2019 Arizona OL Brayden Rhome Talks Iowa State Visit and Upcoming Officials
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every high school quarterback and running back wishes they had a guy like Brayden Rhome (6-6, 265) in the trenches blocking for them. Rhome was the rock that helped lead the way up front for senior quarterback Brock Purdy’s 4,405 passing yards with 57 touchdowns and his 1,017 rush yards with 10 more scores on the way to a Puma total of 3,287 yards on the ground. The collective team effort ended in an end of season No. 2 ranking in Arizona’s 6A classification (MaxPreps) and a host of collegiate suitors wanting Rhome. To date, Rhome has 16 reported offers spanning Big 12, SEC, ACC, Mountain West, and Pac-12 conferences with more programs showing interest.
After an unofficial visit to Iowa State and ahead of a big senior year, I sat down with the three-star recruit for a quick one-on-one interview covering his skills in the trenches, offseason workouts, and recruiting process.
Interview
At the end of last season, how had your overall skillset improved?
“I started last season at about 230 pounds, then I gained a lot of strength and weight. The added weight and strength helped me with my run and pass blocking. It became a lot easier for me with added weight and strength.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements this offseason?
“I have gained a lot of weight and strength this offseason, I am now up to 265. That has been my biggest improvement, but I have maintained my agility, speed, and athleticism.”
What is the focus this offseason?
“Trying to get better every day, always something with your technique you can improve every day.”
Have you attended any college camps this offseason?
“I attended my first camp with Colorado on Tuesday and I am going to a UCLA on the 24th.”
How did the Colorado camp go?
“It was good; they offered me. I was pumped about that.”
It does not get better than that. What did you showcase?
“I showed that I have improved since my junior year. My footwork and overall talents have improved a lot this offseason. I showed them how much bigger I have gotten this offseason and how I improved in little areas with my blocking.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“UCLA, Vanderbilt, and Stanford are probably showing the most interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 16 offers with the Colorado offer.”
*Rhome’s offer sheet: Iowa State, Vanderbilt, Washington State, Arizona, Boise State, Cal, Nevada, Northern Arizona, Colorado, Syracuse, Central Florida, San Diego State, San Jose State, Oregon State, and Oregon
Which schools have you unofficially visited in 2018?
“I have visited Cal, Colorado, all the AZ (Arizona) schools. I took an official to Iowa State this week.”
How did the Iowa State official go?
“It was good. It was great getting out to Midwest for my first time and away from the west coast. It was cool with all the green in Iowa, that was different compared to the desert in Arizona. Coach (Matt) Campbell is doing a great job with the Iowa State program. That program is fast on the rise.”
Do you have any upcoming visits set official or unofficial?
“I am going to UCLA on Sunday and then I am taking an official to Cal on July 27th, and then an official with Oregon Sept. 22nd, I am going there during the season.”
Brayden, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts and the upcoming official visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Rhome family; Brayden Rhome at Iowa State