TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– His punt return skills will come into form soon enough, but one cannot deny the receiving talent that is true freshman Henry Ruggs III for Alabama right now.
Hailing from Montgomery, Ala., the five-star weapon from Robert E. Lee High School has a knack for scoring touchdowns. He turned in 20 scores during his senior year in 2016 on 102 touches, and has brought the same type of impact and efficiency to the Crimson Tide.
He may have suffered two drops versus Florida State and Ole Miss that would have been touchdowns, but of his five catches – all have resulted with him in the end zone.
While four of his five scores came in the red zone, Ruggs latest burst to pay dirt occurred on a 60-yard reception from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter. After making the catch near the middle of field, Ruggs darted to his left and flew the rest of the way for a touchdown.
This was not the first hookup between Tagovailoa and the 6-foot target.
Alabama WR @__RUGGS 5-Catches 5-Touchdowns #Freshman2Freshman @Tuaamann_ pic.twitter.com/Ov8CubYIb0
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) October 21, 2017
He found Ruggs for a 16-yard score in the fourth quarter, during Alabama’s home opener against Fresno State.
Much like Calvin Ridley did as a freshman, Ruggs is finding multiple ways in making his speed and elusiveness become a mismatch for defensive coordinators.
Whether he is outside or in the slot, his first move is aggressive.
Ruggs has the ability to run clean routes, while not allowing defensive backs to change his direction. In doing this, he creates a free release and has the hands to bring passes in for chunk yardage.
He along with Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith have received praise from the team’s veteran receivers and head coach Nick Saban; however, Ruggs is starting to stand out a little more.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.