Monday, January 05, 2009

Rueben Randle: is the best wide receiver Alabama bound?

With signing day fast approaching, Stiles Points will be featuring various players who may be the next stud in college...today's feature is Rueben Randle who is listed as the top high school player in the country by Rivals.com...

Rueben Randle, wr, 6'3"/195 - Bastrop, Louisians/Bastrop High
- In 2008, Randle played QB for his team...he threw for 2,207 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 607 yards and 12 scores...
- Randle had 7 receptions for 75 yards in Saturday's U.S. Army All-American game...
- Randle is ranked 6th overall on the ESPN Top 150...he is the top rated wide receiver...
- Randle is listed as the 2nd best wide receiver by Scouts.com...

This is what Rivals wrote about Randle after the U.S. Army game...
Assets: Excellent height, soft hands and superior body control.
Areas for Improvement: Needs to get back into the swing of running routes on a regular basis since he played quarterback this year.
What was most impressive in the game: Leading receiver in the game with seven catches for 75 yards, and he was not at full strength all week because of a pulled hamstring which happened during the first practice.
Conclusion: Will have a similar impact as a freshman as Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Michael Floyd and DeAndre Brown wherever he ends up.

As of January 4, 2009, ESPN has this breakdown on Randle:
Explosive and fluid for a size receiver, Randle resembles a taller Josh Jarboe (class of 2008). He is big and strong, but athletic for his size. Plays fast and has explosive playmaking skills. His size and speed make him a legitimate deep threat. He's versatile and able to play multiple spots in a formation to create mismatches. Struggles to get off press coverage against talented, savvy cornerbacks--like most young receivers. He's tough and fearless over the middle. Makes tough catches in traffic and secures the ball even when absorbing a big hit. He's a bit high-cut, but shows little stiffness in his hips. Has more explosiveness running vertical routes than he has after the catch, but his initial burst and second gear still make him a threat to go the distance. Shows surprisingly fluid athleticism with the ball in his hands and isn't strictly straight-lined in his movements. He isn't exactly shifty in space, but he has natural cutting ability. Catches the ball in stride and has enough elusiveness to make multiple defenders miss. Can turn a short catch into a big play. Has very long arms and can high-point the ball in traffic. His size gives him natural red-zone tools, and he can make the acrobatic catch. Has a wide catch radius and very impressive focus. Has very good return skills and vision in the open field. Needs to polish his route-running skills, but that should come with time and experience. Randle has the blend of size, speed and playmaking ability to create mismatch problems on the perimeter or in the slot at the college level.

Where is he headed?
Randle has visited or will visit the following schools:
Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State

Also has a shot: Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, USC

Here is a 5:20 clip of Reuben Randle highlights:

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