Interview: 2020 Arizona 4-Star ATH Lathan Ransom had National Player of the Year Kind of Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

From one state to another, different classifications, and different schemes, roles, and responsibilities, tough to say just how important one player is over any other. But when it comes to what Lathan Ransom did for Tucson’s Salpointe Catholic in 2018, the 2020 four-star recruit deserved to be in the running for national player of the year honors.

The high praise for Ransom does not come without some external backing. The 6-1, 190-pound, all-around athlete earned Player of the Year in his Region, Defensive Player of the Year All-Southern Tucson, first team 4A All-State, and first team All-State for all of Arizona regardless of classification. How he did it all is the fun part to breakdown.

On special teams he took back 20 punts for 351 yards and six kicks for 105 yards. On offense he secured 27 passes in a run-heavy scheme for 625 yards with six trips into the end zone and even carried the rock three times for 30 more yards. Where Ransom may have shinned most was on defense. Playing free safety and nickelback, Ransom posted a ridiculous stat line in 14 games: 82 tackles, 53 solo, three tackles for a loss, a sack, six picks, eight passes broken up, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. The heavy work load did not go in vain, the Lancers posted a 13-1 record making a clean run to the 4A Arizona state title game before running into the buzz saw that is Saguaro.

No surprise that Ransom’s play on the field is making waves at the collegiate level. Just a few of the 20 teams to offer includes Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Stanford. To learn more about his recruiting process and amazing all-around junior season on the gridiron, I sat down with one of Arizona’s best for an in-depth one-on-one interview.

Interview

Lathan, you had a lot of really nice plays last season and I’d like to talk about a couple of them before we get deep into the interview. You had a pick returned for a touchdown where you playing nickel/free safety. It looked like you knew what was coming and baited the quarterback. Walk me through that sequence.

“I watched a lot of film on that team. I knew on third downs they like to do a quick out. I sat on it, they swing the running back out to distract and throw it the other way. I saw it coming and baited it. I saw how open that lane was, that is when I got super excited.”

You also had a really nice punt return for a touchdown going through a lot of traffic down the right-side line, not the stiff-arm for the score, although that was really cool as well. It looked like about eight guys had an angle on you but you made it through. Walk me through that one.

“That was a good one. I was hoping I hadn’t stepped out of bounds, that was tight along the sideline. That was a crazy return. My team did a great job blocking for me. Once I hit the edge, I was just faster than everyone.”

It showed. Another thing that I thought was really cool was the outside blitzes the coaches sent you on during the 2018 season. When the coordinator calls that play, do you get a little more amped up for the snap?

“Oh yeah. I was super amped up. My coach put the play in that week. I was asking for it all season. No one saw me coming, I got a clean shot on the quarterback.”

Let’s get to the 2018 season. The Lancers had a terrific season going 13-1. A lot was put upon your shoulders playing in all three phases of the game. How did you prepare each week for a game?

“I listened to my coaches, watched a lot of film as a student of the game. As a leader for my team, I have to know what I am doing and my teammates also have to know what they are doing. I go hard at it in practice. That helps me.”

How did your game expand as a receiver during the 2018 season?

“As a receiver, we are known as a running team. My coach opened up the offense this year. We threw it a lot more this year. My QB, Devin Green, had a very good season. He threw some nice balls to me. With me playing DB, you get to see everything. You know the moves off the line, if it works against you, you know it will work against others. My release and explosiveness improved. I will continue to work on that this offseason. Speed is another thing, I am always trying to work on that. Getting bigger helped too.”

What about as a defender, how did your skills get better?

“I grew more comfortable on defense. My sophomore year was my first year at varsity. You start off the season trying to not make mistakes. I was comfortable this past year and became a leader on defense. I knew what I was doing after my sophomore year of playing. I made more tackles, more interceptions, and I had more pass breakups.”

You turned in a lot of great performances, of them all which was your best game?

“There were two games with two interceptions in each game… but I would probably say our second game, our game against Desert Edge. I was playing against a solid receiver. I had the opportunity to man up against him. I held him to zero receptions, but I had two interceptions.”

That is a good game. You mentioned a couple of things you are working on now like your speed, what else are you working on with your game this offseason?

“I am always working on getting bigger, faster, and all the little things with my technique. No matter who you are, everything always needs to be improved. I strive to be the best of my abilities.”

With all that you do on the field, do you have a favorite position?

“Safety. Playing safety, I always have a chance to make a play being in the middle of the field. Nickelback is fun too. In the box, you can make plays you can’t make as a safety. You get different kind of tackles and picks that are not always over the top.”

Which position are most schools recruiting you to play?

“Safety.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 19 offers. I picked up LSU yesterday.”

That’s fantastic. How did that LSU offer come to you?

“When LSU was in town for the Fiesta Bowl, I went to a practice. When I can talk to them, we have been talking a lot. They like me a lot. They see me as a great DB at LSU. I feel blessed. That is DBU (defensive back university). That is a big deal to get an LSU offer.”

Which other schools were the last couple to offer before LSU?

“Colorado and Virginia.”

Which other schools are showing interest?

“Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Wisconsin.”

*Tennessee offered shortly after the interview was conducted

Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I have visited ASU, Arizona, and Michigan.”

Nice. Do you have any planned visits set?

“I haven’t decided yet where all I will go, but I will take some visits this summer. Notre Dame, Washington, Oklahoma, and LSU, I really want to get out those schools.”

Last question. With all that you do on the field, how do you want others to see you as a football player?

“I want people to know me as a physical defensive back. I want to be known as a super physical defensive back.”

Lathan, it was great learning more about you and your talents today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you as well for your time.”

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Photo credit: Lathan Ransom Twitter; Lathan Ransom