Rasco looks to hear more from Tennessee

Shreveport, LA.- One of the bigger recruits in Louisiana is still on the board for the nation. Top recruit Jermauria Rasco has not been a household name on the national scene so far but he should be. He’s a big time prospect that can play at the “Jack” linebacker position or at defensive end. He’s currently 6’3″ 245 and feels he doesn’t have a lot of room left to add weight. He was recently at FSU’s camp and had the following to say about the camp and his recruitment.

“I got home Monday night at midnight. I like it, it was pretty nice out there. It was just a real nice campus and area. I went out there with nothing on my mind, no judgements, just an open mind. I spoke with coach Craig, he’s real cool, we have a good relationship going. I met with coach Fisher and that was pretty good too. He was just telling me about what kind of impact I can make on the team. They want me to play defensive end, with my hand down all of the time. My mom went with me, I think she liked it, but you’d have to ask her for more about that.”

Rasco has offers from all of the top programs including offers from Texas, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and LSU among others. He claims right now he’s still totally open with no favorites and no sign of committing soon.

“I’m still totally wide open, I’m not even close to committing. I honestly just don’t see me adding too much weight, maybe like ten pounds or something, but I don’t know if I can get up to 280 (lbs) like some schools think I will. I want to play defensive end, however I’ve been playing linebacker with my 7V7 team, so I’m kind of getting used to that position as well. But I still think I’m most effective on the line getting after the quarterback.”

Alabama claims they would love to add him as a “Jack” linebacker. However most of his other offers are for defensive end. Tennessee also views Rasco as a defensive end and may look to add some more heat to his recruitment.

“Tennessee hasn’t been recruiting me as hard. I talked to coach Joseph from there, he’s pretty cool. I may take a visit over there if I hear more from them. I’d really like to speak with coach Dooley and see what he’s all about.”

ESPN Scouts Inc Evaluation:

Rasco is a defensive end who shows flashes of being a stout and disruptive presence. He has good size and a sturdy build and should be able to add more good bulk to his frame which could help him. He has a solid get-off and will flash some good quickness, but needs to be more consistent. Will flash the ability to come out of his stance and generate power from his lower body on contact. When he does that and brings his hands and gets leverage with them he can take on a block and hold his ground. Flashes the ability to be stout at the point of attack when he does that, but needs to be more consistent. He can get a little high and looses his hands. Needs to work on not letting blockers get into his chest. He can make the play when run at, but can also give ground in the process. He can be active, but needs to be better with his weapons and it seems at times he is trying to make the tackle before he has shed from the blocker. He has a good motor and displays solid speed for his size. Can deliver a blow to ball carriers and displays good overall power. As a pass rusher he takes a tight path and will get his hands up. He needs to use his weapons to help him clear blockers. Rasco has some good tools and gives you flashes, but he needs to be more consistent in his play and technique to get the production he is capable of out of his ability at the next level.

Notes
2009: Registered 86 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles… 2008: Recorded 149 tackles and 26 sacks as a sophomore… 2007: Registered 109 tackles, seven sacks, and an interception as a freshman… Also recruited by: Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Cal, Oregon, Stanford, Texas Tech, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Baylor, Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ole Miss, UCLA, Duke…