2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Rasheen Ali, RB Marshall
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Rasheen Ali, a 3-star recruit from Shaker Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Ali did receive another offer to play college football from Hampton University, but turned it down to attend Marshall.
At Marshall University, Ali played little as a true freshman. However, he broke out in a big way in his second season. Ali handled 295 touches and converted them into 1735 total yards and 24 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was marred by injury, but he did bounce back in a big way in 2023. In his final collegiate season, Ali totalled 1348 combined yards and 16 touchdowns on just 240 touches, once again proving his sophomore breakout was no fluke.
In the NFL, Ali has the potential to be a reliable depth RB for an NFL team. His production all but proves he has the chops to carry the load while his 3-down skill set should make him versatile enough to stick at the next level.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2020 | Marshall | CUSA | FR | RB | 6 | 5 | 22 | 4.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 22 | 4.4 | 0 | |
| *2021 | Marshall | CUSA | FR | RB | 13 | 250 | 1401 | 5.6 | 23 | 45 | 334 | 7.4 | 1 | 295 | 1735 | 5.9 | 24 |
| *2022 | Marshall | Sun Belt | SO | 3 | 47 | 273 | 5.8 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 1 | 49 | 283 | 5.8 | 2 | |
| *2023 | Marshall | Sun Belt | SR | RB | 12 | 212 | 1135 | 5.4 | 15 | 28 | 213 | 7.6 | 1 | 240 | 1348 | 5.6 | 16 |
| Career | Marshall | 514 | 2831 | 5.5 | 39 | 75 | 557 | 7.4 | 3 | 589 | 3388 | 5.8 | 42 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Fluid mover, with good long speed and some wiggle to avoid big hits.
- Catches the football well, with reliable hands.
- His burst is evident on tape.
- Patient when reading the defense and running through the open hole.
- Capable downfield threat as a receiver.
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t possess the elite acceleration to escape the initial wave of defenders.
- Is currently a liability in pass protection.
- Ball security is a minor concern.
- Looks good on tape but didn’t separate at the Senior Bowl against elite competition.
- No elite traits to hand your hat on.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: 6th Round
Ideal Landing Spot: Buffalo Bills
Ali can provide the Bills with quality depth and serve in a backup capacity for a couple of different backs, depending on where help is needed. He’s a solid between-the-tackles runner who can also work on the boundary and serve as a 3rd down back.
Now that rosters have solidified after a tumultuous free agency period, the Bills are in desperate need of RB depth. Ali can serve a purpose for them both on special teams and as a depth piece. What works best for them is his versatility, given he possesses a 3-down skill set. Buffalo currently only rosters three RBs, and only James Cook has proven he can effectively occupy a regular role in the offense. Although Ty Johnson acquitted himself well last season, Ali has the potential to push Johnson for playing time as a quality RB3 on an NFL team.
For Ali, the Bills offer him a place to find a role immediately. That role is likely as a backup with the potential to play the James Cook role or the early-down role in an offense that lacks depth. The Bills must draft another RB earlier, but Ali offers them the chance to close out the position with strong and capable backs with ability behind proven starters. Ali can learn in a winning culture and serve a role when called upon.
Though it is unlikely that Ali will garner much attention for a starting position in an NFL backfield, I’d imagine he gets an extended look this summer to see if he can become a reliable backup at the next level. If he lands with a team in need of depth at the position, he should stick if he can thrive in a competitive environment.
