Antwon Bailey, RB

03/07/2012 - Far from the bright lights and glare of the NFL Scouting Combine held recently in Indianapolis, some 11 football players from last year's Syracuse University team -- and three others from the previous season -- will continue to chase their dreams Thursday at Manley Field House. Four former Orange players who attended the Combine two weeks ago -- Jones, tight end Nick Provo, offensive guard Andrew Tiller and safety Phillip Thomas -- already have had some contact with teams. For running back Antwon Bailey, however, Thursday yields a chance to show himself, up close, to the scouts who travel to Syracuse. Like his teammates who went to the Combine, the 5-foot-7, 197-pound Bailey spent January and most of February in Florida working with professional trainers. But last year's leading Orange rusher was left off of the Combine invite list, so Thursday is a big opportunity for him. "I've pretty much just been working my butt off every Monday through Friday, just trying to chase this dream," Bailey said of his extended Florida visit. "I'm focused on this 100 percent." While Bailey had a productive showing at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (48 yards rushing, one TD and three receptions in the Jan. 21 game) to add to his resume, Thursday's workout gives scouts a personal glimpse of a versatile back who can also catch and block. "I have a lot a film. These guys have seen what I can do," he said. "It's another shopping point for me, another place I can show myself to these guys." - Nolan Weidner, The Post-Standard

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Bailey was lightly recruited out of high school, choosing Syracuse over Army and Navy. He saw action as a true freshman in 2008, recording 221 yards on 33 carries (6.7) and 2 scores. Bailey saw more playing time in 2009 as a sophomore with a pair of starts, finishing with 312 yards on 67 attempts (4.7) and 1 touchdown, adding 27 catches for 200 yards (7.4). He was Delone Carter?s back-up in 2010 as a junior, recording 554 yards on 114 carries (4.9) and 2 scores, adding 35 receptions for 306 yards (8.7) and 3 touchdowns. Bailey started every game in 2011 and had his best season as a senior captain, finishing with a team-best 1,051 yards on 240 carries (4.4) and 6 touchdowns, adding 29 catches for 200 yards (6.9) and 1 score, earning First Team All-Big East honors. Bailey is short but has a strong build and is a hard-nose physical player ? slashing runner with a strong plant foot to make explosive cuts. He had a career year in 2011 as the team?s leading rusher in his only year as the starter and has impressive production catching the ball out of the backfield. Bailey is quicker than fast and won?t break off many long runs, but he consistently picks up chunks of yards and there is a lot to love about his aggressive running style and effort on every play. He has very little return experience, but is an underrated later round prospect with third-down potential.

Strengths: Compactly built with good muscle mass on his frame and natural strength. Stays balanced and runs with low pad level and toughness. Has good foot quickness to avoid tackles with very good lateral agility and smooth acceleration. Shows good wiggle with loose hips and a strong plant foot to burst forward with power. A tough, physical inside runner, showing determination and confidence ... keeps his legs pumping and doesn't shy from contact. Finishes runs and doesn't leave yards on the field ... fierce and violent runner. Takes on defenders in pass protection with a physical nature and isn't afraid to give up his body. Has soft hands out of the backfield and is very active as a receiver (92 career catches with only one year as the full-time starter). Has high football character with attractive leadership and work ethic traits ... gets most out of his ability. Took full advantage of his only season as the full-time starter as a senior, ranking third in the conference in rushing and eclipsing the 1,000-yard plateau ... also had six 100-yard rushing performances in 2011. Weaknesses: Short with a filled out frame and doesn't have much growth potential ... has the same measureables now as he did coming out of high school. Lacks great speed to consistently threaten the edge and can be caught from behind. Indecisive in the backfield at times when the hole isn't there and tends to dance too much. Has a history of ball security issues and needs to cut down on the fumbles. Will use poor technique in pass protection and has room to improve in this area. Has little experience as a returner and was the full-time starter for only one year (so-so career production ... 11 TDs on 454 career carries). NFL Comparison: Deji Karim, Jacksonville Jaguars -- Dane Brugler