Name: Justin Rankin
School: Northwest Missouri State/Kent State
Position: RB
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 215
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The main goal I had set for myself was to rush for over 1000 yards in my last year of collegiate football which I did accomplish. Also I wanted to help lead my team to a national championship which we did fall short off only making it to the third round of playoffs.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say I am hard nose, hard working type of player. That I am very disciplined and a student of the game.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
While watching film I focus a lot on tendencies. The safeties will tell you a lot like who’s blitzing and what coverage they are in. I also focus on the alignments of the defensive lineman which can also indicate blitzes and stunts. The alignment of corners can help you predict coverages and corner blitzes. Processing all of this takes a lot of practice but has helped improve my game a lot.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I am very versatile. Anyone can be a good running back but there aren’t a lot of backs that can catch out the backfield or line up at slot and run routes. That’s a big part of my game that I take pride in and focus on improving further. I have a good set of hands and can run routes well.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I’ve been training hard for pro day and will continue to prepare and be ready for it. My stamina and endurance is a big thing I want to focus on, as well as maintaining speed while gaining some more muscle and weight.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Again, I am very versatile and believe I can help any time gain an edge offensively with a player that will be a threat to a defense at multiple different positions.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
I will take advantage of any opportunity given and make the most of it. I’m a hard working player that stays in his playbook, as well as the film room. If given a chance I’ll prove to the team and coaches why they picked me up day in and day out.