'09 OH RB/CB Eric Finklea (Miami (OH) Verbal)

[Bernini]

Rivals Profile



Cincinnati (OH) Woodward

Ht: 6-0
Wt: 190
Bench Max: 305
GPA: 2.8

Statistics:
- 4 games, 600 yards rushing, 7 TD's
- 804 yards rushing, 11 TD's (2007)

Originally Posted by ESPN

Finklea is a strong, well-built downhill runner who could blossom at the next level if continues to physically develop to complement his current running style. Great frame with good height and well-layered bulk. This kid won't wow you away in one specific area as a running back prospect but is well-rounded, tough and productive. Does not waste a lot of time squaring up out of his cuts and finding the north-south running seam. Shows some sharpness and decisiveness as a cutter and could grow into 210-pound slasher at the next level with the ability to wear down a defense. Can slice through the small run creases when attacks the hole with good-body tilt; good vision and a feel for the cutback. Lateral quickness and hips to avoid the initial trash and bounce outside to the perimeter. Tends to build speed but can be a load for smaller defensive backs to take down when he reaches the second level. Difficult to tackle high with his good upper-body strength and flashes an effective stiff arm. Will lower the shoulder through traffic and finishes runs. However, for a bigger back he does get tripped up and chopped down low frequently. We would like to see him improve his lower-body strength, power and concentrate on running with better lean and higher leg pump. Lacks great top-speed and elusiveness when he breaks free into the second level. Overall, Finklea runs hard and with some improvement could contribute at the next level as a high-carry back in a power-running scheme.

Honors: 1st team All-Conference

Rankings:
- 2*/5.4 per Rivals
- 1* per Scout
- 72 out of 100 per ESPN

Offers: Miami (OH), New Mexico, Kent St., Akron, Wisconsin?

Rivals $ (9/16)

Wisconsin and Miami (OH) sit atop his list right now. Wisconsin has basically offered him and he'll take an official visit to Madison. Family is pulling him toward Miami (OH). Could decide after any visit.

YouTube - Eric Finklea - Running Back - 2007...

[Bernini]

Rivals $

9/26

Wisconsin hasn't officially offered, but the staff tells Finklea there's a very real chance he could become a Badger. The staff figures they will have lost 2 running backs following the last recruiting cycle, and have only added one for '09 thus far (Montee Ball). One can deduce P.J. Hill is expected to declare for the NFL from Finklea's comments. But for Finklea to take his place they'll need to strike out on another back or two. Right now Finklea's options are: UCONN, New Mexico, Miami (OH), Ohio, Western Michigan, Kent St., and Buffalo.

[HotMic]

ESPN College Football Recruiting On the Trail 2009

Woodward RB drops RedHawks
Erik Finklea, a running back from Woodward (Cincinnati, Ohio), has decommitted from Miami-Ohio after learning running backs coach Jay Graham has accepted the same position at South Carolina.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound prospect also has offers from Akron, Kent and New Mexico. He is considering visiting other schools, including Connecticut.

As a senior, Finklea rushed for 1,406 yards and 19 touchdowns in leading Woodward to the Ohio Division I playoffs. He was the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference offensive player of the year and made the Enquirer all-area first team.

[wadc45]

Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com High School Sports | Cincinnati news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Cincinnati, OH

Woodward senior RB Erik Finklea (6-2, 205) has orally committed to Miami, Woodward football coach BT Sherman told me today.

You might remember Finklea de-committed from Miami recently. However, Sherman said Finklea took another visit and thought Miami was a good fit in the end.