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'07 FL RB Chris Rainey (Florida Verbal)

<!-- MAIN BODY WHITE--> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody><tr> <td class="contentheading" width="100%"> "TELL NOEL TO BE READY" </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="2" align="left" valign="top" width="70%"> Written by Derek Williams </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" class="createdate" valign="top"> Sunday, 06 March 2005 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" valign="top"> It appears that the race for the state's top 2007 RB prospect is in full stride. Devine made a quick break by putting up highlight play after highlight play as a 15 year old freshman. A feature on ESPN and he quickly hit legendary status. While many had never heard the words Chris Rainey, those of us in the area knew of a hidden gem that would soon emerge. The comparisons of Sophomore highlight footage are eerily similar. Is this state about to witness a head to head battle next year between two RB phenoms? I think so. Today we sit down and chat with Chris Rainey. Find out who his top 3 schools are with a heavy favorite and see if he uttered the words you see above. Noel Devine, be ready because this Polk county superstar is out to prove himself.

It was 5:00 pm on a Sunday night when my cell phone rang in the middle of my workout. After meeting up with Chris Rainey the day before, I told him to give me a call so he could introduce himself to the fans and he did just that. The interview was short as I jotted down notes on the weight bench but it appears Chris Rainey will not let Noel Devine run away with the "State's Best 2007 RB" title without a serious challenge.

SP: Chris, you now have fans across the state talking about you in the same breath as Noel Devine. While many know of you, the fans at the Big 3 are wanting to get to know you a bit better. Tell us who you favor and why.

CR: Florida.

SP: That seems like a heavy favorite.

CR: It is. I have loved them all of my life.

SP: What about a 2nd and a 3rd.

CR: It would be a tie between Florida State and Miami.

SP: Do any out of state schools come to mind or do you have your sights set on the Big 3?

CR: Mainly the Big 3.

SP: What other sports do you participate in?

CR: Run track and play basketball. 10.8 100. 23 long jump. 6 foot high jump. 4.3 speed.

SP: What are you doing to prepare for next season?

CR: Run and lift. I love to run. I race my brother (Rod Smart of the Carolina Panthers).

SP: And, do you beat him?

CR: Not yet.

SP: When I talked with you yesterday you mentioned #7. Tell me what you thought of his video.

CR: Full of talent.

SP: When I told you yesterday that Noel was a 2007 prospect like yourself I immediately noticed a look in your eye.

CR: You just tell Noel to be ready.

I am a big believer in Polk County football and will continue to cover not only Chris Rainey, but many more kids in the area. Chris is just one of 10 starters on Lakeland's offense that are 2007 prospects. Expect this Lakeland team to be a major force this year and next.</td></tr></tbody> </table>
 
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Don't get me wrong; the video was very impressive, and this kid's a SPEEDSTER for SURE, but there is no way he makes it in the Big 10.

He looks like he's only about... 170? 185 would be generous. When he gets tackled his legs flail around like he's a chew toy. Definitely a WR/PR/KR, but not a 40-carry a game RB.

Besides, he did nothing there that MWells couldnt do. :wink:

Go Bucks!
 
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not a 40-carry a game RB
I do not even know of 40-carry a game RB that suites up anymore...

The game is evolving in such ways you must have more than 1 guy to carry the load...

You must keep in mind that the kid was only a Soph. in that film, and it is against top notch competition. He was the best player on a team he led to the State Championship...
 
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Oneshot said:
Don't get me wrong; the video was very impressive, and this kid's a SPEEDSTER for SURE, but there is no way he makes it in the Big 10.

He looks like he's only about... 170? 185 would be generous. When he gets tackled his legs flail around like he's a chew toy. Definitely a WR/PR/KR, but not a 40-carry a game RB.

Besides, he did nothing there that MWells couldnt do. :wink:

Go Bucks!

Uh yeah, how many sophomores are over 180? How many of those end up outgrowing tailback? He has 2.5 years before he even enters college. How can you write him off based on size?
 
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Rainey is a pretty good back in his own right, but Devine is in a league of his own. Rainey runs very erratically sometimes, running into tackles rather than running away from them. Also, he lacks the balance and power the Devine has to break tackles. Rainey doesn't quite have the cuts either. Overall, I would say that Rainey is a 4 star RB while Devine is a 6 star RB. :)
 
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Hey I am a graduate of Lakeland High School as of 2003. I was there for some of the glory years and point-a-minute teams. I still travel from Gainesville to watch them play on weekends and I went to the state title game. I will agree that Rainey is not the biggest RB but I definitely think his techniques and playing abilities are matched by few his age. Granted Devine is also amazing but I wouldnt count Rainey out being too small. Can anyone say Warrick Dunn? All the LHS opponents across the state underestimate him until he is 20yds ahead of them while they choke on his dust clouds. As for competition, LHS plays some of the toughest teams in the state ranging from Tampa Schools to even some Miami highs.
 
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Its about time that people start to recognize this kid. I think hands down he is one of the best RBs in the state and probably in the country. It is a shame I cant be around to see more of his games. He is a highlight reel waiting to happen. You can say what you want about size and all that but this kid as blazing speed, maneuverability, is hard to bring down sometimes, and is great at picking a whole. So if you like Devine even though his name has dropped off the face of the planet and apparently he has kids and stuff go ahead. Let me say this though. What good is size when speed puts you at least 10yds ahead of everyone else ALL THE TIME! And yes he does race "He Hate Me" or to some Rod Smart. They are related. If not brothers I think it is like step-brother.
 
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LHSDreadnaught said:
Its about time that people start to recognize this kid. I think hands down he is one of the best RBs in the state and probably in the country. It is a shame I cant be around to see more of his games. He is a highlight reel waiting to happen. You can say what you want about size and all that but this kid as blazing speed, maneuverability, is hard to bring down sometimes, and is great at picking a whole. So if you like Devine even though his name has dropped off the face of the planet and apparently he has kids and stuff go ahead. Let me say this though. What good is size when speed puts you at least 10yds ahead of everyone else ALL THE TIME!
calm down junior....you start 5 yards behind the LBs. If you try go go through the middle of the line and get popped by AJ Hawk then your speed will help you get to the sideline while the backup comes in and you try to catch your breath.
 
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