Marcus Yarns Delaware RB Shows Promise in Spring Training Camp
Marcus Yarns has emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football at Delaware. The graduate student from Salisbury, Maryland stands at 5’11” and 190 pounds, bringing explosive athleticism to the Delaware Blue Hens’ offense.
Yarns has showcased the combination of speed, vision, and versatility that has NFL scouts taking notice ahead of the 2025 draft. With 133 carries this season, he’s made himself known as a promising talent.
The former three-sport standout from Parkside High School didn’t arrive at Delaware as a highly-touted prospect, but his development has been remarkable. Wearing #21 for the Blue Hens, Yarns has transformed from an intriguing athlete into a complete running back. His ability to contribute in both the rushing and passing game makes him particularly valuable in today’s game, where versatility from the backfield is increasingly prized.
| Season | Carries | Rushing Yards | TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 133 | 790* | 8* | 21* | 235* |
*Stats current as of April 5, 2025
Contents
- 1 Early Life and High School Career
- 2 College Career
- 3 Scouting Report and Skills Evaluation
- 4 Season-by-Season Statistics
- 5 Player Comparisons and Peer Analysis
- 6 Awards and Accolades
- 7 NFL Draft Prospects
- 8 Off-Field Interests and Personal Life
- 9 Potential Impact on Future Teams
- 10 References to Other Potential Draftees
Early Life and High School Career
Marcus Yarns developed his athletic skills at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland, where he emerged as a standout three-sport athlete before bringing his talents to Delaware.
High School Achievements
At Parkside High, Yarns wasn’t just a football player—he was a true athletic phenomenon. Standing at 5-11 and weighing 190 pounds, he demonstrated exceptional versatility on the football field. The Maryland native utilized his explosive speed to become a game-changing running back for the Parkside Rams.
His ability to break tackles and find open lanes made him one of the most feared offensive weapons in the region. Yarns regularly turned routine plays into highlight-reel touchdowns, showcasing both power and elusiveness.
Beyond football, he excelled in multiple sports, developing the all-around athleticism that would later serve him well at the collegiate level. His track and field experience particularly enhanced his acceleration and top-end speed—qualities that made him a legitimate home-run threat on every carry.
College Recruitment
Yarns’ impressive performances at Parkside attracted attention from various college programs, with the University of Delaware ultimately securing his commitment. His decision to join the Blue Hens in 2020 represented a significant recruiting win for the program.
What made Yarns particularly appealing to recruiters was his combination of academic discipline and athletic potential. Coaches saw him as not just a talented runner but a complete package who could contribute immediately.
The Eastern Shore native chose Delaware partly because of the program’s offensive scheme, which promised to highlight his explosiveness in space. This decision would prove prescient as his running style perfectly complemented the Blue Hens’ approach.
Though not the most heavily recruited player nationally, scouts who watched his high school tape noted his natural instincts as a runner—a quality that’s difficult to teach and would later become his calling card at Delaware.
College Career
Marcus Yarns transformed from a promising freshman to a standout player during his time at Delaware. His development as both a rusher and receiver made him one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the CAA conference.
Freshman Season
Yarns’ college journey began with challenges. In the spring 2021 season, he appeared in just one game before suffering a broken leg that sidelined him for most of the year.
The injury proved to be only a temporary setback in his development. Though limited in actual playing time, Yarns used this period to study the Blue Hens’ offensive system and prepare for a bigger role in upcoming seasons.
Delaware’s coaching staff remained high on his potential despite the limited freshman action. His combination of speed and vision had already caught their attention during practice sessions, setting the stage for what would come next.
Sophomore Breakthrough
Yarns emerged as a legitimate offensive weapon during his sophomore campaign. After fully recovering from his leg injury, he displayed the explosiveness that made him a coveted recruit.
His ability to create big plays both as a runner and receiver became evident. Yarns demonstrated exceptional balance through contact and the speed to outrun defenders in the open field.
The sophomore led the team in key offensive categories and established himself as Delaware’s primary backfield threat. His performance against conference rivals particularly stood out, with multiple 100+ yard games.
