Robbie Ouzts, TE/FB, Alabama
Size:
Height: 6030
Weight: 274
Arm: 31 ¼”
Hand: 9 ¾”
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“Robbie Ouzts is a hard-working blocking tight end who can use seam speed to burn defenses who forget he’s on the field.”
Strengths:
Eyes as a blocker
Good blocking base
Seam acceleration
Concerns:
Production
Length as a blocker
Route-running
Film Analysis:
A three-star recruit out of Rock Hill High School in South Carolina, Robbie Ouzts recorded 11 catches for 154 yards in 2020 after 32 receptions for 465 yards as a junior in 2019. He committed to Alabama for the 2021 season and immediately saw playing time on special teams as a freshman before sustaining a lower-body injury late in the season. He played all four seasons at Alabama as a special teamer and backup/blocking tight end while securing 16 catches for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
Ouzts doesn’t contribute much from a receiving perspective, but he’s a hard-working blocker who contributed in several ways. From blocking in the slot on screens to lining up as a fullback and lead blocking between the tackles, Ouzts plays with a good blocking base, a physical mindset, and a willingness to finish when the opportunity presents itself. His length is an issue when blocking in-line for an offense where defensive ends can get inside his chest easily and extend. A transition to fullback full-time could help mitigate those concerns, and he’s shown to be an effective blocker on the move with good footwork and lining up blocks in space.
While not a productive receiver, he does well stopping at the proper times and distances when asked to go out on a route. He’s not going to create a ton of stand-alone separation and will rely on being schemed open when on the field, but he’s a better athlete than you’d expect for his size. He has good acceleration up the seam but won’t run away from coverage. There’s no nuance to his routes and he lacks the upside to develop into a receiving threat, but he'd find more success from the backfield as a fullback. His length concerns inhibit his ability to bring down contested catches and make plays away from his body, but he’ll be tough to bring down with a head of steam and fall forward.
Ouzts's chances of sticking on an NFL roster are likely to be through a positional change to fullback and hard work on special teams. His effort and willingness to do whatever is asked of him will also appeal to NFL coaches.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Daniel Harms
Exposures: South Carolina (2024), Mercer (2024), Michigan (2024), Oklahoma (2024)