Kobe Pace, RB, Virginia
Size:
Height: 5’9” (v) | Weight: 207 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“Kobe Pace showcases a blend of speed and downhill power that, with the right development, could compete in camp for an NFL roster spot.”
Strengths:
Acceleration
Hands and creativity in space
Contact balance
Concerns:
Longevity
Short-area quickness
Consistency
Film Analysis:
Kobe Pace showcases a blend of speed and downhill power that, with the right development, could compete in camp for an NFL roster spot. He’s a former Clemson transfer who has shown the ability to do a little bit of everything for an offense and on special teams.
A primary outside zone runner, Pace looks to stretch runs to the fringe areas at a high rate. Good foot turnover to turn the corner but a shortened gate fails to see Pace gain ground at a rapid pace to pull away from defenders (Boston College). Showcases good vision to locate vacant alleys and has no issue in getting skinny through occupied gaps. Leaves the mesh point at a high rate of speed, but showcasing more patience to allow blocks to develop will serve him well moving forward. Excellent ball security in tight spaces (one fumble in 279 career carries). Pace can power through arm tackles and he does a nice job of cutting angles tightly behind blocks. Will stretch runs to the perimeter only to place his outside foot in the ground and cut upfield just inches away from linemen.
In space, Pace thrives as a pass-catcher (three TDs in 2023). Limited work thus far in his career as a route-runner but it remains an intriguing part of his prospect profile. Has experience in the flat, as well as pressing vertically on wheel routes. Creative runner after the catch that showcases good start-stop ability and a hunger to gain every extra inch. Speed really showcases in the open grass where the first defender to contact rarely brings Pace to the turf. Has a knack for creating chunk plays on designated touches and more targets will further showcase his ability away from the line of scrimmage.
Concerns remain about his patience and vision at the line of scrimmage. Pace must work on tempoing his speeds to allow blocks to develop up front. Can often bounce off linemen’s backs as the play develops in an effort to hit the alley before the gap is created. Cutback vision has not showcased itself consistently on tape, either. Despite Pace’s light workload at Clemson and now Virginia, injury concerns will also remain an issue to note.
Overall, Pace projects as a rotational piece within an offense whose ability in the open field also showcases a potential special teams contributor with new kickoff rules in place.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Duke (2023), James Madison (2023), Louisville (2023)