Sophomore Season Stats:
| Category | Total | Avg/Game |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 785 | 71.4 |
| Receiving Yards | 296 | 26.9 |
| Total Touchdowns | 9 | 0.8 |
Junior Highlights
Yarns’ junior season solidified his status as one of the CAA’s elite offensive players. He earned First Team All-CAA honors at running back after starting all nine games he appeared in.
His production soared as he became Delaware’s offensive centerpiece. Yarns displayed improved patience as a runner, setting up blocks before accelerating through holes with explosive bursts.
The versatility in his game expanded, making him a three-down back capable of pass protection and route running. NFL scouts took notice of his complete skillset and big-play ability.
Following his junior year, Yarns received invitations to prestigious pre-draft events including the NFL Combine, East-West Shrine Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl. He’s currently relishing the pre-draft experience as he prepares for the next level.
Scouting Report and Skills Evaluation
Marcus Yarns brings elite speed and elusiveness to the running back position, making him one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His combination of breakaway ability and improving versatility has scouts taking notice despite coming from Delaware’s FCS program.
Rushing Ability
Yarns’ rushing talent is defined by his exceptional speed. He can absolutely fly down the field, turning ordinary plays into home run threats. His first-step quickness allows him to hit holes before they close.
What stands out on tape is his patented dead leg move in space, making defenders miss in the open field. This elusiveness combined with his acceleration makes him dangerous once he reaches the second level.
Yarns has shown excellent ball security throughout his college career, with just two lost fumbles on 367 career carries. His vision is adequate, though he occasionally looks to bounce runs outside rather than taking available interior yards.
One knock on his game is his average burst when changing directions, though his straight-line speed compensates significantly.
Receiving and Versatility
As a receiver, Yarns has developed into a legitimate dual-threat option. His hands have improved considerably during his time at Delaware, making him valuable on third downs and in two-minute situations.
He’s comfortable running routes out of the backfield and has shown potential to split out wide when needed. This versatility will appeal to NFL offensive coordinators looking for mismatches against linebackers.
His pass protection has been a work in progress. While willing, his 193-pound frame can struggle against larger blitzers. Technique improvements will be necessary at the next level.
Delaware utilized him creatively, getting him the ball in space where his athleticism creates advantages. NFL teams will likely view him as a change-of-pace back who can also contribute in the return game thanks to his speed and elusiveness.
Physical Attributes
At the NFL Combine, Yarns showcased his exceptional athleticism, recording an unofficial 9.00 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) out of 10.00, ranking 192nd out of 1,909 running backs tested historically.
His size (5’10”, 193 pounds) suggests a complementary role rather than a workhorse back. While not the most powerful runner, he compensates with elusiveness and speed to avoid direct hits.
Combine Measurements:
| Measurement | Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 193 lbs |
| RAS Score | 9.00/10.00 |
Yarns became just the ninth Blue Hen to earn a Combine invitation, and the first since 2019. His athletic testing confirmed what the tape showed – he possesses game-breaking speed and agility that translate well to the NFL level.
Season-by-Season Statistics
Marcus Yarns has established himself as a productive running back for Delaware, compiling impressive statistics throughout his time with the Blue Hens. His development as both a rusher and receiver demonstrates his versatility in the backfield.
College Career Overview
Yarns has shown steady improvement during his career at Delaware. In his most recent campaign, he rushed for 844 yards on 133 carries while finding the end zone 6 times. His efficient 6.3 yards per carry average highlights his explosiveness.
Before his breakout, Yarns had a more limited role. During an earlier season, he appeared in eight games with one start, recording 23 rushes for 80 yards. His most productive game that year came against Villanova with 11 carries for 41 yards.
| Season | Rushing | Receiving | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 844 yards | 6 TDs | Stats unavailable |
| Previous | 80 yards | 0 TDs | Stats unavailable |
The 23-year-old graduate student wears #21 for the Blue Hens and has developed into a complete backfield threat. His combination of rushing production and receiving ability makes him an asset in Delaware’s offensive scheme.
