The 2024 NFL Draft begins April 25th, and Southern Miss football could take another year before a player is selected.
Experts say running back Frank Gore Jr., who rushed for more than 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in four seasons, is the Golden Eagles' best shot.
If Gore is selected, it will be the first time since 2015 and 2016 that Southern Miss players have been drafted back-to-back. Defensive back Eric Scott Jr. was drafted in the sixth round by the Dallas Cowboys last season. Ito Smith was the last Southern Miss running back drafted, being selected in the fourth round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2018.
Here's how Gore ranks in the latest mock draft:
Where does Frank Gore Jr. rank on the NFL Draft big board
Drafttek.com: 158
Pro Football Focus: 207
ESPN: 212
NFL Mock Draft Database: 273
CBS: 298
Sports News: Unranked
Pro Football Network: Unranked
NFL USM:How Southern Miss football players, including Nick Mullens, will perform in the 2023 NFL season
Frank Gore Jr. is in the NFL mock draft.
Walter Football: 5th round, 166th overall, New York Giants
Drafttek.com: 6th round, 187th overall, Atlanta Falcons.
Draft countdown: Round 6, 215th overall, San Francisco 49ers
ESPN: Undrafted
Sporting News: Undrafted
Frank Gore Jr. is the son of legendary NFL running back Frank Gore Sr.
Yes, Frank Gore Jr. is the son of Frank Gore Sr., who was a star running back in the NFL for 16 seasons.
Frank Gore Sr. is a five-time Pro Bowler and ranks third all-time in NFL career rushing yards (16,000). His 241 career appearances with the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets are the most by a running back.
Gore Sr., 40, retired in 2020 and is currently an advisor to the San Francisco 49ers.
Frank Gore Jr. Pro Day Stats
- 40 yard dash: 4.69 seconds
- 10 yard split: 1.64 seconds
- Vertical jump: 29 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet 3 inches
- Bench press: 18 times
Frank Gore Jr. stats at Southern Miss
- 2020: 121 carries, 708 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
- 2021: 179 carries, 801 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns
- 2022: 228 carries, 1,382 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns
- 2023: 231 carries, 1,131 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns
- Career: 759 carries, 4,022 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns
Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow us at @sklarsam_.
