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Ragin’s Rise At The Opening No Surprise

Johnny Ragin has been on a steady rise since he was a 9th grader. Every year bigger, faster, and stronger. And it is clear he is far from done. But the 2012 version of the fast moving athlete from Wilsonville has people talking that he may be as good as anyone out there. H

Ragin’s Rise At The Opening No Surprise

Johnny Ragin has been on a steady rise since he was a 9th grader.  Every year bigger, faster, and stronger.  And it is clear he is far from done.  But the 2012 version of the fast moving athlete from Wilsonville has people talking that he may be as good as anyone out there.  His performance at Nike's Super Event last week proved that.

At The Opening Johnny came in as an underdog having been granted a special invite as a NW Native who had the best SPARQ Rating in the Region.  He was one of a small handful of competitors who came in with less then 10 offers.  In fact it was more common to see guys with 20 and 30 offers then it was to see lesser known recruits.  So the event was truly made up of the "Best of the Best".

Ragin has BYU and some smaller D-1AA schools and his options are fine.  As we watched the three day event unfold we had to take notice that he was standing out.  Not only as an athlete in his 6'2"-210 pound frame but as a leader on Team Super Bad which he was seeded onto.  He played the linebacker spot which is 7 on 7 is a big job as your going to have to cover a big section of the field both short and mid level passing lanes plus cover the threat of the Running Back coming out of the backfield.

Add to that the fact that opposing teams are sending waves of future NFL guys against you and you have created the biggest stage there is in the Nation.  It is sink or swim baby and there is no where to hide as those Cameras hone in on you broadcasting to a football crazed Nation.

Johnny decided it was a good time for a swim and looked like an Olympian.    He helped lead his team to the finals through the Pool Play making some great stops along the way and holding down his position.  Sunday Team Super Bad met the Field Generals led by Skyline High Schools QB Max Browne in the finals. Ragin had three knock-downs, a near pick, and several nice stops to help his team hang on to win 14-6 and take the Championship at The Opening.

At the end of the camp the only Question that remained for us was who would be next to offer Johnny.  He was convincing in his role.  And looking across the vast landscape here in the Pacific Northwest we cover there is not a finer prospect anywhere.  How a school like WSU or the Beavers can not take a shot and try and keep this kid in the Region is hard to see.  Odds are those opportunities will come for Ragin.  Probably sooner then later.

We caught up to Johnny after the big event;  a kid who first called us as a 9th grader to tell us he was going to be a prospect!  

Johnny Ragin (left) and Team Super Bad win it all at The Opening in 2012.

"I am content.  This was a great event and opportunity for me.  I was happy with my performance and for me to be able to showcase my skills with the best players in the entire country and win it all was the best result possible," said the 4.0 student athlete.  "I am confident I can play with any of these guys so right now I will get back to work with my team and be patient for the recruiting process to play it self out."

He is hearing from WSU a lot.  Same for Boise State and OSU.  This national event will generate more interest.  And offers happen in batches usually.  Once one pulls the trigger many others will want to jump in.  While the BYU offer is on his mind and his team mate Tanner Shipley has committed he is not quite ready for that.

"BYU is an amazing school and the football team is top notch.  That is a great option for me.  But for me I need to let things play out a little more."

Johnny Ragin will come into the season at 215 pounds and with his wide frame still able to pack the pounds on he looks to be a top choice as an outside linebacker who could be 225 in a year very easily and still as explosive as they come.  

The Opening was a great event for sure and Johnny Ragin rose to the occasion and took the "Bull by the Ring" as they say.  Great job Johnny!

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.

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