Player Comparisons and Peer Analysis
When evaluating Marcus Yarns’ NFL potential, it’s valuable to see how he stacks up against his contemporaries. His skill set and production at Delaware offers interesting parallels to both current NFL backs and his fellow draft prospects.
Similarity to Contemporary RBs
Yarns’ running style and physical traits most closely resemble Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne. Both possess that coveted combination of breakaway speed and receiving ability. At 5’11” and 193 pounds with 4.45 speed, Yarns isn’t built for 25 carries between the tackles, but his explosiveness suggests a similar role.
His draft comparison might be 2022 fourth-rounder Isaiah Spiller – a talented back who needed development time. Yarns brings more home run ability but less physicality. The Delaware standout’s third-down potential makes him an intriguing complementary piece for NFL teams.
Unlike bruisers like Oregon State’s Damien Martinez, Yarns wins with burst rather than power. This positions him as a change-of-pace option rather than a bell-cow back.
Performance Against Peers
Despite playing at the FCS level, Yarns has consistently produced against quality competition. His draft positioning relative to peers like Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter and Kansas’ Devin Neal raises interesting questions about production versus competition level.
| RB | School | 2024 Yards | TDs | Draft Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Yarns | Delaware | 1,003 | 11 | Late 5th-6th |
| Jarquez Hunter | Auburn | 909 | 7 | 4th-5th |
| Devin Neal | Kansas | 1,280 | 15 | 4th |
As a First-Team All-CAA selection, Yarns dominated his conference competition. His Reese’s Senior Bowl participation proved he belongs with the big-program prospects.
Yarns currently ranks as the #29 RB in this draft class, reflecting the uphill battle small-school prospects face. However, his film against larger programs suggests he’s being undervalued.
Awards and Accolades
Marcus Yarns has built an impressive resume during his time at Delaware, earning recognition for his explosive performances on the field. His combination of speed and versatility has garnered attention from both conference officials and NFL scouts alike.
College Honors
Yarns has accumulated significant recognition throughout his collegiate career at Delaware. He was named to the All-CAA First Team as a running back in 2024, following his 2023 selection to the All-CAA Second Team. His breakthrough performance in 2023 saw him rack up an impressive 1,250 all-purpose yards, including 24 receptions for 311 yards.
The talented running back was recently named to the prestigious Walter Payton Award watch list, recognizing him as one of the top offensive players in the FCS. His 2024 stats are equally impressive, with 133 carries for 844 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 6.3 yards per carry.
Yarns’ NFL potential has been validated through invitations to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, and he received a coveted invitation to the NFL Combine. His dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and receiver have NFL scouts intrigued about his potential at the next level.
NFL Draft Prospects
Marcus Yarns has positioned himself as an intriguing running back prospect for NFL teams looking to add explosive playmaking ability to their backfields. His combination of speed and versatility has caught the attention of scouts across the league.
Draft Prediction
Yarns is currently projected as a Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Delaware product ranks as the #29 running back in this draft class with a rating of 77.0. His most eye-catching attribute is undoubtedly his speed, having posted a 4.45 in the forty-yard dash.
What makes Yarns particularly appealing is his athletic testing numbers. He scored an impressive 9.00 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) out of a possible 10.00, ranking 192nd out of 1909 running backs tested historically.
Scouts view Yarns as a potential steal from the FCS ranks, particularly because of his home run potential out of the backfield and third-down capabilities.
Team Interests
Several NFL teams with needs for complementary backfield options have shown interest in Yarns. His profile as a dynamic complement to an established NFL backfield makes him particularly attractive to teams looking for a change-of-pace runner.
Teams that employ zone-blocking schemes are especially intrigued by his one-cut ability and straight-line speed. Yarns’ experience as a starter for 22 games across 4 years at Delaware provides the maturity NFL teams seek in later-round prospects.
His receiving skills and potential as a third-down back have drawn attention from teams needing help in passing situations. Though Yarns’ average burst has been noted by scouts, his overall athletic profile and production at Delaware suggest he could outperform his draft position.
