4-Star 2019 TE Ethan Rae Updates Offseason and Spring SEC and Notre Dame Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Come spring time, any high school football player with their salt is ready to get back on the field to work on their game. There is perhaps no one more excited to get back on the gridiron to work on their game than Class of 2019 tight end Ethan Rae. The Orange Lutheran stand out is one of the best in the nation among his peer group itching to get back onto the field after a missed season due to an ACL injury. His return to action is sure to create a ripple-tide effect across the recruiting universe.
When the Friday night lights are on, Rae is about as complete a tight end as an offensive coordinator would want on the roster. At 6-5, 240 pounds, he can mix it up in the run game and exploit linebackers in the passing attack with his speed and hands. Playing for Servite High School in 2016, Rae pulled in 13 passes for 192 yards with two trips into the end zone carrying a 15 yard per catch average with him.
The overall impact Rae can bring to the field has not been lost on college scouts. So far, the four-star recruit has 17 offers coming in from some of the top college football programs in the nation which includes Cal, LSU, Arizona State, Colorado, Georgia, Fresno State, UCLA, Pitt, Ole Miss, Florida, Tennessee, Oregon, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, and USC.
Rae is already back on the field doing light workouts with a full-go clear date this month. The anticipation of Rae’s return is sure to draw a crowd to the Lancers’ sidelines this spring pushing his interest and offer sheet forward. With planned visits over his spring break to SEC and Pac-12 teams, a wide scope of interest may start to narrow for Rae and his recruiting prospects.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the California product to learn more about his recruiting process and offseason workouts.
Interview
Ethan, what workouts are you doing now to help get ready for your senior year?
“I am working with Stars, they have been rehabbing me. I’m running at 90 percent, routes at 70 percent, and catching passes. I’m just waiting for the green light. I am back right now to be honest.”
What kind of lifting are you doing in the weight room this spring?
“I’ve been doing all the lifts lately. After I was injured, I focused on bench and my upper body. I squatted today. My squats are improving.”
Have you maxed out on bench this offseason?
“I have. My bench max is 345.”
By most you are viewed as a tight end, but some may see you as a defensive end, which position are most of the schools recruiting you to play?
“Everyone is recruiting me to play tight end except for Cal. Cal is the only school still possibly looking at me at defensive end. They said, ‘whatever your better at, we will figure it out’.”
Which is your favorite spot?
“Yeah. That is hard to pick. I do like offense more.”
What are some of the things you feel you do well as a tight end?
“I’d say I am an athletic tight end who runs good routes.”
Which areas of your game are focused on this offseason?
“Catching, cleaning up routes, and getting faster.”
Are there any schools showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Washington is the main one.”
How many offers do you have no?
“I have 17 offers.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I just got back from Arizona State. I have also visited UCLA, USC, went out to Washington and visited Cal on a game day.”
How did your trip to ASU go?
“That went really well. I was surprised in a good way. I love the coaching staff. Herm Edwards sat down to talk with my dad and I for 30 minutes. I liked the coaches on the ASU staff.”
Do you have any planned visits this spring?
“Over spring break, I am seeing Florida, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Colorado.”
Nice. What has you excited about visiting Florida?
“Florida is in the SEC. They got a new staff there. I’ve talked to tight ends coach, Coach (Larry) Scott, and Coach (Ron) English. I like both of them a lot. They have told me that Gainesville is a college town setting. The way the describe it, in Gainesville, that is a big college town and everyone loves the Gators.”
What about the Notre Dame visit? What has you excited about visiting the Fighting Irish?
“I love Coach (Chip) Long, their offensive coordinator. The history at Notre Dame is huge, and the way they use their tight ends is big to me.”
This is the time of year where junior start thinking about possibly becoming an early enrollee, have you made a decision on that yet?
“I don’t think so. I’m still not sure yet.”
As you go through the recruiting process, what aspects of a school influence your perception or likability of a given program?
“I love to look at the academics, I know football will not last forever. I always ask how will I be set up after football if I go to school here. The relationship with the coaching staff is huge. Those are two big things for me when I visit.”
Is there one thing about the recruiting process that can be frustrating for you?
“Probably since they’ve been focused on as 2019, the pressure to set up official visit dates is frustrating. Some coaches are trying too hard to get you out there.”
Is there something about the process that you really enjoy?
“I like getting on the phone with the coaches, talking to a head coach is a big deal for me.”
Ethan, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts and with your upcoming trips.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Rae family; Ethan Rae at Arizona State (Feb. 17, 2017)