The New England Patriots could be on the hunt for their next great LSU product.
Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears is on hand for LSU’s pro day, The New Orleans Advocate’s Nick Underhill reported Friday. The Patriots also had a scout at the event, according to Underhill.
LSU has two running back prospects in the 2015 NFL draft: 5-foot-8, 213-pound Terrence Magee, who’s projected to be taken in the fourth or fifth round, and 6-foot, 226-pound Kenny Hilliard, who could go undrafted. LSU also has a top fullback prospect, Connor Neighbors.
Former LSU running back Kevin Faulk and Stevan Ridley have previously starred in the Patriots’ offense. Ridley also was present for LSU’s pro day, according to Underhill.
Magee finished his career with 226 carries for 1,330 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also contributed 24 receptions for 227 yards and three kick returns for 94 yards. Hilliard had 302 carries for 1,557 yards with 11 touchdowns in four seasons with the Tigers. He also had 11 catches for 69 yards with a touchdown.
Neither player impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. Magee didn’t run a 40-yard dash, citing a hamstring injury, but he had an unimpressive 7.52-second 3-cone and 4.37-second short shuttle. Hilliard ran a 4.83-second 40-yard dash, a 4.40-second short shuttle and a 7.17-second 3-cone.
LSU tweeted that Magee ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at Friday’s pro day and Hilliard improved his time to 4.50 seconds.
LSU’s top prospect is offensive lineman La’el Collins, who projects as either a tackle or a guard in the NFL. Cornerback Jalen Collins, pass rusher Danielle Hunter and linebacker Kwon Alexander also could be selected in the first two days of the draft.
Jalen Collins is 6-foot-1, 203 pounds and had a fantastic combine, running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and a 6.77-second 3-cone.
Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images
