Commitment Analysis: Malik Rainey

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong> [player_tooltip player_id="20336" first="Malik" last="Rainey"], DB, Bolingbrook</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Ht/Wt:</strong> <em>5’10, 180</em></span><span style="font-size: 14pt"> <strong>Ι </strong> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Position Rank: </strong><em>4</em> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Ι Commitment</strong><strong>: </strong><em>Cincinnati </em></span></p> &nbsp; <p style="text-align: left"><strong>Offers:</strong> <em>Virginia, Ball State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Colorado State, Ohio, Kent State, Toledo &amp; More</em></p> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Scouting Report:</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">It always seems like Bolingbrook is churning out consistent talent at the defensive back position, and [player_tooltip player_id="20336" first="Malik" last="Rainey"] is no exception. Rainey has great instincts and carefully breaks on the QB. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to read routes. He’s exceptional at weaving in his backpedal and keeping inside leverage. Rainey is a corner who is strong in run support and not afraid to stick his nose in there. Rainey plays like a technician; he doesn’t swat at the football like most high school DB’s; he wisely punches the ball in a quick, concise manner. Rainey is a natural in press and does a great job of punching with his opposite hand and not cross over running when transitioning. His backpedal is so clean, and he does a great of getting out of it when a wideout has broken his cushion. Finally, one of the things that I loved about Rainey was his willingness to play special teams. Far too many High school standouts don’t put much effort into special teams, but Rainey is not one of them.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Analysis: </span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Cincinnati has put together a very talented 2021 class and one that’s arguably the best amongst the non-Power 5’s. Rainey was a huge get and a guy who most recruiting outlets had as a 3-star prospect. He even held an offer from the Virginia Cavaliers. Overall, I fully expect Rainey to come in and compete for a job from day one. He’ll be one of the more highly recruited players in their 2021 class and will have high expectations. Rainey is well-coached at the high school level and isn’t a project type prospect. He’ll be ready to go from the get-go. Cincinnati had success last season at the cornerback position with a similar talent to Rainey, in Senior Cam Jefferies. Rainey becomes the fourth DB committed to the bearcats and will have plenty of competition. Remember how I mentioned he can play special teams? If Rainey doesn’t win a job out of the gate, I do expect him to contribute on special teams. It’s tough to get on the field as a true freshman, but If you can play special teams, you become that much more valuable. Head coach Luke Fickell &amp; DC Marcus Freeman have to be excited about Rainey’s commitment, schematically he’s a great fit in their defense and competitor on the field. </span> &nbsp;