Former Utes RB Moss Says His Best Asset To An NFL Team Is ‘Knowledge Of The Game’

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Former Utah Utes running back Zack Moss said that his best asset to an NFL team is his “knowledge of the game.”

Moss spoke to CBS Sports during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, February 26.

The former Utah RB highlighted his ability to be a “good student of the game” as his best asset to an NFL team looking to draft him this spring.

“Honestly, my knowledge of the game. I feel like I’m a pretty good student of the game,” said Moss. “I have a very high capacity to try and learn this game and continue to learn this game.”

Good luck at the #NFLCombine @PresMoss2 … blow them away with your 𝒶𝓇𝓉𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸 𝒶𝒷𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎 pic.twitter.com/doDpzirkGX

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 27, 2020

The three-year Utah starter put that knowledge to work during his college career and finished his time in Salt Lake City as the school’s all-time leading rusher with over 4,000 yards.

Models To His Game

Moss mentioned a couple of NFL first-team all-pro running backs as guys he’s tried to model his game after.

“I watched a lot of Marshawn Lynch growing up. I like Ezekiel Elliott,” said Moss. “Big fan of a lot of guys but those two predominantly were the guys for me.”

"I think you can see a lot of Marshawn Lynch in the way I run." – former @Utah_Football RB Zack Moss pic.twitter.com/aIC1SQ18J3

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 26, 2020

Lynch, like Moss, finished his last season of college football in 2006 as the Pac-10’s (now Pac-12 for Moss) Offensive Player of the Year. The former California RB was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 12th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Lynch went on to play for the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. He was the starting running back on Seattle’s championship team in Super Bowl XLVIII. During his NFL career, Lynch has been a five-time Pro Bowl player. He led the NFL in rushing in 2013 and 2014.

Asked Zack Moss today which player inspired his running style – @MoneyLynch was the answer

Easy to see that one pic.twitter.com/1CPYOyslzq

— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) February 18, 2020

Elliott wrapped up his final collegiate season as the Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in 2016. During his four NFL seasons, Elliott has been honored as a Pro Bowl player three times. He led the league in rushing in 2016 and 2018.

Moss finished his career at Utah with 712 carries for 4,067 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground in 45 games. He added 66 receptions for 685 yards and 3 touchdowns out of the backfield. Moss led Utah to back-to-back Pac-12 South titles in 2018 and 2019.

Zack Moss forced a missed tackle on 30% of his rushing attempts at Utah.

The highest-rate in the Draft class. pic.twitter.com/7Qrcz8G6EK

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 13, 2020

Looking To Improve

Moss highlighted two things that he hopes to improve in his game as he gears up for the NFL Draft and his rookie campaign.

“Being more elusive,” said Moss of what he’s working to improve in his game. “Having more explosive runs in my game and I feel that if I continue to do that I’ll be more rounded off.”

#Utah RB Zack Moss (5-foot-10, 222)

• Light feet to wade through traffic
• Patient runner in gap schemes
• Tackle breaker — power in his pads
• Can shake/run through 1st defender
• Pass game upside in NFL system

Pro comp — #Browns RB Kareem Hunt @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/rpfEhrpeY6

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 11, 2020

NFL Draft

Moss will continue to meet with NFL teams while also being tested at the NFL Combine this week. The former Utah ball carrier had his hands measured at 9.25 inches while his arm length checked out at 31.25 inches at the Combine.

The running back hopes to bench press around 20 times and run a 40-yard dash around 4.5 seconds.

Moss will find out which team he’ll play for next season during the NFL Draft which takes place in Las Vegas from April 23-25.