Overview Kenny Irons originally enrolled and played at South Carolina, but transferred (sitting out the 2004 season) because he wasn't assured of consistent playing time and he also wanted to play with his brother, David, who had signed with Auburn out of JuCo. Irons appeared poised to have a monster senior season and was a pre-season contender for the Heisman. Injuries and offensive ineffectiveness put a halt to that campaign and Irons struggled through a mediocre season.
Strengths Irons has good size and strength for the RB position. He's an explosive player who can get skinny to slide through even the smallest holes. He's patient and will ride a blocker waiting for a sliver of daylight to burst through. Irons has a very good darting running style that makes it hard for players to get a bead on him. He has tremendous balance and runs with a good, low pad level and a nice body lean. He can change direction without having to gather himself and can change speeds to throw off defenders. Even though he's primarily a runner who avoids contact, he's willing to run through a player at times, showing off surprising power. Irons also runs good routes out of the backfield.
Weaknesses Irons is quick and shifty, but he's not a burner. He was bothered by a number of injuries (turf toe, groin, ankle sprain, bone bruise) this past season. He probably needs to add some bulk to be able to take some more hits. Struggles a bit as a receiver as he doesn't have great ball-tracking skills when it's in the air and he body-catches. His hands are questionable, as demonstrated by a number of dropped passes during Senior Bowl practices. Irons is very effective when he has a hole, but he's really unable to create on his own despite his shiftiness and agility. Irons hasn't been asked to block much and doesn't look good doing it when he is asked.
Projection Irons was considered a sure first-rounder before the season began, but he had a number of flaws exposed this fall. He's still going to be the third or fourth back off the board, but he's unlikely to be selected in the first round now.
