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With the 2013 season coming to a close, Jim McElwain may have landed the standout recruit of the 2014 recruiting class. Dr. Phillips High School (Orlando, FL) athlete Deionte Gaines tweeted his intention to sign with the Rams come National Signing Day. Gaines, a 5 foot 8 171 pound speedster, will join the Rams despite offers from several BCS schools and fellow Mountain West program Utah State.
Gaines played running back and wide receiver at Dr. Phillips and will likely play as a slot receiver at Colorado State. Much like Joe Hansley and fellow Floridian Charles Lovett, the Rams will likely utilize Gaines out of the backfield as a scat back/wildcat option in addition to the slot. Gaines' athleticism is what really stands out on film. He is a very dynamic player out of the backfield and can easily slip past defensive backs from the receiving position. He will be a nice complement to the tall, possession receivers Jim McElwain recruited last season.
His athleticism led to a four star ranking from ESPN and three star rankings from Rivals.com and 247sports. In addition to those rankings, he is rated the 33rd best athlete in the country and 83rd best player in the talent laden Florida recruiting ranks.
If Gaines' commitment stays true, he will sign his letter of intent in February and give a nice cap to a solid recruiting class for Jim McElwain in his third year with the Rams.
