Washington State Cougars Football: Impact Freshman Spotlight

Player: Rahmel Dockery

LAST SEASON: Had to sit out the 2011 season for reasons that have been largely undisclosed but we think had to do with NCAA stuff, so we never got to see the explosive Curtis High product in action last season. This is one of the young guns on the WSU football team that is poised to make an impact.

SKILL SET: Dockery is a very instinctive north/south runner with far above average lateral ability. If he does start to get lateral Rahmel is always looking for the next crease to attack up the field, even if it has part of a defender in it. Uses his speed well and is a terrific setup runner, putting his blockers in good position to help him and routinely closing the gap between himself and the defense before they have the opportunity to get set, commonly referred to as “getting on top of the defender”. What this allows Rahmel to do is make a move on a flat footed defender, which enhances even the smallest of cuts and keeps his weight mostly up the field. In this way, Devin Hester is the player that comes to mind when I watch Dockery. He is also a fine pass catcher with terrific ball skills with the ball in the air. Type of athlete that Leach likes to get the ball to at any point on the field.

ROLE: I can immediately see Rahmel returning punts and kickoffs because he can flip field position in a flash. He is going to fly under the radar as a receiver on the team this season, but I think he could be a sneaky good slot receiver in Leach’s system over the next 4 years. In high school he was able to be outside and just run by people, but he will need to learn how to find holes and idle down to get the ball in college. He has the ability to run by a safety so he should be able to get opportunities down the seam from time to time, but for the most part getting the ball in the short game and making the most out of it will be Rahmel’s lot in this offense. I am really excited to see Rahmel in the screen and reverse game as well. He is very shifty and has a serious advantage because he can hide behind the big teammates at WR that will be blocking for him.

HIGHLIGHTS: Have a look at Rahmel’s Curtis High Senior highlights from 2010!