Rasul Douglas

A one-year starter at West Virginia, Douglas lined up primarily at right cornerback in press-man coverage for the Mountaineers, emerging as one of the Big 12's best defensive backs during the 2016 campaign. Growing up focusing on basketball, Douglas realized his best chance at a pro future was on the football field, but didn't have the SAT scores to qualify academically and enrolled at Nassau Community College. He redshirted in 2012 and played two seasons at the JUCO level, developing into a four-star recruit. Douglas received offers from several power-five schools, including Florida State, Louisville and West Virginia, choosing the Mountaineers. The NCAA didn't clear him to join WVU until a few weeks prior to the 2015 season, playing mostly on special teams as a junior due to his late start. Douglas became a starter as a senior (12 starts) and emerged as West Virginia's top defensive player with a FBS-best eight interceptions, adding 70 tackles, 16 passes defended and one forced fumble to earn First Team All-Big 12 honors. An impressive athlete on the hoof due to his measureables, Douglas uses his length to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and crowd the catch point downfield. While tough-minded and physical, he requires technique and discipline upkeep in press and off-coverage to better put himself in position to make plays on the ball and avoid penalties. Although he clearly lacks seasoning, Douglas should improve with more experience and shows NFL starter potential.

strengths

Tall, workable body type with above average arm length. Long-striding athlete. Looks to jam and disrupt route tempo. Great understanding of timing and spacing from off-coverage to drive on underneath throws and converge at the catch point - needs to better anticipate, but reacts in a flash. Understands down, distance and situations, which improves his guess rate when jumping routes. Fierce ballskills and competes with a "my ball" attitude to win 50-50 balls and steal catches away from receivers. Always looking for the big play after the interception, averaging 12.6 yards per return in 2016 with one score (8/101/1). Mentally and physically tough and competes with a survivor mentality.

weaknesses

Lean lower body. Upright in his pedal and transition with high hips and leggy movements. Aggressive in press, but needs to improve his timing and balance to land his jabs. Struggles to sink and control his momentum on the move, losing cornerbacks on non-vertical routes. Too easily gives up inside position and late to gain proper body position. Struggles to find the ball with his back to the quarterback. Latches on to receivers and doesn't loosen his grip downfield, leading to attention from the zebras. Long-striding speed, but lacks the make-up acceleration to catch receivers from behind. Play strength doesn't always match his intentions as a run defender. Only one season of starting experience at the FBS-level.

Played for Marion Bell at East Orange High

Birthday is Aug. 29 Son of Carletter Williams One of seven children Majoring in multidisciplinary studies

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
3.5	0.0	70.0	1.0	8.0	1.0	49.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
1.0	12.6	101.0	8.0

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0