Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan
Size:
Height: 6014
Weight: 226
Arm: 31 ¾”
Hand: 10”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Kalel Mullings is a big-body bruiser who displays advanced footwork, athleticism, and runner-feel for a former linebacker.”
Strengths:
Footwork
Physicality
Run execution
Between-the-tackles running
Tackle-breaking
Concerns:
Top speed
Receiving profile
Film Analysis:
Recruited to Michigan as a four-star linebacker from Milton Academy in 2020, Kalel Mullings was a rotational player throughout his first three seasons. He got his first career start as a linebacker during the 2022 season against Colorado State, the same season where he began transitioning to the running back position. He contributed as a runner in the final three games of 2022, and from there on, he would make the transition full-time.
Over the last two seasons, Mullings has amassed 962 yards rushing on 177 attempts with nine touchdowns. He came into the season as the assumed secondary back to Donovan Edwards, but he overtook the role and looked like the far better back in Ann Arbor. With an offense as stagnant as Michigan’s, Mullings has been a bright spot multiple times this season with three 100-yard performances. What he’s putting on tape will get noticed.
What stands out quickly about Mullings is his natural feel at the line of scrimmage when executing designed runs. He rarely goes off on his own to make a play and can navigate traffic in gaps, moving second-level defenders by pressing gaps and opening lanes for himself. Predominantly a gap/power and inside zone runner, Mullings uses seamless footwork to follow or cut his way into the second level, where his big frame and power can take over to grind out more yards than what’s blocked. His burst when recognizing open lanes is surprising, and he can reduce pursuit angles between the tackles to create arm tackle attempts and break them. Mullings is nimble for a back of his size and can string together jukes to find secondary rush lanes while making defenders miss.
While his pass-catching profile isn’t lengthy, he has competent hands and a feel for space but is rarely involved. His physicality doesn’t just show up as a runner; he’s a trusted and effective pass protector who understands leverage and will finish rushers when given the opportunity. There’s a moment against Michigan State where the defensive line stunts up front, and he has a looper come into the A gap, takes on the block, and throws the rusher to the ground. Great form and technique. He’s not an overly explosive runner, and the top speed to take it to the house isn’t there, so outside runs, toss, and stretch plays won’t be a strength of his game.
Overall, it was surprising to see Mullings take over the backfield at Michigan, but he has done so with great effectiveness for a former linebacker. His vision, feel for run concepts, and manipulation at the line of scrimmage, paired with his size and frame to take the beating of the NFL, will make him a target for many teams.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Daniel Harms
Exposures: USC (2024), Minnesota (2024), Illinois (2024), Michigan State (2024)
