DJ Ruffing 5'10,160LB ATH Class of 2019 SEneca EASt HS (OH) - All-American/National Ranking Report

"Foos scrambled to the outside to avoid pressure but got taken down at the line of scrimmage on first down. On the next play, Foos was being pressured again and avoided being taken down, launching the ball downfield to DJ Ruffing for a 54 yard score to take the 24-21 lead with less than a minute to play." Dan Klish The Advertiser Tribune

DJ Ruffing first was able to crack our top athletes and specialists list as an elite kickoff/punt return prospect, after averaging over 50 yards a return when he got to go back deep. He also showed out of this world agility in the way he was able to operate in the open field. When you combine his stellar overall athletics and style of play, he could make a instant impact on special teams, as a true freshmen scholarship athlete. After further evaluating this young phenom, I ranked him the #3 overall slot receiving prospect, but he very well could fit in our heavily talented ATH category, as he is extremely cunning and tenacious defensive back. The first play of Ruffing's All-American highlights, shows the play everyone was talking about in the Northern Ohio area in the following weeks of the "Final-minute magic" that DJ and the Tigers were able to produce under immense pressure to remain undefeated. Luckily, DJ Ruffin is accustom to making big plays under pressure, as he shows a passion for the game of football and is a true "GAMER" in every sense of the word. It appears as if DJ was Foos' number one target from the start, as he is rolling towards DJ's corner route and never deters from locating the young super-star, who reminds me of a mix between Wes Welker and Fred Biletnikoff. Both of these elite receivers were considered too small to play in the NFL, but proved that paying attention to detail was the easiest way to create separation. They were able to work in unison with their elite QB's, who were masters of manipulating a defense themselves. On the end around that DJ is able to leave everyone in the dust, he is able to cover the last 40 yards in a astonishing 4.38 seconds!  DJ's first kickoff return on film comes at :42 seconds into his #3 ranked overall slot receiver footage. Ruffing is seen fielding a wet football and then begins to concisely shred the opposing team's kickoff unit, as he is bedazzling to watch, as DJ uses a  quick synaptic spin and then a extremely quick cut to wind up in the open field. Once another defender attempts to get Ruffin from behind, he is able to rip loose and very quickly trek his way through the muddy grass to pay dirt. The next play after is one of the best tackles I have seen from a 2019 CB prospect, as DJ is able to completely UNEARTH the ball carrier as the far side corner on film. This not only shows the strength DJ has developed, but also a display of sheer grit and determination to get the job accomplished, along with explosive tackling technique that is inescapable. The next play, DJ is shown lined up in the slot in a 5 receiver spread set and is used as the "speed sweep" back, as he somehow once again dances through a hungry sea of piranha with no regard for the blood they seek to savagely extract. DJ is a extremely well-rounded football player and can even play some backyard football, as seen at around 2 minutes into his All-American highlights, which is able to keep the play alive and avoid negative plays. Ruffin is in great position in man to man coverage on the next play and is able to stay in the receivers "inside hip pocket" until he quickly locates the severely under thrown pass and makes another big play for the Tigers with the interception.  Getting DJ out on screens and in the flats is vital for his success, as once he is able to get just a sliver of daylight he is gone in a flash and you better be ready to hit the NOS button, as you most likely will not have enough HIGH OCTANE GAS to keep up with this Scout Trout All-American. The jump-cut that Ruffing is able to make at around 2:42 into his film, looked a lot like a Danny Woodhead or Darren Sproles in the way he so decisively and instantaneously sets the defender up to the outside, only to maneuver his way expeditiously for another big play for the Tiger offense. Big time receivers with DJ's skill set a lot of times are found taking plays off when they are not being targeted with the pigskin. DJ is the complete opposite and shows he not only can "stalk block" with the best of them, but he is a main reason the Tiger's running back's have a proper alley to run through. At 2:52, you will see one of the best block's to cave down a cornerback and open up the outside running lane for the Tiger ball carrier. DJ is seen in more screen action on the next play and once again, DJ shows superior acceleration and his initial "burst" after catching the football is one of the quickest up field I have seen on tape. This method of offense of not giving the defense time to react to certain plays or situations is used heavily at the next level and a big reason you have seen such influx in scoring in College Football, over the decades. When you watch Ruffing run more extremely effective speed sweeps, you can also see him lining up in the backfield from time to time and being utilized in the run game and out of the backfield catching passes, at the next level. DJ is seen showing more exceptional blocking at 3:48 into his film and once again, DJ is able to engage with his defender and completely control where he wants to move him. In this instance, he is able to ride him all the way to the sideline. As I watch more fantastic defensive play at corner and with remarkable special teams skills, DJ will most likely be moved to the ATH category as we progress in the recruiting process. He can certainly play both sides of the football at a very high level and I would not dare kick him the football his senior year.  I believe at any given moment, DJ Ruffing can change the entire complex of a game, as he has big play potential written all over him for the next level! Congrats DJ on being named a Scout Trout All-American and being named our #2 Return man overall and our #3 initial slot receiver in the nation! 

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