Sheldon Rankins: Prospect Breakdown (with GIFs)

Sep 12, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; /Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) moves the ball against Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) during second half at Papa John
Sep 12, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; /Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) moves the ball against Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) during second half at Papa John /
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Sheldon Rankins Film: Part 4

Oct 24, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Jeff Smith (5) scrambles away from Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) during the second half at Papa John
Oct 24, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Jeff Smith (5) scrambles away from Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) during the second half at Papa John /

Rankins drives through a tight space and collapses the pocket, forcing the QB to scramble and ultimately throw the ball away. Not a play that shows up in the stat sheet, but an important one nonetheless.

Another example of how good Rankins is with his hands. He consistently is able to bat away o-lineman’s arms to keep himself clean, and then he makes the stop.

Rankins uses his arms very well. He attacks first, keeps an extended distance to keep from being engaged, and then fights through the block for a sack.

Rankins can be slow with his snap anticipation. There are more times than you would like where he is the last player to react after the snap.

Rankins doesn’t get stat sheet credit for this, but he made the play. He blows up his matchup and creates a free lane for his teammate to make the easy tackle.

Next: Pros, Cons, and a Summary of Sheldon Rankins