RueBEN BAIN jr.
Full Name: Rueben Bain Jr.
Date of Birth: November 10, 2004
Age (as of May 2025): 20
Hometown: Miami, Florida
High School: Miami Central High School (Miami, FL)
Current School: University of Miami
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Academic Major: Not publicly disclosed
Years at School: Entering 3rd year (Junior class standing in 2025)
Transfer History: None
Redshirt Status: Did not redshirt; played as a true freshman
Eligibility Remaining: Two years (2025 and 2026 seasons)
FootBall Information
Position(s) Played: Defensive End, Interior Defensive Line
Primary Position: Defensive End
Pro Position Projection: EDGE / Interior Hybrid (5-tech / 3-tech)
Jersey Number: #4
Starter or Backup: Full-time starter
Team Captain Status: Not publicly disclosed
Games Played / Started:
2023: 13 games (13 starts)
2024: 12 games (12 starts)
Injury History: Missed limited time late in 2024 with a lower-body injury; returned healthy
Suspensions/Disciplinary Issues: None reported
COACH HISTORY
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal
Defensive Coordinator: Lance Guidry
Defensive Line Coach: Joe Salave’a
Physical
Measurements
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 275 lbs
Arm Length: Pending Combine
Hand Size: Pending Combine
Wingspan: Pending Combine
summary
summary
Reuben Bain Jr. is a powerful, technically refined defensive lineman with rare inside-out versatility and a high football IQ. At 6'3", 275 lbs, Bain carries a dense, well-proportioned frame that allows him to generate explosive power while maintaining excellent leverage and balance. He burst onto the national scene as a true freshman in 2023, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. Bain wins with heavy, violent hands, advanced counter usage, and a relentless motor, showing the ability to rush from the edge or reduce inside as a 3-technique on passing downs. While not a pure speed-bender, his strength, hand placement, processing, and competitive toughness consistently overwhelm blockers. Continued development of burst consistency and durability will define his ceiling, but he projects as a high-floor, scheme-versatile defensive lineman with early-round potential in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Critical Factors
Pass Rush Ability:
High-end. Wins with explosion, power, and hand violence. Collapses pockets consistently.
1st Step Explosion:
Excellent. Times the snap well and gains immediate leverage advantage.
POA / Set Edge:
Very good. Strong base and leverage allow him to anchor and spill runs inside.
Positional Factors
PR Repertoire:
Developing but effective. Bull, long-arm, club-rip, swim. Counters still improving.
Bend:
Good, not elite. Wins more through power and angle than extreme flexibility.
Hand Use:
Violent and active. Knows how to clear hands and re-fit mid-rush.
Play Strength:
Excellent. Converts speed to power and overwhelms blockers.
Range:
Good lateral range; closes quickly once he commits downhill.
Flat Coverage:
Limited exposure. Functional awareness when asked, but not a strength.
Motor / Intangibles
Motor:
Consistently high. Plays through the whistle and pursues backside.
FBI (Football Intelligence):
Above average. Reads blocking schemes and adjusts rush plans.
Discipline:
Generally sound. Maintains gap integrity and rush lanes.
Tackling:
Strong finisher. Wraps with force; few broken tackles.
Toughness:
High. Physical demeanor, plays through contact.
ST Value:
Minimal projection due to role and size.
Strengths
Explosive first step and power profile
Natural pocket collapse ability
Strong run defender for an edge
Advanced hand violence for age
Plays with edge and urgency
Weaknesses
Bend is good, not rare
Counter moves still developing
Injury context limits full evaluation in 2024
Coverage reps are limited
Pass Game
Primary value comes as a disruptor. Generates pressure even when he doesn’t win clean. Offenses must account for him.
Run Game
Reliable edge-setter with penetration ability. Strong enough to hold ground and quick enough to make plays in the backfield.