2013 NFL Draft: Richmond RB Kendall Gaskins has a nose for the end zone

Glance at the numbers from Kendall Gaskins' career as a running back at the University of Richmond and they are fairly unremarkable. Until, that is, you look in the 'touchdowns' column, where you find the number 34. That's 34 rushing touchdowns in 452 carries, a touchdown every 13.2 carries in four years with the Spiders, who play at the FCS level.

As a senior, the 6-foot-1, 238-pound Gaskins scored 13 touchdowns on 148 carries, one every 11 carries.

"It just comes down to who wants it more. On every goal-line situation there's always going to be a free runner, whether its the safety or a corner or a linebacker," Gaskins said. "You've gotta drive, put your head down and take on whoever is going there and be physical."

Gaskins' ability as a short-yardage and goal-line runner could make him intriguing to NFL teams late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent. Gaskins is currently showcasing his skills for NFL talent evaluators while preparing to play in the Texas Vs. the Nation game this weekend. The 2013 NFL Draft is coming up in April.

The video clip below is a little bit lengthy, but it does provide a few looks at Gaskins' work around the goal line.

Gaskins, a Burlington, N.J. native, averaged 3.9 yards per carry at Richmond. He also caught 46 passes, four of those for touchdowns. He likes to compare his skills to veteran Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling, a six-year veteran known as a decent runner and receiver.

"I can play running back, I can play some fullback. I have the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, so I can bring a lot of things to the table," Gaskins said. "I know that I could be a power back, short-yardage back or a third-down back."

Could the New York Giants be a potential landing spot for Gaskins? The Giants are set at fullback with Henry Hynoski. They have last season's first-round pick, David Wilson, and veteran Ahmad Bradshaw at running back. They also have Andre Brown, who was outstanding in short-yardage and goal-line opportunities.

The Giants would not appear to be an obvious fit for Gaskins. His ability to get difficult yards, however, could make him a player NFL teams take a close look at over the next few months.

KENDALL GASKINS STATS