After a disappointing campaign in 2022, Ulysses Bentley IV is ready to make a difference for Ole Miss in 2023. What does the RB offer the Rebels, what do his NFL Draft prospects look like, and how does his scouting report read?
Ulysses Bentley IV Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 200 pounds
- Position: RB
- School: Ole Miss
- Current Year: Senior
Bentley was under-recruited from C.E. King High School in Houston, Texas. The running back received offers from Syracuse, Houston, Sam Houston State, and Northwestern State but chose SMU over them all.
He exploded onto the scene in Dallas as a redshirt freshman, totaling 913 yards and 11 TDs while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught 21 passes for 174 yards.
But Bentley took a back seat to Tre Siggers in 2021 and transferred to Ole Miss in 2022. He was expected to be part of a dynamic RB trio, but torn ligaments in both of his wrists made him an afterthought in his first season with the Rebels.
Ulysses Bentley IV Scouting Report
Strengths
- Explosive burst at all three levels
- Creative at second and third level
- Has balance and agility to string together moves
- Long-speed to be a home-run threat
- He has impressive pinball skills for his size
- Hard runner with good leg drive
Weaknesses
- Injuries hampered production
- Older prospect
- His overall ability is limited by his smaller frame
- He can be impatient and run into his blockers
Current Draft Projection and Summary
After gaining fanfare for his explosive potential while playing for the SMU Mustangs, the hype around Bentley has almost completely subsided. Injuries plagued his first year after transferring to the SEC, and now he must also battle the race against time as an older RB prospect.
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His insane burst and creativity will intrigue coaches, but he’ll need to prove valuable as a returner during the season. His profile suggests he should play a role as a return man, given his speed, vision, and creativity in space.
But a few explosive plays in the SEC and proof of his abilities as a pass catcher and pass protector out of the backfield would also go a long way for him. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him catch on in the NFL as a change-of-pace or third-down back if he can provide upside there.
