Prospect Bio

Graduating from Everett High School in 2018, Isaiah Likely was not a highly touted prospect. According to 247Sports, Likely was a two-star prospect well outside the top-1,000 overall players in his class. Given his 6-2, 225 pound frame out of high school, many schools wanted Likely to play wide receiver. However, Coastal Carolina was in the minority, believing Likely would flourish as a tight end. The Chanticleers were right.

Likely emerged during his sophomore season. On a run-oriented team, Likely finished third on the team in receptions (32), second in yards (431) and first in touchdowns (five). In only the school’s third season as a FBS program, five wins tied their previous best mark. Likely continued his growth as a tight end in his junior season. As the Chanticleers went 11-1 in a COVID-19 plagued season, Likely finished third on the team in receptions and touchdowns, and second in yards.He had one of his best games to date in the bowl game, a 37-34 overtime loss to Liberty. Likely posted five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown against the Flames.

Likely, along with Jaivon Heiligh, led the Chanticleers in receiving on their way to a 11-2 record. This duo also helped Coastal Carolina secure their first bowl win in school history, a 47-41 win over Northern Illinois. Likely’s 912 receiving yards were top-50 nationally and second most at his position. His 12 touchdowns ranked 8th nationally and second amongst tight ends. Likely leaves the school as one of two players (Heiligh) with over 2,000 career receiving yards and over 100 career receptions. His 27 total touchdowns are the most receiving scores in school history and second most by a skill position player.

College Stats

Isaiah Likely College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference.com

Positives

+ Reliable hands

+ Efficient route runner

+ Athletic

+ Versatile in offensive schemes

+ Sound run blocker

+ High football IQ

+ 5-touchdowns of 50+ yards

+ 124.5 burst score (85th percentile, PlayerProfiler)

+ 91.4 college dominator (91st percentile, PlayerProfiler)

+ 15.5 college yards per reception (81st percentile, PlayerProfiler)

+ 18.4 breakout age (97th percentile, PlayerProfiler)

Negatives

– Ideally would not line up to block across a DE

– 4.88 40-yard dash (Pro Day; 24th percentile, PlayerProfiler)

– 87.1 speed score (18th percentile, PlayerProfiler)

– 11.96 agility score (12th percentile, PlayerProfiler)

– 9.92 catch radius (35th percentile, PlayerProfiler)

Highlight Reel

Comparable Player: Eric Ebron/Harrison Bryant

NFL Draft Projection: 3rd/4th Round

Bottom Line:

Isaiah Likely grew year after year with the Chanticleers. The decision to transition him to a tight end proved to be correct: Likely is a viable downfield option while also excelling in run blocking. Ideally, Likely ends up in a system that is creative and willing to move him around; he has experience lining up as a H-back as well as being in motion at the snap. Likely’s hands are reliable and he can thrive in yards after the catch. Depending on where he ends up in this month’s draft, Isaiah Likely’s dynasty rookie profile suggests he would end up as a third or fourth rounder in rookie only drafts.

Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF, TDN

Yards Per-Formance Prospect Grade