Keith Randolph Jr., IDL, Illinois
Size:
Height: 6’3.5”
Weight: 296 pounds
Arm Length: 32 3/4"
Hand Size: 9 7/8"
Accomplishments:
Team captain (2023) • All-Big Ten Third Team (2023)
“Keith Randolph Jr.’s power and functional strength make him an ideal starting 5-technique with run-down specialty.”
Strengths:
Run defense
Functional strength
Alignment versatile
Concerns:
Pass-rush repertoire
Hand counters
First-step quickness
Film Analysis:
Keith Randolph Jr.’s best and most impactful trait is defending the run. His power at the point of attack is NFL caliber. Randolph is good at using his arm’s length to stack, peek, and shed blocks to make a play on the football. He shoots his hands with power to effectively attack and defeat down/man blocks in the run game. He consistently deters ball carriers from pressing into his responsible lane by flashing his shedding ability. He forces running backs to bounce or string runs out east and west while the rest of the defense pursues. Randolph is a versatile defender who can align, and occupy multiple positions on the defensive front. He plays with a hot motor, an effort that is not coachable.
As a pass rusher, Randolph is a power pusher in an attempt to collapse the pocket. He does use good hand placement with punches to reduce their punch accuracy, allowing him to clear their blocks. He can slice and slant into the backfield for a quicker way of winning.
Randolph does not have a good pass rush package needed to quickly and consistently defeat blocks. His first step is average at best and doesn’t pose an explosive threat for interior OL. Very few hand counters if his initial bull rush, power moves are not effective.
Randolph projects as an early downs defender for a multiple-front defense. He can work as a 5-technique defensive end for an odd front and/or a 3-technique in an even front defense. The lack of pass-rush technique can limit his 3-down value to the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Penn State (2023), Kansas (2023), Indiana (2023)
