This spring and summer have been all about the Philadelphia Eagles adding speed to the roster and the latest waiver wire addition is as fast as they come. The Birds claimed former Lions fifth-round pick Jason Huntley off of waivers.
Here are three things to know about the new Eagles speedster.
***
1. Huntley is athletic and can fly
Huntley posted a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump at New Mexico State’s Pro Day after not being invited to the NFL Combine. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said this about the undersized scat-back: “Huntley is undersized and lacks body armor, but he is dynamic and will compete for an NFL roster spot as a kick returner and multipurpose threat who can operate from the backfield or slot.” He ranked Huntley as his No. 36 running back and graded him as a “priority free agent.”
2. Huntley fits what the Eagles do best
The 5-9, 195 pound running back gained 2,197 rushing yards (5.9 yards per carry) and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground in New Mexico State and was even more lethal in the passing game after he accounted for 134 catches for 1,119 yards and seven touchdowns. Huntley was the only 2020 NFL Draft-eligible running back with at least 1,000 career receiving yards.
3. Huntley offers special teams prowess as well
Huntley is a kickoff return specialist who amassed five touchdowns while averaging 25.8 yards per return at the collegiate level. Two years ago, Huntley led the NCAA with three kickoff return touchdowns in 2018.