I was and am a huge fan of the Falcons' 2011 Draft class. Huge fan.
One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with the class was because of the Falcons' fifth-round pick — Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
There's so much to like about this kid. On the field, he brings a dynamic ability out of the backfield. He can definitely run the ball if you hand it off to him, but he's a big wildcard in the passing game in checkdown situations.
Quarterback Matt Ryan has to love the new option coming out of the backfield in Rodgers, as he'll now have yet another weapon to utilize in the passing game.
Quizz caught 78 passes during 2009 and averaged more than 6 yards per catch for his college career. While only scoring five touchdowns on passes, it's a wonder how many of his 46 career rushing touchdowns were set up by his abilities in the passing game.
Right after the 2011 NFL Draft, a lot of the focus was on first-round pick Julio Jones, but Rodgers could easily be the steal of the entire Draft.
KVAL CBS caught up with Rodgers after the Draft during the Oregon State spring game, and Rodgers had some great things to say about being drafted by the Falcons and what he can bring to the offense.
One of my favorite comments from Rodgers in the interview came from when he was asked how he sees himself fitting in here. Rodgers said first and foremost, he's going to work hard and not be content with just making it to this level. You've got to love that kind of confidence, attitude and work ethic in a rookie.
By the way, yes, that's Quizz on the cover of EA Sports' NCAA Football 2010.
Check him out below:
