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Pros: A powerful tackle-to-tackle runner who may very well be the top short yardage back coming out of college this season. He has the size and the bulk. Caulcrick did not play football of any kind until high school, but has excellent vision and is a natural runner who displays patience while allowing the play to develop. He possesses upside as blocker and may be able to play fullback at the next level. He was not used much in the passing game in East Lansing, but he has solid hands and for a man of his size possesses quick feet. Michigan St. tried him at linebacker before moving him to running back, but his time on defense was well served as he contributes on special teams coverage units.

Cons: Words like ‘speed’, ‘burst’ and ‘explosiveness’ are not used often to describe Caulcrick and truth be told, he may be the slowest back coming out. He is not going to make people miss, which is why his upright running style is somewhat of a concern. How much of a pounding will he be able to take as his opponents get bigger? Considering he thrives on contact, Caulcrick needs to do a better job protecting the football. Although he probably won’t be called on to run too many pass patterns in the NFL, he needs to work on that department.

Overall: Caulcrick might be the top unknown back in the Big Ten and he resurfaced as a terrific between-the-tackles runner. After shedding some extra pounds, his speed and quickness have improved, but he is never going to be a feature back. We are not sure how valued a short yardage/goal line back is by NFL teams on draft day, but someone will be happy to have him in November when they face a critical third-and-one or goal-to-go situation. Caulcrick could be a valuable role player at the next level if used properly with a chance to contribute as a fullback in a year or two with some hard work.

Factoid: Nicknamed the “Liberian Lumberjack,” Caulcrick escaped from civil war-ravaged Liberia when he was only eight years old and says he would eventually like to return to his homeland to start his own football camp. A futbol player in his native Africa, Caulcrick credits his footwork to playing soccer as a youngster.

Medical Examiner:
• 10/21/06—Foot: Missed part of a game with an undisclosed foot injury, but started the next week.
Highlights of Accomplishments:
• Eighth Place, NCAA Active Career Rushing Touchdowns (39)
• Fourth Place, 2007 NCAA Rushing Touchdowns (21)
• Ninth Place, 2007 Big Ten Rushing Yards (813)

Personal: Born in Liberia, Caulcrick spent years in poverty, and civil war constantly forced him and his grandparents to move from one refugee camp to another. His father was killed in the war, and he moved so much that he lost contact with his mother, Bonita Karr. Karr launched a door-to-door search around the country for her two children, and eventually they were reunited and moved to the U.S.

High School: Attended Clymer High School in Clymer, NY, where he set the all-time marks for Western New York in rushing yards (6,559) and touchdowns (100). He also lettered in track and field, winning the Class C/D title in shot put his senior year.

Major: Sociology