UCF running back Adrian Killins signed a two-year contract with the Eagles earlier this week. Killins was un-drafted coming out of the 2020 NFL draft. The Eagles signed him a few days after the draft and he was on the practice squad for most of the 2020 season. He did, however, play for the Eagles during week 4 of the regular season against the 49ers, but Killins did not produce. He was released from the practice squad at that point, but was re-signed to a two-year deal on Thursday. It is time for another Eagles player spotlight on Eagles running back Adrian Killins.
Killins had a solid college football career while being with the Golden Knights. During his freshmen year at UCF, Killins had 325 rushing yards along with four touchdowns. He also got involved with in the passing game with 198 receiving yards. Killins broke out in a big way during his sophomore year. He tripled his yardage from his freshmen year, as he rushed for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 169 receiving yards with one receiving touchdown coming from that.
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During his senior year, he did not get as many rushing yards. as he had 715 yards during that year. He also had four rushing touchdowns. The area that Killins really excelled at is the passing game. He had a career high 377 receiving yards along with four receiving touchdowns. He lost some production during his senior year at UCF as he had 629 passing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Killins also had 120 receiving yards and one passing touchdown.
Killins is a smaller back at 5-foot-8 and weighing in at 164 pounds. Killlins is a speedy running back that is a jack of all trades. Re-signing Killins fits the game plan that the Eagles have in 2021. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni wants to use their running backs more in the passing game. This is perfect a running back to do exactly that with as he has substantial experience as a passing back at Central Florida. The Eagles can get the ball to Killins in the flat and he can use his speed and elusiveness to get pass defenders and produce big plays. Killins also has enough speed to get open on wheel routes and other longer routes that can get the Eagles down field. The Eagles running back also has blazing open field speed and can just about outrun anyone in the NFL
Killins is also great at just being a regular running back. He knows how to find holes in the defense and shed tackles when he needs to. Special teams is also an area that the Eagles can use Killins. He is an dangerous kick returner. He averaged 15 to 25 yards per return during his time at UCF. Killins had a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown during his freshmen year at UCF. So not only is Killins a running back and a receiver, but he can also be a playmaker on special teams.
Killins does have something that prevents teams from giving him a chance, which is his size. Killins, as said above, is only 5-foot-8. This should not be a problem in the NFL as a lot of these smaller players, especially running backs, had success in the NFL. A prime example would be former Eagle, Darren Sproles, Saints running back, Alvin Kamara and Eagles running back, Boston Scott. These running backs all have something in common, the ability for defenses to lose site of them and before they know it, they’re sprinting to the end-zone. Do not give up on Killins making an impact in the NFL simply because of his size.
Killins will more than likely not get much playing time in 202, as he is still crafting his skills for the NFL. If the Eagles start struggling, then there is a possibility that he can get some reps in games. If Killins can manage to impress when he gets these opportunities then he can definitely be a dangerous player in the NFL. The future for the former UCF star is unknown, but Sirianni’s offensive scheme could be perfect for Killins to have success in the NFL. This is an Eagles player spotlight on Adrian Killins.
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