Former Lee star Ruggs taken No. 12 by Las Vegas Raiders

By GRAHAM DUNN
Since his early days at Robert E. Lee High School, Henry Ruggs, III has been on a joy ride that has taken him to heights unknown, especially for someone who had plans to play professional basketball one day.

As of Thursday night, the dream came true, albeit in another sport.

Ruggs became the first player from Lee High School taken in the NFL Draft first round since 1972 when the Las Vegas Raiders picked him with the 12th pick.

“I’ve been working for this moment forever,” Ruggs said.  “It was a special moment for me and my family.”

In a draft loaded with talent at wide receiver, he was the first player at that position taken, just ahead of teammate Jerry Jeudy (who went 15th to the Denver Broncos). The two became the first wide receiver duo to be taken in the first round since 2007.

Ruggs will hold the distinction of being the new Las Vegas Raiders first-ever pick in the draft.

Seen wearing a bathrobe at home with his family during the draft, Ruggs said he wanted to look relaxed. It was also a way to show appreciation to the company Old Spice, which has donated a large sum of money to United Way for community efforts on behalf of NFL rookies.

“I partnered with Old Spice and they are helping the community and I’m just trying to give something back,” Ruggs explained.

The last first-rounder from Lee was Terry Beasley, who went to the San Francisco 49ers with the 19th pick.

Ruggs earned the high draft pick after providing a sample of his blazing speed at the NFL Combine where he ran a 4.27 40-yard dash to topped all participants.

Ruggs became the ninth player (prep only) from the River Region to be drafted in the first round with the last coming in 2017 when tight end OJ Howard was picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 19th pick.

NFL 1st Round draft picks from the River Region

Pick     Player                   Year       Pro team   College    HS team

1          Aundray Bruce        1988       Falcons     Auburn      G.W. Carver

9          Butch Avinger         1951       Steelers     Alabama   Sidney Lanier

9          Dee Milliner             2013      Jets            Alabama   Stanhope Elmore

12        Henry Ruggs, III     2020       Raiders    Alabama     Robert E. Lee

19        Terry Beasley         1972       49ers         Auburn     Robert E. Lee

19        OJ Howard             2017       Bucs         Alabama    Autauga Academy

23        Antowain Smith      1997       Bills           Houston     Stanhope Elmore

29        Ben Grubbs             2007      Ravens      Auburn      Elmore County

29        George Teague      1993       Packers    Alabama     Jeff Davis