Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Size:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 183 pounds
Arm Length: 32”
Hand Size: 8 1/2"
Accomplishments:
SEC Academic Honor Roll (2021, 2022)
"Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is an instinctive, sticky man corner whose twitch, length, and press-man ability make life tough for opposing pass-catchers."
Strengths:
Instincts
Man coverage
Twitch
Football IQ
Length
Change of direction
Concerns:
Light frame
Open-field tackling
Limited ball production
Film Analysis:
A wiry corner with inside-out versatility, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s ability in man coverage pops in his tape right away. He’s extremely comfortable in press-man, where a consistent ability to knock wideouts back allows him to disrupt timing. Will often counter an inside stab with an outside jab to mix up looks at the line of scrimmage. Excellent footwork in backpedal to keep opponents within his frame. Can play neutral, but is also comfortable playing in a side-saddle technique. He’s a twitched-up athlete who can change direction/flip his hips in an instant. Rarely beaten in man coverage with targets against at a variety of depths. Excellent eyes and feel for the game to locate football (21 PBUs).
In zone, Rakestraw is a constant communicator. Range pops in Cover 3. Football IQ is evident in sniffing out screens and when his zone is vacated. Rakestraw will drift and provide reinforcements to other areas if possible without losing principles in coverage. Long arms to play through the hands at the catch point. Length is also evident when asked to stack/shed perimeter blockers in the run game.
Concerns remain about his play strength vs larger wideouts and one-on-one tackling in open-field opportunities. Aggressive and willing tackler but has instances of diving at ankles, although I expect it should improve quickly. Improved strength should come in due time, also.
Overall, Rakestraw is a twitched-up, advanced man corner that should be a plug-and-play starter at the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Exposures: Georgia (2023), Tennessee (2023), LSU (2023)
