Interview: 2018 OT Reuben Unije Dominating Upfront for IMG Academy
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Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The runaway high school freight train football team that is marching across the country is IMG Academy. The Bradenton (FL) squad has played teams from Georgia, California, Oklahoma, D.C., and within their home state putting together an impressive 7-0 mark ranked No. 1 in the country by MaxPreps. The Ascenders still have four games left to play against California, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia competition before earning a national title with offensive tackle Reuben “Grizzly” Unije helping to ensure it happens.
Unije transferred to IMG Academy in the off-season from Johns Creek High School in Alpharetta (GA) quickly establishing himself as a unique talent along the offensive line. The 6-6, 300 pound, junior earned a starting spot but a weight room incident ended with a smashed finger forcing him to miss sometime on the field.
Over the last four games, Unije has been back on the field splitting snaps with a senior against St. John’s, Boyd Anderson, Oxbridge Academy, and Trinity Christian Academy. Unije’s ability to dominate against top talent coupled with his athleticism on both run and pass plays has college coaches dreaming. Twelve offers have been reported for Unije thus far coming from Alabama, Florida, FIU, Cincinnati, N.C. State, Iowa State, Virginia Tech, UTSA, Southern Miss, Oregon State, and Missouri. The list of colleges interested is equally as long and equally impressive.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Unije to get a rundown on his junior season and an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
May seem like a silly question but how does it feel to be a part of the No. 1 team in the nation?
“It is great to get the recognition we deserve. We have been No. 2 for a long time. All the hard work in the off-season and during the season is coming through on the field.”
IMG is 7-0 with four games left to play. How does the team look?
“We look pretty good. We’ve had some injuries but we have a next man up mentality and the next man is good.”
Are there any games you are excited to play coming up?
“I’m excited to play all of the games but I am really excited to play in California again against Long Beach Poly.”
The team has done a lot of traveling this season. Has all of that travel taken a toll or has it been pretty easy on you?
“It has gone well. I thought the California (Centennial, Corona) trip would take a toll but it didn’t. That was a great experience. In high school you don’t normally get to travel like this to get you ready for college.”
How is your game coming along this season?
“Really-really well. I started off rusty. That has worn off. I have gotten back into my rhythm.”
What parts of your game are working on every day?
“My run blocking, staying low. I have to learn to keep my technique perfect now. When everyone is my size in college, it will not be as easy to throw everyone around. I will need to have that technique then.”
What are some of the things you have improved upon this season with your game?
“Pass blocking most definitely. My technique and footwork has all gotten better. My second level run blocking and run blocking in general is better. My overall IQ and football awareness has gotten better too.”
How many offers do you have right now?
“Eleven.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?
“The biggest are Florida, Alabama, UCLA, Ohio State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, FSU (Florida State), Michigan, and Michigan State.”
Have you taken any game day visits this season?
“I have. I have taken two. One to Florida and one to Georgia.”
How did the Florida visit go?
“It was awesome. I enjoyed it a lot.”
What all did you do there?
“We watched the game (Missouri). After the game we hung out with some of the players.”
How did the Georgia visit go?
“It went really-really well too.”
What all did you do there?
“We watched the game and then hung out with the players after the game.”
Do you have any visits planned upcoming?
“I’m going to Bama for the Iron Bowl.”
Do you still keep tabs on your friends back in Georgia?
“I do. I want to give a shout out to Zach Williams. He is doing really well with a lot of offers. Daquez Crawford, No. 11. He has offers and is doing really well. Alonzo Nelson is doing really well as is Myles Meyers. Connor Raad and Jake Friant are doing well. Friant is one of the best kickers in the nation.”
Reuben, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 70 Reuben Unije.