Interview: 3-Star 2019 Arkansas RB Kadyn Roach Gives Insight on Louisiana-Monroe Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After back-to-back stellar seasons running the pigskin for Magnolia High School, the only question surrounding Kadyn Roach’s collegiate future was the where. On Friday, the mixed speed and power back put recruiting to rest ahead of his senior season taking to Twitter to announce his verbal commitment to Louisiana-Monroe answering a big question for all.
With Roach’s commitment to the Warhawks, score a big recruiting win for ULM and the Sun Belt Conference. The 6-0, 203-pound, back has been an All-Conference and All-State performer for the Panthers tearing up opposing 5A competition leading to a three-star recruiting ranking. Roach forced college scouts, media, and fans to take notice during his sophomore season running for 1,412 yards off 167 carries with 13 scores going up on the board through just 11 games. The following season was more of the same, but even better, ripping through defenders for 1,648 yards on 164 totes with 18 touchdowns on the resume when everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the rock.
College programs like Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, Howard, and Seton Hill dropped offers for Roach, but the Warhawks won out getting the good news on Friday much like the devoted Panthers fan base. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive, I sat down with Roach after his big announcement to learn how the pairing came to be.
*Click link for May 1, 2018, RNG interview with Kadyn Roach
Interview
Kadyn, congratulations on your commitment.
“Thank you.”
How does it feel that you are now verbally committed to play college football?
“It feels good. Playing college football has been a dream of mine since first grade. I went for this goal ever since then… it feels really good.”
What has the recruiting process been like for you?
“It has been good. I love the love I received from all the college that recruited me.”
How did you narrow down your schools?
“I wanted to feel at home, honestly. I wanted a place where I would receive a good education and be able to help the team win games while getting me where I want to go for the future.”
When did you know that ULM is the ideal school and program for you?
“Maybe about two weeks ago, that is when I made my decision.”
When did you actually commit to the ULM staff?
“I committed to them on Friday.”
Which coach got the phone call that you were committing and how did he react to the good news?
“Coach Alan Ricard, their running backs coach, was the one I committed to when I called. He said they were bouncing off the walls in there. It was pretty nice.”
What was that moment like for you right before you made the call?
“It was nice. I had achieved a big goal of mine. I loved it.”
How do they plan to use you within their offense?
“They said I can around people and through people. They will run me inside and outside.”
I know you visited there this spring, have you made any plans yet to visit Monroe this fall for your official?
“No, but I plan to visit during one of their home games.”
Switching to on the field activities, how have your summer workouts gone?
“Real good. We have put up big numbers in the weight room, we have lots of guys hitting new maxes.”
Have the Panthers started fall camp?
“Yes, sir. We have. We started a week ago.”
How are the practices structured, are you going through two-a-days?
“No. We are going from 9 to 12:00. I think we will do some night practices coming up.”
How is the team looking in fall camp?
“We are looking really good. Our senior class has been together snice ninth grade. All the class have played together and done well. I think we will be really good this year.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“Besides a state championship, I want 2,000 rushing yards.”
Last question. What did you do last night to celebrate your verbal commitment?
“Nothing really. We had a little get together. After that, I came home and played College Football. I created myself on the game for ULM… (laughs) we are going to a championship.”
Kadyn, I hope life imitates the game for you and the Warhawks. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Roach family; Kadyn Roach at ULM