3-Star 2019 Louisiana OL Dylan Rathcke Gives Insight on Arkansas Razorbacks Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Versatile, athletic, powerful, nasty – you name the “want” on an offensive lineman and you will find it in Class of 2019 University Lab tackle Dylan Rathcke. Rathcke is the anchor on the Cubs offensive line helping his squad to a perfect 10-0 regular season earning a bye through the first round of the playoffs. With 12 offers on the table, and ahead of the Cubs first playoff game, Rathcke put an end to his recruitment on Wednesday announcing his Tuesday night verbal commitment to the University of Arkansas.
In an RNG exclusive, I went in-depth with the 6-5, 290-pound, three-star Baton Rouge area product to learn more about how the Hogs became his ideal fit while covering his growth as a player throughout his senior season.
Interview
Dylan, first off, congratulations on your commitment to Arkansas.
“Thank you.”
How did your relationship with the Arkansas staff develop from interest to offer and then to a verbal commitment?
“I was talking with their OL coach, Coach (Dustin) Fry for a while. He asked us to come up to see him on campus. We finally got there to see the campus and that is when they decided to offer me.”
When did you visit Fayetteville?
“I visited two weeks ago for the Vanderbilt game (unofficial).”
What all did you do during your visit?
“The usual. I got to talk to Coach (Chad) Morris (head coach) and a lot of the other coaches. They brought me in before the game, sat me down, and offered me. After that, we went down and watched the game.”
What was your reaction to the offer?
“Honestly, I was surprised, and very happy.”
At what moment did you know that the Arkansas program was the ideal fit for you?
“After we left, my family and I talked about the visit on the drive back. We kept going over the visit, and no one had anything negative to say. We all liked it. We talked a couple more times once we got back and decided that was the place for me.”
When did you commit to the Hogs?
“Last night (Tuesday).”
What was the reaction of the coaching staff when you committed and which coach got the phone call?
“I called Coach Fry first. We talked for a little bit and then I told him I wanted to commit. He seemed very surprised and happy. He went into the next room to put me on the phone with Coach Morris; he also seemed surprised and happy.”
Do you know when you will return for your official visit?
“I’m not sure when I will take my official visit yet.”
Turning to your football season. With the Cubs, you guys have put together a fantastic season with a 10-0 record ranked No. 3 in Louisiana. What are the strengths of the team this year?
“Our strength is how we have played with each other for such a long time. We know each other well as a team. Also, our coaching staff. I think we are the best coached team in Louisiana.”
How has your game improved throughout the season as a lineman?
“I have been narrowing down on my mistakes, working on my technique, getting bigger and more aggressive with my blocks. With my pass-set, I am trying to get faster with it. I am working on angles with punches and hand-placement. I am getting faster with my steps and more accurate.”
How will those strengths be utilized once on campus with the Razorbacks?
“As far as I know, I will play tackle but I am not sure which side. Arkansas runs with tackles pulling more with athletic offensive linemen. Hopefully I will be able to use those strengths at Arkansas.”
Because you guys have handled your business throughout the season, you have a bye week. What has been the game plan for you guys this week?
“A little bit of resting and a little bit of preparing. We have been working on limiting our mistakes and not hurt ourselves on the field with mistakes.”
You are awaiting the winner of the St. Louis Catholic and Loyola College Prep game. Are you going to go to the game for some early game prep?
“I know some of our players are, I am not sure if I will.”
Do you have a preference on which team you’d like to play?
“Not really. We have played Loyola Prep before, but I really don’t care. We played De La Salle last year, that’d be fun to play them again. I’d like to get another shot at St. Thomas More, get them back from my sophomore year in the semifinals.”
Dylan, great catching up with you today. Again, congratulations on your commitment and good luck in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Rathcke’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Colorado State, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tulane, Texas State, South Alabama, Alabama-Birmingham, Southern Miss, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, and Arkansas State
Photo credit: Rathcke family; Dylan Rathcke with Arkansas staff