re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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There are a plethora of reasons to love doing what I do, but being able to write about younger prospects is easily the most satisfying.

When I started watching film on 2020 Westgate-New Iberia Kayshon Boutte, it was evident right away that this kid had a unique blend of attributes that should propel him to top-prospect status. He is listed at 6-feet, and 180 pounds, but a couple of phone calls led me to believe he may be even taller than that. Boutte also stars in track, which only helps his cause even more.

It has become apparent this season that he is everything he first appeared to be--a star in the making. Louisiana has a history of producing top talent, but producing top flight receivers has proven to be one of the strong-suits of this state. Boutte looks like he may be the next in line.

The film:

The first thing you notice about Boutte is his acceleration off of the line. He does take a false step at times, but his explosiveness and ability to get to his top gear is elite for a young receiver. His impressive movements don't stop there, though. Boutte also shows great lateral quickness and the ability to redirect and accelerate that often separates the good from the great. All of this becomes even more impressive when you take his age into consideration.

As a receiver, Boutte shows some skill in his route running, but most of his separation is gained through superior athleticism and explosiveness. He does show the physical ability to incorporate it into his game, though. He is not a consistent hands-catcher, yet, but he does show the type of hand-eye coordination to become one. Boutte shows great body control and the ability to elevate in traffic to make the tough catch.

Once the ball is secured, watch out! Boutte eats up angles with pure acceleration and speed, and if he gets a crease, few have a chance catching him. He does show some elusiveness in space, and a toughness that allows him to absorb contact and fight for extra yardage.

On the first clip of the video below, Boutte is running a slant in what is essentially a rub concept, with the defense appearing to be in a cover-3 defense. Boutte catches the ball in stride and turns it up field for what should be a modest gain. But despite two defenders having great position to make the tackle, Boutte's speed simply obliterated their angles, in what turned into a 66-yard yard touchdown right up the seem of the defense.

On the second play, Boutte is running a go-route (9-route). The defense appears to be a cover-3 look once again, with bost the outside defender and high safety in good position to make the play. The QB makes what is an ill-advised throw, but shows a lot of confidence in his young receiver to beat double coverage. Boutte does just that, high-pointing the ball, while absorbing contact on the play.

Overall assessment:

There is certain criteria I set for myself when evaluating players. One of them is to see them in person prior to portraying them as an elite prospect. However, Boutte's ability is so evident to me that there is a willingness to state it here. Boutte will end up being a five-star recruit. Ultimately, his progress from this point on will determine the validity of that statement. Expect to be hearing this young man's name a lot in the future.

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