every stride and isn’t afraid to be physical as he’ll usually give defenders a stiff arm even when he knows he’s going out of bounds.
He’s elusive, even in small spaces. He can make a defender miss with one step, bounce off a tackle with a spin move, then run through an arm tackle all on the same play.
Gore was 12th in the country with 824 yards after contact and was tied for 15th with 67 missed tackles forced in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
He’s also versatile. He can block, as he was tied for 26th in PFF’s grades for pass blocking among running backs. He also lined up in wildcat formations and could run or pass in those situations. He also can catch the ball out of the backfield when needed.
Though he did tie for 15th in the FBS with 19 designed runs of 15-plus yards, his top-end speed might be an issue as he was occasionally chased down in the open field.
However, Gore should still be a pro running back for years to come.
“I’m going to set a higher bar for Frank Gore,” Gore said. “I’m going to put that name on the map, too.”
