Interview: 2018 California DB/WR Brendan Radley-Hiles Gives Offseason Update

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Year after year Bishop Gorman High School is one of the top teams in the nation. The Gaels are always loaded with talent and the 2015 season was no different seeing the Las Vegas squad go undefeated yet again posting a 15-0 mark winning another Nevada state championship. One of the key contributors on the loaded team was Class of 2018 cornerback/wide receiver Brendan Radley-Hiles.

Radley-Hiles ended his sophomore campaign with four receptions covering 106 yards with two scores sporting an eye popping 26.5 yard per reception average. Where Radley-Hiles may make the most noise at the next level is in the secondary. With the Gaels, Radley-Hiles played on the island coming up with 14 tackles, a forced fumble, defended four passes, and picked off one.

The 5’10”, 177 pound, standout caught a lot of next level attention with his popularity growing in the college ranks throughout the offseason leading to 21 reported offers to date. Among the many hoping to persuade Radley-Hiles to their campus in the near future includes UCLA, USC, Florida, Utah, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Michigan, Washington State, North Carolina, Arizona, BYU, Ohio State, Arizona State, Oregon State, Penn State, San Diego State, Michigan State, and Tennessee.

Radley-Hiles has taken advantage of the offseason visiting several schools. During the offseason Radley-Hiles made a big change in his life moving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles adding his two-way, soon to be three-way, abilities to Calabasas High School’s roster; another team loaded with next level players. This week, against a select group of national competition, he is showcasing his skills at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy adding another challenge to his growing high school resume.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the new California top talent getting an overview on his offseason, a recruiting news update, and a Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy update.

Interview

Brendan, first, congratulations on being invited to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy.

“Thank you.”

How did the invite come your way?

“They emailed me. They told me I was invited to the academy. I called a few guys to see if they were going. Not too many players were invited to the camp. It is a great opportunity to socialize with some of the top guys in the nation while being coached by some of the best in the nation like Charles Woodson.”

Which position are you lining up at during this week’s events?

“I’m playing defensive back and wide receiver. Right now, it is really fun. A lot of guys are running around playing different positions that they would not normally play. Micah Parsons (PA), is a top 2018 defensive lineman, he played some quarterback last night along with a few other positions. Really, so far we’ve had a lot of fun laughing and joking around. This has been a great camp so far.”

You got to Canton (OH) yesterday, what have you done so far at the academy?

“Not much yet. We are about to go into our second classroom session and we’ve had one on the field session so far. I’ll be in Coach Woodson’s class in about an hour and then we will be back on the field tonight.”

Did they test everyone at the camp once they got there?

“Yes.”

I know you’ve posted a top time of 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, did you run a 40 at this camp?

“I did not test. I opted to stretch out and get ready for tonight.”

You run track too, right?

“Yes.”

What is your best event?

“The 100-meters.”

What is your best time in the 100?

“My best is a 10.96 during my sophomore year, but that was not at an official event. That was at a dual-event.”

You transferred to Calabasas High School in the offseason from Bishop Gorman, how has that move gone for you so far?

“It is really good right now. It has been a great transition. My teammates have helped me along the way. The transition has not been too hard. Darnay Holmes (2017 five-star) has helped me a lot.”

How will the Coyotes utilize your abilities during the 2016 season?

“I will play on all the special teams. On offense I will be at the outside receiver spot and on defense I am moving from corner to a rover/free safety type. I’ll be more of a strong safety.”

If anyone has watched your reel, they know you like to hit. Are you excited about the move from corner to safety?

“I am very excited. I get to show my range, cover skills, I can go after jump balls, and I can come down hill on tackles. This will be an exciting season and I am ready to take it head on.”

You have a ton of offers so far. Which schools have you visited unofficially during the offseason?

“I have been to USC, Nebraska, UCLA, and Georgia. I’m visiting Alabama (17-20th) and LSU (21-24th) coming up. A couple of us (TJ Pledger, 2018 RB from Los Angeles) are staying in the area through Friday. We are planning on visiting Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State this week.”

What are you looking forward to from the potential Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State visits?

“I’m looking into my comfort level with the cities. I want to see my comfort level with the staff and get that first impression from everything. I’m looking at what each school can offer academic wise. I’m looking forward to seeing their facilities and learning about their history – their history at my position through recent years.”

Back tracking a little, how did your UCLA visit go?

“It was a great visit. I go there all the time because UCLA is essentially in my backyard. I always have a good time when I stop by there. The coaches are great. I have a good connection with Coach (Jim) Mora (head coach) and Coach “Meet” (Demetrice Martin, secondary coach). My USC visits went the same way. I see the coaches all the time when I go up there to watch their practices. I saw the staff during their Rising Stars Camp.”

How about Nebraska? The Cornhusker fans are showing the Calabasas guys a lot of attention.

“Nebraska was a great visit. The fans love us – “The Calabasas Crew.” We have fun there and throughout the whole city. The football team is just as cool. They treat us like little brothers. They make sure we are okay, having a good time, and that we are safe. The staff is great too. Coach (Brian) Stewart (secondary coach) and Coach (Keith) Williams (wide receivers coach) are great. I talked to Coach (Mike) Riley (head coach) a lot – he is one of my favorite coaches. I talked to him a lot.”

Is there a school pushing a little bit harder than the rest trying to secure that commitment from you?

“I’d say the school that is trying the hardest is UCLA. They are so close to home and so cool. I’m always there. I’m there all the time. Coach “Meet” (Demetrice Martin), I talk to him a lot. We have a great relationship.”

Last question. With all the work Calabasas has put in during the offseason, how does the team look right now heading into fall camp?

“I think we look really good. Darnay (Holmes), Tristan (Gebbia – 2017 QB), Keyshawn (Johnson Jr. – 2017 wide receiver), and I are helping make sure the younger guys are comfortable asking questions. We have a great coaching staff. They love when we ask questions but they let us handle the leadership role on the team. They sit back and let us help coach the team. When they have to come in, they come in to instruct and coach us but we have a lot of player run practices. We call them PRPs.”

Brendan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the academy camp and your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: rivals.com; Radley-Hiles at Nebraska for a game day visit.

Photo credit: bleacherreport.com; No. 51 Radley-Hiles covers a receiver during the U.S. Army Combine.