Rashard Higgins

Scouts are eager to see if Higgins - a consensus All-American and the nation's leading receiver last year - can duplicate his production 2015 with quarterback Garrett Grayson and head coach Jim McElwain moving on to the New Orleans Saints and Florida Gators, respectively. Higgins led the country with 1,750 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns and an 18.2 yards-per-catch average in 2014. He went for more than 100 yards receiving in nine consecutive games, including against Philadelphia Eagles second-round pick Eric Rowe and the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl. After just two seasons with McElwain calling the plays and Grayson delivering strikes, Higgins already has hauled in Colorado State's career record for receiving touchdowns with 23 scores.

in our view

Higgins lined up primarily as the "X" receiver in Colorado State's offense and was asked to run a variety of routes, showing the instincts to exploit holes and get uncovered. Higgins isn't a burner or sudden athlete, but he plays with synchronized shake and terrific footwork to plant-and-go without wasted movements in his routes. He is advanced in several areas at the position and might be the best receiver in this class at improvising to find open zones and give his quarterback a clean target. Although is lack of ideal size and speed will ding him on draft boards, Higgins has the production that matches the tape and his strengths translate well to the next level.

strengths

Good height and length for the position. Light-footed with easy strides and natural body control. Excellent rhythm and depth in his routes and transitions his weight well. Crafty, coordinated footwork at the top of routes and off the line of scrimmage to create spacing. Above average locating ability with terrific sight adjustments to find, track and quickly adjust to the ball. Great sense of surroundings with an innate feel for holes in coverage. Nifty and creative to be a catch-and-go threat. Attacks with his hands and finishes through the process of the catch. Competitive blocker, using his body as a tool. Fearless over the middle and not intimidated by anyone on the field. Humble, but doesn't shy from his "Hollywood" nickname. Highly productive and leaves Colorado State as the school's all-time leader in catches (230), receiving yards (3,520) and touchdowns (31).

weaknesses

Thin-boned with lean muscle tone. Not a powerful runner and won't consistently break tackles. Focused, but too finesse at the catch point. Can be overmatched physically and knocked off his route by some defensive backs. Mediocre top-end speed and lacks multiple gears. Good plant-and-go quickness, but not naturally explosive or a strong leaper. Has cut down the drops, but will have occasional focus lapses. Doesn't have any return experience on special teams.

Earned nine letters, including three in football, at Mesquite (Texas) High School. Hauled in 69 receptions for 1,136 yards (16.5) and 10 TDs as a senior for the Skeeters. In 49-35 win over Plano West, had a career-best eight receptions for 155 yards and a TD. On the first play of the second quarter, caught a pass and took it 70 yards to give Mesquite a 14-7 lead. Skeeters offense outscored opponents on average 43-21 while compiling an 11-1 record and becoming District 12-5A and Bi-District champions. One of only six undefeated teams to make the Texas state playoffs

advanced to the second round but lost to eventual state champion Allen High School 50-28. Finished his senior year earning first-team District 12-5A, All-Texas first-team and honorable mention by the Associated Press in the 5A classification. Earned the Mesquite High School Outstanding Receiver Award. Junior season, named first-team All-District 11-5A, helping Mesquite to a 7-6 record and their first winning season in three years. Advanced to the third round of the Texas state 5A playoffs with upset wins over 8-3 Belton and 9-3 Garland before losing 24-6 to The Woodlands. 2011 campaign ended with the Skeeters becoming Bi-District and area champions after making it to the regional semifinals. Head football coach was Robbie Robinson. Also played basketball, averaging 17 points per game, and ran track at Mesquite.

Given name is Rashard Malick Higgins..born Oct. 7, 1994 in Dallas, Texas

mother's name is Jeanette Jackson

Has two older siblings, one sister and one brother

Pre-construction management major at CSU

Hometown: Mesquite, Texas.

2015

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
20.0	0.0	20.0	1.0	20.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
75.0	14.2	8.0	46.0	1062.0