Interview: 2018 California TE Randy Clemons is a Proven Every Down Talent for Quartz Hill

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As certain offensive schemes and offensive coordinators essentially eliminate the use of the tight end at the high school and college level, Quartz Hill High School is going in the other direction. With a talent like Randy Clemons on the roster, the Rebels coaching staff has no choice but to embrace their growing talent as a run blocker and a key target in their passing attack. As Clemons’ role with his California squad grows, so does his college interest.

One does not earn two-time first team All-Golden League and All-CIF honors for looking good in a football uniform. Over the past two seasons, Clemons has been hard at work knocking defenders on their backside opening holes for his running backs while working coverages to get open for quarterback Matthew Tago. During his sophomore season, Clemons pulled in 11 passes for 109 yards with a score and then took a big step forward securing 30 passes for 300 yards with four touchdowns in 2016. The coaching staff believes enough in him, they used him on short-yardage plays picking up 11 yards with another trip to the end zone off six carries.

Watching film on Clemons, one can quickly see why the Rebels staff has worked to feature him within the offense. The 6-3, 240 pound, talent has great hands, adjusts to the ball as needed, and is a load to bring down. His versatility allows him to line up all over the field as an H-back, with a hand down in a tight formation, in the slot, and even on the outside at receiver creating mismatches everywhere. The world of offensive possibilities is bringing next level looks from Nevada, UNLV, Cal Poly, and Boise State. As is the case with most rising talents, college scouts are eager to see his early season reel with hopes of catching one of his games in person during his senior year.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s under the radar talents learning more about his play on the field, recruiting process, and workouts in preparation for a highly anticipated 2017 season.

Interview

The coaches at Quartz Hill did a great job of featuring in the offense on seam routes, bubble screens, and on corner of the end zone plays. Going into your junior year, did you know that much of the offense would be geared towards you?

“Going into my junior year, I knew that I had a big role on offense. Part of our scheme worked to get the ball into my hands. I liked it. I made plays and got to show my talent on the field.”

You lined up at tight end off the line and with a hand in the ground, in the slot, and on the outside, where all might we see you on the field during your senior year?

“All the same positions. I’ll do all of that and some on the defensive line. I’m going both ways playing D-tackle this year.”

Are you excited about playing defense this year?

“Yes. I am. I am very excited. I got to rotate in some last year. Our D-line was all seniors last year. Our defensive line, to me, was one of the best in the Golden League last year. We have a big role to fill with the line this year.”

On offense, how will the coaches utilize your skills in 2017? Will they do anything differently with you?

“They will try to put the ball in my hands and utilize me as much as they can. They always try to get me in a mismatch against the defense.”

What all have you been working on this off-season?

“As soon as the season ended in December, we started with weights throughout the spring. We’ve been working on the field as much as we can. At tight end, I’ve been working on my route running and getting off the press. We have good DBs at Quartz Hill. Training against them helps me. With my run blocking, I’ve been working on my technique, my stance, firing off, and use of my hands.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this off-season?

“I have. My bench is 295, squat 400, deadlift 415, and power clean is at 225.”

Have you attended any camps during the spring or summer?

“I went to USC’s Rising Stars Camp, UNLV’s Big Man Camp, Cal Poly’s half-padded camp, a Boise State camp (Occidental College), and a Northern Arizona camp.”

That is a lot of camps. Which was your best camp performance?

“Probably Cal Poly. I got to do it all over there. I competed at tight end and at D-line there. I feel that I showed them what I can do. They told me they liked what they saw and would keep in touch with me.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“The most love I’m receiving is from Cal Poly. Coach (James) Emma (recruiting coordinator/linebackers) started from the jump talking to me. I have taken an unofficial visit there. I’m going to one of their games this season. I’m planning an official visit there too. Boise State, they want to see a four-game highlight, same with UNLV. I visited UNLV this summer as well. Depending on my body frame, the position they may recruit me to play is on the O-line or D-line. Nevada-Reno is showing interest in me as well.”

After completing your junior year in the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?

“3.8.”

Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet?

“On March 11, I took the SAT scoring a 1030.”

Looking ahead to the 2017 season, what goals do you have for your senior year?

“My personal goals are to make first team All-Golden League again and go undefeated. Hopefully we will get back on the same track as last year. Win CIF is the main goal. Another goal is to lead the league in receiving yards.”

How does the team look in fall camp?

“We look good. Our offense is back, we were mostly juniors last year. Danny Thomas, our running back, graduated. He ran for 1,700 yards last season. He was the bread and butter of the offense. We have a transfer in at running back. He is a short shifty-fast running back. We have a lot of seniors back.”

If the team can overcome what one thing, then a championship run is possible?

“The one thing we need to do as a team is play a full four quarters. Last year we did not always finish the game. We cannot play down to other team’s level. We have to have a high motor the whole game.”

Randy, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 85 Randy Clemons and No. 8 Matthew Tago (2016)

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 85 Randy Clemons in the open field (2016)

Photo credit: Clemons family; Randy Clemons at Cal Poly (2017)