Calvin Ridley recruit scouting report: Receiver a smooth deep threat

Calvin Ridley, a speedy wide receiver out of Monarch High School (Fla.), is one of the top offensive prospects in the 2015 class.

Ridley -- who is 6’2, 170 pounds -- is rated by the 247 Sports composite as the No. 41 player overall in his class. Rivals thinks highest of him, ranking him as the No. 1 wideout. The composite list has him as the third-best wide receiver, as well as the 10th-best player from the Sunshine State. That is not a knock on Ridley at all, but rather a testament to how many talented soon-to-be seniors are in Florida right now.

Ridley holds scholarship offers to big time programs all around the country, including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee and USC. He unofficially visited the Hurricanes back in December and also attended their pro day in January.

You can follow Calvin on Twitter: @ridley_calvin. Here are some highlights of the wide receiver in action.

What makes Ridley so coveted by major colleges? Let’s take a look.

There’s a lot to like about Calvin Ridley. He offers good size at 6’2 and 175 pounds, with the frame to add more good weight. And he combines that size with a smooth climb to top speed.

Ridley is a bit of a strider, but not to the extent that it is a weakness. He can change directions quite well, and his strides don’t seem to limit him too much when running routes, although route running is something for him to refine in college.

The best part of Ridley’s game is his ability to win contested throws. He has big, soft hands and doesn’t fight the football at all. He effortlessly plucks it, making it look easy. On jump balls, he times his elevation quite well to match the trajectory of the football, extending his hands away from his body to snatch the football away from defenders.

Ridley is also really adept at over-the-shoulder catches, which allows him to not lost his advantage on corners, posts, and streaks, ensuring that he can take them the distance.

Ridley can be a multi-year starter at the BCS level and a potential NFL player.