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Ralfs Rusins NFL Draft Profile
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Ralfs Rusins Scouting ReportRalfs has the ability to create a pile in the middle, even showing the ability to split the occasional double-team. However, is just as often blown off the ball due to his high pad level. Surprising initial quickness off the snap. He relies mostly on a simple bull rush at this point, which is quite effective in collapsing the pocket. He has good strength and balance to sit down, lock-out and create a pile, leading to possibilities inside and out (in the 3-4). Ralfs can make the impressive chest-to-chest bear hug tackle in the hole due to his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield. He played with good leverage, even on the nose, despite average bulk. Hustle defender with a good bull rush inside that can close and get home when quarterbacks leave the pocket.
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Areas for ImprovementRusins does not play fundamentally sound and lacks much technique in his repertoire. He needs to do a better job of being the aggressor and tossing blockers aside. He plays upright and struggles with leverage. Too often stonewalled at the line and doesn't show the hand strength or technique to shed or redirect blockers. Rusins must improve hand use and read-and-react skills. Lacks the violent hands to shed and can be eliminated by double-team blocks. Needs to keep his pad level low; pops upright and plays too tall, struggling to maintain leverage off the snap.
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Ralfs Rusins Career at SchoolGraduated from Riga Hansa Secondary School (Rigas Hanzas Vidusskola) in Riga, Latvia. Competed for four seasons at Riga Hansa. Also played for the Riga Lions. 2015 Redshirted during the season. In 2016, saw playing time in nine games. He joined Liberty's roster the following August training camp as a tight end. He was part of Liberty's special teams unit. He recorded a solo tackle and forced a fumble. As a redshirt sophomore he was named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll. He saw playing time in four games before missing the second half of the season due to an injury. He received a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA. He finished the season with seven tackles (five solo, two assisted). In 2018, he saw playing time in all 12 games. He started at nose guard against Old Dominion and North Texas. He finished the season with 13 tackles. As a redshirt junior in 2019, he saw action and started in all 13 games at nose guard. He had a career year, ranking fourth on the team with 60 tackles. He was third on the team in tackle for loss (6.5) and 2.0 sacks. As a redshirt senior in 2020, he saw action and started in all 11 games at nose guard. He ranked seventh on the team in tackles and finished the season with 34 tackles. He also added three tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble. He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, returning for his sixth season as an Flames.
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Ralfs Rusins NFL Draft Player ProfileRusins is a three year starter for the Flames, he has shown steady improvement each season. He racked up 129 tackles during that span, including 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. Rusins has become a stalwart for the Flames at nose guard. Originally from Baltic village of Carnikava, Latvia he will likley be a day three draft selection due to his presence over the ball in the middle of the defensive line.
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