USC running back Keaontay Ingram impressing NFL draft analyst

ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid likes what he’s seen out of USC running back Keaontay Ingram. After observing Ingram at Shrine Bowl practices, Reid gave the running back some high praise on Twitter.

“(Ingram has) good feet, vision, runs with a plan and is a natural pass catcher,” he wrote.

This past season was the first and only that the running back spent with the Trojans. A Texas native, he committed to play for the Longhorns out of high school in 2018. There he was one of the main running backs for two seasons before injuries derailed his 2020 season.

Ingram put together the best season of his career with USC, finishing with 911 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He has also recorded at least 20 receptions in three of his four college seasons. In three years with the Longhorns, Ingram compiled 1,811 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Prior to college, the running back won back-to-back state championships with Carthage (TX) High School in 2016 and 2017. A four-star recruit, he opted to stay in state and commit to the Texas Longhorns over offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma and others. He was the No. 19 overall player in the state of Texas for 2018 according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Keaontay Ingram could have used an extra year of eligibility to return to Los Angeles for one more season, but opted instead to test the NFL draft waters.

“Playing in the Coliseum was a special moment for me and is something I will be able to tell my kids about one day and cherish forever,” he wrote in his announcement. “The moment I arrive (USC) gave me opportunities to meet people I am truly grateful for. …I have built relationships that will go longer than football.

“With that being said, I am announcing that I am declaring for the 2022 NFL draft.”

The draft is set to take place from April 28-30 in Las Vegas.