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Kaelon Black
Bio
- Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
- School: Indiana
- Year: R-Senior
Measurables
- Height: 5-10
- Weight: 210
Scouting Report
Kaelon Black was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and track in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was a modest two-star recruit who chose James Madison in 2020, staying in-state. He redshirted his freshman year and then missed all of the next season due to a knee injury. After the next two seasons as their lead back, he followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana in 2024. Black found himself in a rotational role his first year there. In 2025, that role expanded immensely. He was behind Roman Hemby in the pecking order but averaged more yards per carry, broke more tackles, and scored more touchdowns.
Black earns hard yards with his compact, muscular frame. His low center of gravity allows him to keep moving downhill after contact. Rather than avoiding contact, Black seems most comfortable seeking it. He's aggressive and violent, which is uncanny given his smaller stature. He's got great instincts, making him sneaky around the goal line, where he has a knack for knowing where the gap will be. Black doesn't do much as a receiver but is capable on passing downs as a reliable blocker.
Rundown
Black is a tiny but mighty runner, using ferocity and aggression to excel on inside runs. Still, size concerns and a lack of breakaway speed will likely push him to Day 3 or UDFA consideration.
Player Comp
NFL Range of Outcomes
Special Teams to Above-Average Starter
For more information on Kaelon Black and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, order our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
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