Phil Mafah has steadily developed into a highly regarded running back who has shown potential to be a key contributor in both college and professional football. His combination of physical attributes, playing style, and overall skill set makes him one of the more intriguing backs in his class. A 4-star recruit in the 2021 class, Mafah has already achieved significant recognition in his college career, earning a Third-Team All-ACC selection in 2024. With a sturdy frame, powerful running style, and versatility in his game, Mafah stands out as a back that can make a difference in multiple offensive systems. However, like many players, he has areas of his game that need refinement, particularly in terms of his agility and explosiveness. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at both the strengths and the areas where Mafah could improve as he continues his development.
Positives
Big, Sturdy Build with a Physical and Punishing Downhill Running Style
One of Mafah’s most prominent strengths is his physical running style. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 225 pounds, Mafah has the size to impose his will on defenders. He runs with great power, often punishing defenders with every carry. His downhill running style allows him to take advantage of his size and run through tacklers, making him particularly effective between the tackles. Mafah’s ability to lower his shoulder and pick up extra yards after contact makes him a tough player to bring down. His contact balance allows him to absorb hits and continue churning out yardage.
Patience and Vision to Navigate the Front Seven
One of the qualities that sets Mafah apart from other running backs of his size is his patience. He doesn’t rush into the line of scrimmage but instead waits for the hole to develop. This patience, combined with his vision, allows him to see the gaps in the defense and make quick decisions on where to cut. Rather than relying on raw speed to break through the first level, Mafah’s ability to read the defense gives him an edge. This vision allows him to pick the right hole, often finding daylight where others might miss the opportunity.
Effective Receiver Out of the Backfield
While Mafah is known for his physicality as a rusher, he also provides value as a receiver out of the backfield. In today’s modern offenses, running backs are often asked to be multifaceted players, and Mafah fits that mold. He has the ability to act as a safety valve for his quarterback, providing a reliable option in the passing game. His strong hands and ability to gain yards after the catch make him a valuable asset in the screen game. Being able to function effectively in the passing game gives Mafah another dimension to his skill set, allowing him to contribute in more than just the running game.
Scheme Versatility
Mafah’s skill set is versatile enough to fit into a variety of offensive systems. He has experience running both zone and gap concepts, making him adaptable to different types of offensive schemes. In zone runs, he’s patient enough to wait for the play to develop and then cut into the open space, while in gap runs, he can use his power to attack the line of scrimmage with force. His ability to excel in both types of schemes makes him a valuable piece in any offensive system, allowing the coaching staff to design a variety of plays around his strengths. Additionally, Mafah has shown that he can thrive in a committee, as he isn’t reliant on being the focal point of the offense to be effective.
Negatives
Limited Lateral Agility and Open Field Elusiveness
While Mafah’s physical running style is undoubtedly his strength, it also contributes to some of his weaknesses. One of the areas where he struggles is in his lateral agility and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Mafah is not particularly elusive in space, and his stiff running style can hinder his ability to juke or change direction quickly. Against faster defenders or in situations where he needs to make a defender miss in the open field, Mafah’s lack of lateral quickness may limit his effectiveness. While he can power through arm tackles, he’s not the type of back who will make defenders look foolish with slick moves or flashy spins.
Limited Twitch and Explosiveness in His Athletic Profile
Mafah is a well-built running back, but he doesn’t have the same level of twitchiness or explosiveness as some of the smaller, quicker running backs in college football. His burst off the line of scrimmage is decent but not elite, and he lacks the sudden acceleration to pull away from defenders when in the open field. He’s not the type of back who will outrun defenders to the sideline or break off 60-yard runs consistently. His lack of top-end speed and burst could be a limitation, particularly in offenses that rely heavily on fast-paced, up-tempo running plays designed to stretch the defense. While he can gain consistent yardage with his physicality, his inability to explode into the second level could limit his big-play potential.
Nagging Shoulder Injury, Will Need Surgery After the Season
Another concern for Mafah is his injury history, particularly a nagging shoulder issue that will require surgery after the season. Injuries are a concern for any player, but for a running back like Mafah, who relies heavily on his physical style, any injury to the upper body is significant. A shoulder injury can affect his ball security and his ability to break tackles. It will be crucial for Mafah to recover fully after surgery to ensure he remains at peak performance. Teams and scouts will be monitoring how he rehabs and whether his injury history will affect his long-term durability, especially given the physical demands of the running back position.
Overall
Phil Mafah’s profile as a running back paints the picture of a physical, downhill runner who can provide tough yards and wear down defenses with his powerful running style. His combination of patience, vision, and power gives him the ability to thrive in between the tackles, and he has the versatility to contribute as a receiver in the passing game. His frame, contact balance, and ability to run through defenders make him a valuable asset in any offense, particularly in systems that rely on physicality and power running.
However, Mafah’s limitations in terms of lateral agility and explosiveness could hold him back from being an elite running back at the next level. He’s not the type of back who will evade defenders in open space, and his lack of burst may make it harder for him to break off long runs. Additionally, his injury concerns, particularly his shoulder issue, will need to be monitored closely.
Despite these weaknesses, Mafah’s strengths make him a potentially valuable contributor at the college or professional level. His toughness, vision, and versatility are qualities that can help him succeed, especially if he finds an offense that utilizes his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. If Mafah can stay healthy and continue to improve his lateral movement, he could develop into a more complete and effective running back.
