Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has enjoyed numerous high-character players over the years on their way to the NFL.
But Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti calls former Clemson running back Adam Randall the “highest character” of them all. Bisciotti said as much when the Ravens made Randall the No. 174 pick in the fifth round on April 25, a call that is trending on social media.
“Well, I’m good friends with your Dabo,” Bisciotti started off with Randall. “This first call I’ve ever done because my GM and I negotiated something this year for the first time, and that was I was going to get a pick that I get to pick by myself I started working with Dabo a little while ago, and he told me that you are the highest character player he’s ever had in his program.”
“That’s how highly he thinks of you,” Bisciotti continued. “So I started watching you and found out your whole story about conceding being a wide receiver and doing what Dabo needed you to do most. ”
Randall rushed for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior last season. He also caught 36 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns in his breakout year.
“And you’ve got a lot of growing to do to become a good running back, but with your character and your pass-catching skills, I believe we’ve just got you a year earlier than everybody else is going to find out how good you are. So we are about to put you in as the newest Baltimore Raven.”
Ravens GM: Steve Bisciotti ‘Was Begging For a Draft Pick’
During the Ravens’ final draft press conference, general manager Eric DeCosta said Bisciotti begged for the opportunity.
“So, when we were down in Florida, Steve was begging for a draft pick and he owns the team. I said, ‘Yes, Steve. Of course you can have a draft pick.’ And so we decided on our last fifth-round pick,” DeCosta told reporters. “He did his research. He studied the tape and talked to people. He has a really good relationship with the Clemson head coach.”
DeCosta approved of the pick, and he sees Randall as a player who can find a niche with the Ravens. Randall is currently the fourth running back on the depth chart, and he will get his chance right away to prove himself in rookie mini camp.
“Adam’s a guy as a former wideout. He has a varied skillset,” DeCosta said. “He does a lot of different things well. We think the best is yet to come with him as a running back. He has really good hands. He can run routes.”
“He’s a possible kick returner — a special teams guy,” DeCosta added. “He has a great body and good measurables, and we’re excited to see what he can do. He’s kind of a ‘jackknife.’ He’s a phenomenal kid. We think [he’s] one of the best makeups in this draft.”
The Rest Of the Call
Randall received the call from his parents’ home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
His family and friends erupted with joy after the call and his name being officially called. Ravens coaches talked with Randall after Bisciotti did, and the excitement was clear.
“We’ve heard so much great stuff about you, and we love the way you play,” Ravens head coach Jesse Minter told Randall. “You’re a do it all type of guy — catch the ball, run the ball, play on special teams [and] block. Everything that we need you to do you’re going to be able to do.”
Ravens running backs coach Eddie Faulkner told Randall that he has “a high ceiling” and his “best football is all ahead.”
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Former Clemson RB Wins With Ravens Negotiation [Watch] appeared first on HEAVY.