Rueben Randle longs for the day when he can have some peace and quiet and return of the life of a normal high school senior. But that day is at least three weeks away.
Randle is hardly a typical high school senior. Ranked as the nation’s No. 1 high school football recruit by rivals.com for much of the season, his recruitment has generated national interest.
Intensifying the hoopla, Randle has yet to commit to a school. During a Wednesday interview, the 6-4, 200-pound Randle revealed that he does not plan to make a decision until National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
FIRST QUARTER
BDE: Have you been surprised by all of the hype surrounding your recruitment?
Rueben Randle: In a way, I am. I didn’t know about all of the phone calls and media stuff that went along with it.
BDE: What have you found to be the most and least fun aspects of the recruiting process?
Randle: The most fun part is being able to go around and see the different colleges and getting to know different people.
With all of the phone calls and interviews, it has been hard trying to get a little down time. That has been my least favorite part.
BDE: Are you tired of doing interviews?
Randle: No, I don’t have too many problems doing interviews. It just depends on the timing and what I have going on. I try to accommodate everybody as long as I have time for everything else I have to do.
SECOND QUARTER
BDE: What schools have you visited?
Randle: My only official visit has been to Oklahoma. Unofficially, I have visited LSU, Alabama, Miami, Cal, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
BDE: What schools do you plan to visit?
Randle: I’m going to Alabama Friday for an official visit.
I think I’m going to LSU next weekend.
BDE: What schools are you considering?
Randle: I’m considering LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Miami and Ole Miss.
Tennessee was trying to get in the picture, but it’s kind of late.
BDE: Most of the so-called experts say you have narrowed your choices down to LSU and Alabama. Is there any truth to that?
Randle: No, not really.
Those are two of the top schools that I’m looking at, but I still have other schools that I’m looking at, also.
THIRD QUARTER
BDE: Is it true that Mississippi State has offered you a scholarship as a quarterback?
Randle: (Smiling) I haven’t heard that one before.
BDE: Are you interested in playing quarterback in college?
Randle: I don’t have a problem with playing it on occasion if that’s what the team needs me to do. But I prefer playing wide receiver.
BDE: Do you have any idea when you might make a decision?
Randle: It will probably be on signing day.
BDE: Is there a possibility that you will make your decision after National Signing Day?
Randle: Not right now. I plan to sign on February 4th.
FOURTH QUARTER
BDE: Tell us about a typical visit.
Randle: You go around campus and see how everything is and get to meet the players and coaches, and maybe a couple of alumni. I just try to get a feel for the type of environment on campus, have fun and try to get comfortable.
BDE: What are you looking for in a college?
Randle: I’ve come to realize that every school is going to have good academics. I’m looking for a place with a great football program. I’m looking for the place that’s the best situation for me and the place where I feel the most comfortable.
BDE: What do you plan to major in?
Randle: I’m thinking about business or something in the athletic field.
BDE: Will you be glad when all of this is over with?
Randle: Yes, yes, yes!
I wish I knew where I was going right now, so I could get it over with.
Bastrop, La. —
