Devy Profile: Henry Ruggs, WR Alabama

Age: 20

Draft Eligible: 2020

Devy Ranking: WR11

RECRUITING PROFILE

Henry Ruggs III was a four-star wide receiver prospect from the 2017 recruiting class. He was the 11th-ranked player at his position and 75th overall, according to 247sports.com.

During his senior season, he scored 20 touchdowns on 102 touches. He had 38 receptions for 639 yards and nine touchdowns, adding 36 carries for 446 yards and seven scores. He also returned seven kickoffs for 352 yards and one touchdown and tossed his remaining three scores through the air as a quarterback. He was also an outstanding basketball and track and field athlete. He set the Alabama state 7A 100m dash record with a time of 10.58.

While he wasn’t the highest-rated recruit in his class, Ruggs was one of the best athletes across the board. This athleticism has turned him into one of the more mouthwatering prospects across devy leagues heading into the 2019 season. Let’s take a look at why you should try to acquire him everywhere you can get him.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION PROFILE

Stats from sports-reference.com.

Playing in an offense with a player whom some are touting as the most talented wide receiver since Julio Jones, isn’t easy. The 2019 Alabama Crimson Tide offense has arguably the most talented collection of wide receivers they’re ever had. While volume will most likely not be in his favor this fall, he has been hyper-efficient with his opportunities as evidenced by his collegiate stats.

College dominator rating is a statistic that holds a lot of weight in my evaluation process, but context always matters. Teammates have to factor into this equation. Not only does Alabama have a strong collection of receivers, their offensive line and running backs are studs as well. This all has to be taken into consideration when referencing a stat that bases success on a total percentage of a team’s receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His impact cannot be summed up by numbers alone, the film is very important, let’s take a look.

COLLEGE FILM ANALYSIS

Games Watched: Ole Miss 2018, LSU 2018, Georgia 2018, Tennessee 2017, Tennessee 2018

TOP TRAITS

In 2019, names like Mecole Hardman and Andy Isabella were tossed around as “Tyreek Hill lite.” While they both have significant juice, neither of them comes with the same pedigree, athleticism, size and dare I say speed as Ruggs III. There is fast, then there is Tyreek Hill level of speed, and he has that type of speed.

Henry Ruggs III (reported 4.25 40) is as explosive as they come On this play which was called back he was clocked at 23.27MPH – BLAZING SPEED

Tyreek Hill has the fastest in-game speed over the last 3 seasons – 23.24MPH – the play was called back as well.

Both plays ⬇️ #devy pic.twitter.com/OecxWRSTgH

— Ray Garvin (@RayGQue) June 12, 2019

Elite Speed –Henry Ruggs III is in another stratosphere when it comes to speed. You can see in the play above just how much juice he has in comparison to one of the fastest in the NFL. During the Tide’s junior Pro Day, he clocked a blazing time of 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash and was disappointed in himself. He told reporters that he slipped and if not for that, his time would have been faster. If he runs anything slower than a 4.38 next spring, that would be a disappointment.

If you’re going to bet on a raw WR prospect Henry Ruggs III is your guy.

6’0 190lbs with sub 4.3 40-yard dash speed that translates to the field. NFL draft experts seem to be on him as well.

12 of his 46 receptions went 21+ yards w/5 TDs & 16 went 8-13 yards w/ 3TDs. #devy pic.twitter.com/gB9PR1Bc10

— Ray Garvin (@RayGQue) August 8, 2019

Playmaking Ability – Ruggs is an elite athlete. His athleticism, and ability to make plays after the catch have garnered on-field comparisons to Hill. He knows how to play with exceptional pace allowing his quarterback to deliver catchable balls. He is able to make very difficult grabs that most players just cannot pull off.

Position Flexibility – At 6’0 190 pounds, the best part of his game is that his speed translates to plays outside of nine routes. He has lined up in the slot and on the outside during his career.

It has been reported that he’s the most competitive player on that roster and it shows in his game on the field.

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

Technical Skills – For all of the amazing traits Ruggs possesses, he is still learning the ends and out of the receiver position. He needs to develop a more complex route tree, and learn how to handle press coverage. Because he is so fast and Alabama is so dangerous on the outside, he rarely faced press-coverage. This is something that he will have to figure out early in his NFL career.

Production – He does not have many glaring weaknesses to his game. His lack of production may be viewed negatively but should not be. He’s had his fair share of difficult battle in the SEC facing off against outstanding defensive backs. Going into 2019, I expect him to continue his upward trajectory and development as a complete wideout.

DEVY AND DYNASTY OUTLOOK

According to DLF Devy WR Rankings, Ruggs III is the number 18 overall devy prospect and number nine out of the 2020 eligible wide receiver prospects. What’s interesting about him is that NFL draft experts seem to have taken notice of his elite skill-set as I’ve seen him projected by many analysts in the first round of early 2020 mock drafts.

This season the Crimson Tide offense will have a bevy of talent at top-ranked quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s disposal. Jerry Jeudy should lead the team in every receiving category this season, but it should be noted that this offense spreads the ball around and on any given week a number of options could finish as the leader for that game. Ruggs’ game and impact cannot be measured by the box score stats alone.

His impact as a game-breaking deep threat and decoy to free up other potent options are a very big part of his game. His ability to play multiple receiver positions will only elevate his stock entering the pre-draft process. Of all of the 2020 eligible wide receiver prospects, Ruggs has the absolute highest ceiling of any of them. He will be a fun watch this fall and a player whose game should immediately translate at the next level. If you are looking for the next Tyreek Hill type, this is your guy.