'09 NJ RB Raymond Graham (Pitt Verbal)

[GoRU]

'09 NJ RB Raymond Graham



Running back
Elizabeth (NJ) Elizabeth

Ht: 5-foot-10
Wt: 175 lbs
Squat max: 450 pounds
Class: 2009 (High School)

Brother of '08 RU commit Khaseem Greene.

ESPN - Raymond Graham Rankings, Grade, News, Stats - College Football Recruiting 2009

Graham is a gifted runner who possesses workhorse-type qualities in a small package. He is small in height not body composition. Thick, compactly-built and strong throughout his upper- and lower-body. Shows good urgency out of his stance hitting the line of scrimmage just as the run seams open. Generates great initial speed but still runs with good vision, body control, balance and a feel for the cutback. Very sudden through traffic and loses little in transition when cutting at full speed. He is a great downhill decisive runner. Deceptively strong runner through traffic. Difficult to arm tackle with his low center of gravity and ability to gain momentum quickly. Keeps his legs churning on contact and looks to finish runs. Flashes the strength to bounce out of tackles. While he shows the ability to make defenders miss with good jump-cut and stop-start skill in space he is not a burner in the second level and lacks great top-end speed and acceleration. Most rushing production stems from good downhill, decisive running which will be harder to retain at the Division 1 level. Durability with his current style is a bit of a concern as well. We would like to see him continue building up his sturdy frame with lean bulk and strength. Overall Graham is a natural well-rounded runner with skills to hurt a defense both in-line and on the perimeter. Potential sleeper in this running back class.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

5/27

From the Pitt site...Pitt and MSU have offered recently, joining Maryland, Connecticut and NC State.

[GoRU]

Rivals $

7/6

Names a top 3 of Pitt, MD, and PSU (no offer). Visited PSU last week, and will visit the other two soon. Says his GPA is fine, but he needs to improve his SAT scores.

Graham can play, but I think this article severely understates his academic hurdles.

[GoRU]

Rivals $

8/16

Pitt verbal.

My thoughts: tremendous player who absolutely deserves his four star ranking, on the field. I would be stunned if he ever sets foot at Pitt though. Expect him to prep and re-open his recruiting in 2009. If he somehow does get his academics in order this season, expect him to renege and look around.