The nation may have to wait a while longer on Rueben Randle’s decision.
Randle, rated as the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 wide receiver by rivals.com, indicated for the first time that he may prolong his decision.
“When I get home, I’m going to sit down with my family and talk about it. Then, I’ll decide whether I’m going to sign (Wednesday) or not,” Randle said Tuesday afternoon at Baron Ballpark, moments before baseball practice.
Bastrop High will hold a National Signing Day program on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Randle remains hopeful that he will be a participant in the ceremony.
“Hopefully, I’ll sign (Wednesday),” Randle said. “I’m going to try my best to, anyway.”
Randle said that he will still choose among the same three schools — LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma.
“It’s still going to come down to the same three schools,” he said.
Rueben has received plenty of advice — much of it unsolicited — over the last year or so. Now, I’m going to take my turn.
Rueben, take all the time you need, and do what you feel is best for you. After all, you are the one who will be spending over 300 days a year on campus at the school of your choice. And, good luck, wherever you go.
KTVE REPORT: KTVE Channel 10 reported on Tuesday’s 6 p.m. sports segment that former Bastrop wide receiver DeAngelo Benton will play a factor in Randle’s decision.
The station quoted Emmett Randle as saying, “It’s nothing personal. It’s a depth chart issue.”
Benton, who became Bastrop’s first Parade All-American following the 2006 season, has twice signed with LSU, but has yet to play due to eligibility issues. He played at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy in 2007, before sitting out the 2008 campaign.
This time, Benton’s academic work appears to be in order, though he is still awaiting approval from the NCAA clearinghouse.
MOORE UPDATE: Stanley Moore will not be among the Rams’ signees on Wednesday, but the 6-3, 175-pound wide receiver plans to sign soon.
Bastrop wide receivers coach Adrian Burnette said that Moore will likely land at one of three Mississippi junior colleges — Gulf Coast, East Mississippi or Copiah-Lincoln.
WHO WILL SIGN: The Rams who are a lock to sign Wednesday include defensive tackle Josh Downs (LSU), strong safety Tai Alford (Southeastern Louisiana) and free safety RaDarius Winston (Central Arkansas). Barring a last-minute change of heart, D.D. Jones will sign with Arkansas.
HOG WILD: News that Jones was leaning toward Arkansas was greeted enthusiastically by Razorbacks’ fans Tuesday night.
Richard Davenport of the Arkansas Democrat posted a link to the Enterprise story, “Jones leaning toward Arkansas,” on his blog. Within 45 minutes, the story had already generated 13 responses.
A sample of those posts:
“Don’t change your mind, D.D., we need you in Hogland.”
“D.D. bring that talent to Pigland and you will be a star.”
“Touchdown Arkansas!”
As of press time, the same story on the Enterprise Web site had received 38 responses — an extremely high number.
Bastrop, La. —
