Alabama vs. LSU Matchup Preview: WR Rueben Randle vs. CB Dre’ Kirkpatrick
College football fans are just licking their chops thinking about the game that will take place on Saturday night between LSU and Alabama, and like I have said before, I think this matchup features a ton of NFL talent and I doubt I’m alone there.
One of the more intriguing matchups is going to be how LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle fares against a tough cornerback in Alabama’s Dre’ Kirkpatrick.
Kirkpatrick is considered by many to be the best (potentially) available cornerback in the 2012 draft class, while Randle was one of the best players if not the best player coming out of his high school class. Obviously, I feel like Randle hasn’t performed to his potential–up until this season.
The 6’4″ 210 pound playmaker has already tied his career high with 33 receptions, and has set a career mark with 638 yards, seven touchdowns, and 19.3 yards per catch.
Kirkpatrick doesn’t have any interceptions this year, but he shuts down one side of the field pretty well, and he has 18 tackles to go along with two forced fumbles this season on a star-studded ‘Bama defense.
In his last three games, Randle has caught 14 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns against the likes of Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn.
I think Randle’s game compares favorably to that of Ashley Lelie, the former Denver Broncos wide receiver who once led the NFL in yards per reception. He is a big play guy who can stretch the defense. If LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee can find time to throw, I think connecting with Randle should be an x-factor for this game since we know it’s going to be a tough game in the trenches.
Kirkpatrick compares to Nnamdi Asomugha, in my opinion, simply because he has the size and physical style of play that #24 has. I am not saying he is as good, obviously, but he definitely has a similar ceiling as a prospect with a 6’3″ frame and freakish athleticism.
Here is my scouting report of Rueben Randle prior to the season:
Randle was a big name recruit back in 2008 and one of the most coveted players in his class. High School All-American who has a chance to be one of the best receiver prospects in the next couple of draft classes. He has the height/weight/speed that every NFL team looks for. Excellent length and ability after the catch. Really going to need to emerge in his junior season after having a solid sophomore campaign with 33 catches for 544 yards and three touchdowns. Had his best game of the season against Alabama with three catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. No stranger to the big play, but will need Jordan Jefferson to actually get him the ball on a regular basis to make the kind of impact we know he is capable of. Probably the best overall prospect on LSU’s roster right now, and a guy who could potentially be a first round pick in either of the next two drafts.
Here is my scouting report on Kirkpatrick from the pre-season:
Let the comparisons of Dre’ Kirkpatrick to Nnamdi Asomugha begin. Speed, agility, shut-down coverage ability–you name it, and Kirkpatrick has it. Not only is he a physical specimen, he is quite possibly a better cornerback prospect overall than Patrick Peterson was in 2011. Kirkpatrick is a top notch player on the field, and will have to do some serious damage personally to prevent himself from being a top 10 pick in next year’s draft if he declares. He was a top rated recruit coming out of high school, and he has not disappointed since becoming a full time starter in 2010. Two time high school All-American, will be one of the front-runners for the Thorpe Award in 2011.