Interview: 2024 Alabama ATH Ronnie Royal III is Drawing SEC and ACC Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Alexandria High School wrapped up a fantastic 2020 season with a three-game run into the 5A Alabama playoffs posting a 12-2 record. The amazing season was made possible in part by the actions of Class of 2024 talent Ronnie Royal III. Royal was that playmaker on both sides of the ball playing above his freshman status. The early experience starting for the Cubs as a seventh-grader paid off this year with Royal commanding the secondary at safety and doubling as a speed burning offensive sparkplug running the team’s Wildcat offense. The speed, athleticism, and growing technique has brought recruiting attention his way with offers already on the table from Florida State and South Carolina.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Royall stopped by the Lab covering ground on his big year with an overview on his recruiting process.
Interview
Ronnie, there are so many things to talk about after the season you posted with the Cubs in 2020. Let’s begin with how the coaches got you so involved in the game on both sides of the ball. On defense, they had you playing safety. When did you start taking on that role on the varsity squad?
My seventh-grade year, I was the full-time safety then. I was getting to know things then and learning how to play ball back there.
You started playing varsity ball as a seventh-grader?
Yes, sir.
Wow. That is impressive.
Thank you.
During the 2020 season, you were making plays back there coming up with picks and filling the alley popping the ball loose. When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a defensive back?
Seeing the ball and knowing where the play is going Another strength was coming up and hitting on the run.
On offense, let’s start with the set you guys were executing.
We were running a passing attack. I was lining up in the Wildcat. Each week we did something a little different running a Wing T or a Spread. We did all that this season.
You were lining up at quarterback, truly showcasing the wheels out of the backfield. What all were you doing as the quarterback for the Cubs in 2020?
I was the Wildcat QB, throwing sometimes, but usually just running the ball.
Is playing quarterback something you want to continue doing or do you see yourself at another position on offense?
I’ll play anything. I don’t see myself as a quarterback but I can be if that is what is needed. On offense, I see myself more as a running back or a receiver.
As mentioned, you have that rare breakaway speed. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
I ran a 4.54.
Playing quarterback and safety, watching game reel on you, you had to be one of the best conditioned athletes in Louisiana this season. Over the summer, did you train for this dual-role flying around the field for four quarters?
Yes, sir. I trained a lot. Every time I can train, I go train.
You’ve adapted to the game quickly at the varsity level putting your own stamp on the Cubs’ season. What were some of the key things you learned on both sides of the ball that will help you this offseason prepare for your sophomore season?
Being patient, I want to get the ball and run, and knowing when it is my time to go. I learned when to go for the big hits and when not too. I got better at breaking down and tackling.
Do you play any other varsity sports for Alexandria?
Yes, I play basketball, football, and I run track.
Which events in track are you competing in?
I will do anything, the 100, 400, 4×4, 4×1, and 200.
As an underclassman, you have extra motivation to keep working hard with two offers given to you from South Carolina and Florida State. Which program was the first to offer you?
South Carolina.
Receiving that offer, what was the moment like for you?
It was big. I was excited when I heard the news, then I went home and told my folks. We celebrated for a good minute.
Nice. Which other schools that you know of are showing interest?
Tennessee and Clemson.
When visits get going again next year, are there any campuses you’d like to go see?
I’d like to visit Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Florida.
Ronnie, it was great mixing it up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success in all the sporting activities you have coming up.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Royal family; Ronnie Royal III