Khalil Herbert, the dynamic running back for the Chicago Bears, has quickly become one of the most exciting and promising young players in the NFL. Known for his explosive speed, agility, and ability to break tackles, Herbert has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. In this article, we’ll explore his journey to the NFL, his playing style, and his future as a top-tier running back.
Early Life and College Career
Khalil Herbert was born on April 3, 1997, in Willimantic, Connecticut, and grew up with a love for football. As a high school standout at South Windsor High School, he showcased his talent as a running back and earned All-State honors. His high school performance caught the attention of college recruiters, and he went on to play for the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Herbert’s college career began at Kansas, but it was during his time at Virginia Tech that he truly flourished. Transferring to Virginia Tech in 2019, he became the Hokies’ primary ball carrier and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most explosive running backs in college football. Over the course of his college career, Herbert amassed over 3,000 rushing yards and scored 30 touchdowns.
Herbert’s breakout season came in 2020 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards and averaged an impressive 7.6 yards per carry. His combination of speed, vision, and balance made him one of the top running backs in the country, and it wasn’t long before scouts began taking notice of his potential at the next level.
NFL Draft and Chicago Bears Selection
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Khalil Herbert’s name was called in the 6th round (217th overall) by the Chicago Bears. Although his draft position was not among the top-tier prospects, Herbert’s skill set was clearly something that NFL teams were interested in, especially the Bears, who had a need for a reliable and explosive running back.
Herbert’s selection came at a time when the Bears were trying to find stability in their backfield, having previously relied on running backs like David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. While Montgomery was viewed as the primary back, Herbert’s performance in training camp and the preseason quickly turned heads. His ability to accelerate through gaps, make defenders miss, and display impressive vision made him a valuable addition to the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Khalil Herbert’s playing style is defined by his speed, vision, and explosiveness. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 212 pounds, Herbert combines a compact, powerful build with a quick burst of speed, making him a nightmare for defenders to tackle.
1. Speed and Quickness
Herbert’s most notable attribute is his elite speed. With a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, he has the ability to hit top speed in a short amount of time. This speed allows him to break long runs, often taking runs to the outside and leaving defenders behind in pursuit. His quickness is also noticeable when changing direction, making him difficult to corral in the open field.
2. Vision and Patience
Herbert has an impressive ability to read defenses and find lanes, showcasing excellent vision. He knows when to hit the hole quickly and when to be patient and wait for his blockers to set up the play. This vision allows him to make sharp cuts, navigate through tight spaces, and take advantage of every opportunity for yardage.
3. Balance and Toughness
Despite his speed, Herbert is also a tough, physical runner. He demonstrates a strong sense of balance and is difficult to bring down with arm tackles. Whether running through defenders or breaking free from would-be tacklers, Herbert’s physicality allows him to gain extra yards after contact.
4. Pass-catching Ability
Herbert’s skill set isn’t limited to just running the football. He has also shown an ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Although he wasn’t primarily used in this role in college, he has demonstrated solid hands and route-running ability, making him a versatile option in both the running and passing games.
Khalil Herbert’s Impact with the Bears
Herbert made an immediate impact with the Chicago Bears, even as a rookie. His ability to step in and contribute right away was evident during the 2021 season, where he proved to be a reliable back when David Montgomery went down with an injury. In his rookie season, Herbert recorded 433 rushing yards and scored 2 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
What stood out most about Herbert was his ability to consistently gain positive yardage and maintain a strong presence in the backfield. He took over starting duties during Montgomery’s absence and showed that he could carry the load for the team. His ability to step in during critical moments demonstrated his potential as a future workhorse running back.
Herbert’s performance was not just limited to rushing the ball. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in space added another dimension to the Bears’ offense. Despite being a young player, Herbert’s composure and decision-making allowed him to thrive in an offense that had been struggling to find consistency.
The Future of Khalil Herbert
As of the 2023 season, Khalil Herbert is positioning himself as one of the top young running backs in the league. With the Bears continuing to build around their young quarterback Justin Fields, the running game will be an essential part of their offense. Herbert’s dual-threat ability as both a rusher and a pass-catcher makes him a valuable asset to Chicago’s offensive scheme.
Looking ahead, Herbert’s future in the NFL appears bright. If he continues to develop his skills, particularly in pass protection and as a receiving threat, he could evolve into one of the league’s most complete backs. His potential to be a primary back in an offense that centers around a mobile quarterback like Fields only increases his value.
With David Montgomery now in Detroit, the starting role is firmly in Herbert’s hands, and the Bears will be looking for him to step up as a leader in their backfield. If he can maintain his health, continue to refine his skills, and take on a larger workload, Herbert has the potential to become one of the most dynamic running backs in the league.
Key Takeaways
- Versatility: Herbert’s ability to excel both as a rusher and a pass-catcher makes him a dynamic playmaker in the Bears’ offense.
- Explosiveness: With elite speed and quickness, Herbert can break big runs and create yardage after contact.
- Vision and Patience: His vision allows him to find running lanes and make sharp cuts, while his patience helps him set up plays for success.
- Toughness: Despite his smaller stature, Herbert is a physical runner who is difficult to tackle.
As Khalil Herbert continues to develop, he has the potential to emerge as one of the NFL’s premier running backs. The Chicago Bears have a young, talented star on their roster, and Herbert’s growth will be key to their offensive success in the years to come. If he can stay healthy and continue his upward trajectory, Herbert is poised to make a major impact in the league for years to come.
For fans of the Bears and NFL enthusiasts alike, Khalil Herbert is certainly a player to watch in the seasons ahead.