Interview: IMG Academy OT Reuben Unije is just Scratching Surface of Football Abilities

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Some people just have it. Whatever that “it” is and however that translates into sports, some are just blessed or destined to be impact players. One such player seemingly on a predetermined successful gridiron path is Reuben Unije.

Unije is that rare player who stepped on the field finding a natural fit like a duck in water. The 6’6”, 303 pound, offensive tackle became an instant sensation with college coaches who see all the potential and upside in the Georgia native. To date, Unije has 11 scholarship offers coming from programs like Alabama, Florida, FIU, Cincinnati, N.C. State, Iowa State, Virginia Tech, Texas-San Antonio, Southern Miss, Oregon State, and Missouri adding to his growing reputation.

There are a couple of missing pieces to Unije’s story. Yes, he has the size, frame, and athletic ability to dominate the competition but more importantly he has the drive, will, and heart to do something with his God given abilities. The other interesting note of news, when Unije takes the field during the 2016 season, he will just be playing his third year of organized football.

Unije started his high school career with Johns Creek High School in Georgia. After two years with the Gladiators, Unije transferred to IMG Academy in July putting his high school career on a fast-track towards national collegiate recognition.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down for a one-on-one interview with IMG Academy’s new four-star tackle covering his high school career to date, his transfer, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Reuben, when did you transfer from Johns Creek to IMG Academy?

“I transferred about two to three weeks ago.”

How has the transfer gone so far?

“Everything has been pretty good. I am still adjusting to the routine and everything.”

You have a unique story, you are entering your third year of football, right?

“Yes, this season will be my third year playing ball.”

What got you into football?

“All the coaches told me that I have a lot of potential in football. With my potential, if I keep up with it, the coaches told me that my mom will not have to work another day in her life if I succeed. That is the plan.”

You have natural size, speed, and strength on the field as a tackle. What are some of the things you feel you do well already on the field?

“My pass protection is really good. I can pick up blitzes and my run blocking is good. I feel like I am a good all-around tackle.”

What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your junior year?

“I’ve been working on everything but mainly my explosion and run blocking.”

You played left tackle last year, which position will you play at IMG Academy?

“They have moved me to right tackle.”

Have you guys started fall camp yet?

“Camp has already started. We were in full-pads last week.”

Are you expecting to contend for a starting spot at right tackle this year?

“I injured myself a couple of weeks ago. I dropped a weight on my pinky toe crunching the bone. I’ll be back on the field on Friday. Before my injury, they had me in with the first team.”

Since you were in the weight room, have you maxed out on any of your lifts this summer?

“I have. My bench is 355, squat 505, and power clean 285.”

Very impressive. Have you set any goals, personal or team, for the 2016 season?

“I want to be the best player that I can be and I want to keep improving. I want to contribute to my team so we can win every game. I really just want to keep improving every day and get better this year.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“I did. I went to UGA (Georgia), Florida, and Virginia Tech camps.”

How did the Florida camp go for you?

“That was a good camp. I did well. I won all my reps – I got offered there.”

How did the Georgia camp go for you?

“It was great there too. I won all my reps. I talked to all the offensive coaches at the end of the camp.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this off-season?

“I did. I went to Auburn, Alabama, Florida twice, and Georgia twice.”

I’ve already asked you about Florida and Georgia. How did your visit to Alabama go?

“It went well. I got an offer from Alabama.”

What about Auburn, how did that go?

“Auburn was a nice visit. I liked Auburn. That was a good visit.”

Do you have any visits lined up for the season?

“I’m planning on going to a Florida game this year. I may go to a Florida State game. I want to try to make a game at Alabama.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 11 offers.”

Of the teams that have offered you, which ones are keeping in contact a little more than the others?

“Florida, Alabama, and V-Tech (Virginia Tech).”

What about the teams recruiting you but have not offered you yet? Which teams are in regular contact with you from that group?

“Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, USC, and Auburn.”

When recruits have a lot of offers they typically feel like that should commit early. Do you feel that pressure or are you going to take your time?

“I’m chillin’. I’m going to wait through the whole thing.”

I like that. Did you play any other sports for Johns Creek before you transferred?

“I wrestled and played a little bit of basketball.”

How did the wrestling season go for you?

“I hated it. I had to choose between football and wrestling – I picked football. The workouts and lifting schedule conflicted.”

I know you have only been at IMG Academy for a brief time, but how does the team look so far in practices?

“We look like the best team in the nation.”

Nice. Are there any games on IMG’s schedule you are excited to play this year?

“Grayson.”

Why Grayson, because they are a Georgia team?

“That’s it exactly. All my Georgia friends and family will be there for that one.”

Reuben, thanks for your time today and good luck with the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: gatorcountry.com; Reuben Unije at Florida.

Photo credit: scout.com; Reuben Unije at a Nike camp.