PonyFans.com

I'm hearing this guy is getting a lot of attention lately from several colleges, including SMU.

Ryan Polite
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 197 40: 4.55
Position: RB, S
Projected as: RB, S
Carrollton (American Heritage Academy), Texas

Biography:
Polite ranks as a superb athlete, capable of playing multiple positions. As a junior, Polite rushed for 2,136 yards and 35 scores and played the running back and strong safety positions while also performing as the special teams return-man for American Heritage Academy. Polite was All-District and All-State.

TheInsiders.com Video 1
Polite:"I just try and run hard and I hate get taken down," said Polite. "I like to make the hit not take the hit. That's kind of my philosophy. I think I also have good instincts and vision. I just try and find the hole and exploit it."

Coach's Comments:"If he was playing at a bigger school he would be looked at a lot more," said American Heritage Head Coach Bob Giesey. "Ryan is big, strong and very fast. We clocked him at a 4.5 (electronic) forty. He is very smart (3.8 GPA, 1100 SAT) and has high aspirations. His No. 1 asset is his competitiveness. Ryan has a great ticker and is a great effort kid."

Scouting Report:Polite has the knack for making the big play, whether on offense or special teams. He runs with good power, speed and quickness and gives great effort. Polite has good vision and instincts, especially in the open field and this kid refuses to give up or go down.

Schools of Interest:
Baylor, Iowa, LSU, Oklahoma, SMU, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Ohio State

That's the Insiders scouting report. But I also hear he's up to nearl 215 pounds, with the same quickness.

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I'm assuming he's in a pretty low level private school since I've never heard of the school and I went to a private school. The teams he plays against might have 30 kids in each class. I'd be very wary of this kinda recruit unless his physical skills are off the chart. I don't know why you bother to list those schools of interest since I doubt any of those schools are interested in him. All that is a list of school he probably filled out during a summer camp months ago.

I gather his athletic tools are, in fact, pretty extraordinary. But you're right, his actual productiveness is hard to measure against competition like he faces. So I don't know where to stand on this guy. I've heard from several people who know a lot more about football (and have seen him) that he's a very impressive prospect. But that competition .... small-school sleeper, or big fish in a small pond?

I might add that all that information is over 6 months old-and the reason he hasn't gotten any more recent attention is PROBABLY that little number listed in his chart-he ran a 4.71 in the 40 at a combine. TRANSLATION:Unless there is an explanation for that slow time he is NO PROSPECT. Maybe he can play in the same backfield with Shea Smith at Tarelton St.

If he runs the 4.55 at practice and in games, then he can run it. I don't know where the 4.71 came from, either.

I also read that he's now between 215 and 220 pounds. If that's right and he really can run a 4.55, then there could be a player in there. If he hasn't gotten bigger, and if he's really in the 4.7s, then I agree with Stallion that he's a longshot at best.

Yeah. He'll end up at Rice and run for 200 yards against us in 3 years. Bennett will scratch his head and wonder why all our linebackers, who are faster than this guy, were out of position and blame lack of talent, experience, etc, etc.

If he's a longshot, then pass on him and use the scholie on a JUCO or another lineman. We don't need projects at RB. If he wants to walk-on, he would be welcome.