15 Sep Preseason Scouting Notes: Larry Rountree III, RB, Missouri
Senior | 5’10” 210 lbs | Raleigh, North Carolina
A one cut back with an all-around solid game but lacking a standout trait to bolster his skillset
Overview:
As a former 3-star recruit, Larry Rountree managed an impressive first two seasons posting just under 2,000 yards and 17 scores. His junior year campaign did not live up to the hype garnered his first two years as he rushed for almost a whole yard less per carry. Rountree has proven to be a safe ball carrier as in over 500 touches he has only fumbled three times, losing two of them. With Missouri’s zone run scheme, Rountree in extremely experienced running inside the tackles, but sees little receiving production as the Tigers like to stretch the field deep.
Strengths:
– Showcased good ability as a receiver to see the ball into his hands and get upfield
– Within his limited reps he showed intelligent route running choices and decisions on options and screens
– Possesses the requisite vision to find a hole and hit it with above average burst
– Strong legs allow him to churn out those tough YAC
– Extremely slithery runner, able to beat defenders by slipping through contact
– Reliable ball carrier. Has not shown any issues regarding fumbles
– Demonstrates the necessary willingness and technique as a blocker in one on one and edge chip situations
Areas to improve:
– Limited production in the pass game due to the system he plays in
– Not necessarily evasive. Has only one plan to beat defenders and rarely pulls out any moves to make defenders mis one on one
– Long speed is questionable. Does not possess that big play threat and gets caught from behind relatively easy
– Not consistently patient. Will sometimes wait for blocks to develop but will also attempt to shoot through holes that aren’t there yet
– Will occasionally get thrown off balance easily leaving it just average at this point
Injury concerns:
– 2019 sprained toe (missed no games)
Projection:
Rountree will be one of the safer selections in this years draft as what you see is what you get with him. He will reliably keep the ball safe as well as be a threat on all three downs. His downfall comes as he simply does not have anything that makes him standout from the rest of the pack. Due to his only solid all around game he will likely be a mid day three guy that will find carries in a committee. Rountree may also prove to be a problem on special teams as he showed promise his freshman season but has not been given any more reps as a returner since then. While Rountree will have to fight for a starting spot, his extremely likable skillset will definitely find him a home on an NFL roster.
What to watch in 2020:
A major portion of Rountree’s downfalls revert back to his rather average athleticism outside his short area burst. If he can manage to become more of a home run threat, pairing that with his vision and receiving ability will sky rocket his stock. Regarding his receiving ability, he simply needs more reps. The Mizzou offense likes to test defenses deep which limits the amount of looks Rountree receives underneath so finding a way to simply feed him the ball will be very important.
- A native of southern Connecticut, Tim has been a passionate Cowboys fan since birth.
- Sports-Leisure Management major, knowledgeable in all aspects of sport and plans to get a career in this field.
- His interest in football has been life-long and he found his niche in scouting.
- Tim hopes to continue scouting and find his way into the pros or even as a college recruiter.