Off-Field Interests and Personal Life
Marcus Yarns has built a life beyond the football field that shows his character and values. The Delaware running back balances his athletic commitments with meaningful community work and personal interests that ground him outside of sports.
Community Involvement
Yarns has made a significant impact in both the Delaware campus community and his hometown of Salisbury, Maryland. He regularly volunteers at youth football camps, sharing his expertise with the next generation of athletes. These camps aren’t just about football skills – they focus on discipline, teamwork, and academic success.
The All-American running back has also partnered with local literacy programs, visiting elementary schools to read to students and emphasize the importance of education.
During holiday seasons, Yarns organizes food drives for underprivileged families. His commitment to service reflects the values instilled during his upbringing on the Eastern Shore, where community ties run deep.
Personal Pursuits
Off the field, Yarns is pursuing his graduate studies at Delaware while balancing his athletic career. His academic focus demonstrates his understanding that football careers don’t last forever.
Yarns is an avid fisherman, a hobby he picked up growing up near the Chesapeake Bay. Teammates report he’s often organizing fishing trips during the offseason as a way to bond away from football.
He maintains a disciplined nutrition and recovery routine, which explains his durability despite his relatively modest 5’11”, 190-pound frame. This commitment extends to his mentorship of younger players, helping them establish good habits early in their careers.
Music production has become another creative outlet for Yarns. He’s built a small home studio where he unwinds by creating beats and instrumentals – a perfect counterbalance to the physical demands of football.
Potential Impact on Future Teams
Marcus Yarns brings a unique skill set that could benefit NFL teams looking for versatility in their backfield. His performance at Delaware has shown flashes of potential that could translate to the professional level.
Team Dynamics
Yarns projects as a rotational back and special teams contributor in his early NFL career. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 193 pounds, he has the physical profile to be a change-of-pace option in a committee backfield.
His zone-running vision is particularly noteworthy. Teams that employ zone-blocking schemes could maximize his natural running instincts and spatial awareness.
Despite inadequate play strength being a limitation, Yarns compensates with solid effort in all areas of the game. This work ethic could make him valuable in locker room culture.
Draft Projection:
| Round | Overall Range | Team Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 | 190-260 | Teams needing third-down specialists |
Long-Term Contributions
Yarns has the potential to outperform his draft position with proper development. His First-Team All-CAA selection and Senior Bowl participation demonstrate recognition of his talents beyond just the Delaware program.
The transition from FCS to NFL is significant, but Yarns’ track record suggests he can adapt. Delaware’s move to FBS status in 2025 means he’s already familiar with program transitions and evolving competitive landscapes.
Long-term value could come in these key areas:
- Third-down pass protection
- Special teams coverage units
- Situational running in specific packages
- Depth insurance for a primary back
His development ceiling will depend largely on addressing strength concerns and proving durability at the professional level.
References to Other Potential Draftees
Marcus Yarns isn’t the only intriguing running back in this draft class. Ollie Gordon II is also attending the Senior Bowl, bringing star power to the position group.
Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston has been turning heads in defensive back drills. Similarly, Dante Trader from Maryland has been performing.
LSU’s Will Campbell represents the premium offensive line talent available, while Armand Membou has scouts intrigued with his versatility.
Quarterback options remain plentiful. Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) all displayed various skill sets that could translate to the next level.
Top Running Back Prospects Comparison
| Player | School | 40 Time | Key Strength | Projected Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Yarns | Delaware | 4.42 | Zone running | 3-4 |
| Kaleb Johnson | Iowa | 4.48 | Power | 3-4 |
| Woody Marks | Miss St | 4.51 | Receiving | 5-6 |
Yarns brings unique skills as a receiver. Delaware often shifted him into the slot for 7.6% of his snaps in 2023.
TCU’s Jack Bech and Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. represent mid-round receiving options. They could provide value similar to what Yarns offers as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Defensive prospects like Jihaad Campbell (LB) and Mike Green (Edge, Marshall) have been mentioned in the same conversations regarding small-school prospects with big-time potential.
