Notre Dame Commit Profile: Eli Raridon, Tight End
Analysis of Notre Dame tight end commit Eli Raridon, one of the top tight ends in the 2022 class.
ELI RARIDON PROFILE
Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
High School: Valley
Height: 6-6
Weight: 225
IB Grade: 4.0 (Top 250 caliber prospect)
Upside Grade: 4.5
Offers: Notre Dame, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, Iowa, Iowa State, Purdue, Virginia, Minnesota, West Virginia, Kansas State, Northwestern, Michigan State, Indiana, Arizona State, California, Duke, Vanderbilt, Illinois
Recruited By: John McNulty, Tommy Rees
RECRUITING RANKINGS
247Sports: 4-star - No. 64 overall - No. 2 tight end
On3: 4-star - No. 235 overall - No. 11 tight end
ESPN: 3-star - No. 13 tight end
Rivals: 3-star - No. 21 tight end
Composite: 4-star - No. 236 overall - No. 8 tight end
FILM ANALYSIS
The first thing you'll notice when watching Raridon's film is his size. He's every bit of 6-6, possessing above average arm length to go along with that height.
Although he'll need to add a good amount of weight and strength to his frame, Raridon certainly has the body to get there. Raridon has a frame that reminds me a lot of former Notre Dame standout Kyle Rudolph at the same age. Rudolph was also a 6-6, 225-pound two-sport athlete that shined on the basketball court, which helped keep his weight down. Raridon scored over 17 points per game on the hardwood for Valley this past season.
Once Rudolph stopped playing basketball he easily put on good weight and added strength, finishing his Notre Dame career at 265 pounds. Raridon is a willing blocker already, showing a good punch, impressive leg drive and toughness. As he adds more size and strength this will become an even bigger part of his game.
Raridon shows good vertical speed, and as expected impressive footwork, agility and balance for a big player. You can see those traits on the football field and the basketball court. The Valley standout has some bounce, something you see even more on the basketball court. Combine that with his size, length and excellent hands he's a major weapon in the pass game.
The Valley standout still needs a lot of technical work. His get off is a bit inconsistent, and he needs to get more bend as he works vertically, which will help him be more sharp with his routes. As that part of his game improves he'll become extremely difficult to guard.
GRADE KEY
5.0 - Elite player
4.5 - All-American caliber player
4.0 - Multi-year starter
3.5 - Key role player / Late career-starter
3.0 - Backup
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