Interview: 3-Star 2019 LB Clay Randall Talks Saguaro Fall Camp and Air Force Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to high school football players getting after it during the 2017 season, few players out worked or out hustled Class of 2019 linebacker Clay Randall. Randall worked the inside of Saguaro’s linebacker corps coming up with 135 stops, 10.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, broke up two passes, and picked two off – all at 6-3, 190-pounds. The offseason has been a grind for Randall beefing up to 210 pounds filling in a college ready motor with a frame to match. All that production should help the Sabercats to their sixth consecutive Arizona 4A state championship. When the 2019 season comes around, all that hard work will help Air Force in the Mountain West Conference both on the gridiron and on the diamond.
In a Recruiting News Guru preseason catch-up interview, I sat down to talk with the three-star linebacker about his commitment on July 16 to Air Force to play both football and baseball for the Falcons while getting an update on fall camp with a look ahead to the 2018 season.
*Click link for April 2, 2018, RNG video interview with Clay Randall
Interview
Clay, you had a fantastic junior season coming up with 135 stops playing linebacker, what does a guy like you work on in the offseason to improve his game?
“I worked on my speed, strength, and I wanted to put on weight. I went from about 190 last season to 210 this offseason. I wanted to get bigger and stronger, and fine tune everything.”
That is a big jump in weight – impressive.
“Thank you.”
With all that you worked on, where are you seeing the biggest improvement during fall camp?
“Probably with my strength. I gained a lot of strength and that is helping me shed blocks better.”
Did you get to max out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yes. My bench was 260, squat was 395, and my deadlift was 405 on three reps.”
How is the team looking in camp?
“We are looking very good. We need to focus and realize we have not done anything yet. Part of the team already thinks we are good, but we need to keep working and we need to get better. We can be a force to be reckoned with this year, but we have to keep grinding.”
Are the Saguaro coaches doing anything differently with you on defense during your senior year?
“Yes. I will play the Money position, outside linebacker instead of inside linebacker. I will essentially be like a walk-down safety – a lot of man and zone coverage and playing the run.”
Are you excited about the change?
“Yes. I am. I love it. I played that position during my freshman and sophomore seasons.”
Did you get a chance to camp at any colleges this summer?
“Yes. I went to one, it was an Air Force camp.”
You committed on July 16 to the Falcons, how did Air Force become your perfect fit?
“I went out to see Air Force in late July. When I stepped on campus, it was the most beautiful campus I had seen. I have a great relationship with the coaches, they are very nice. They are excited to have me there.
“The camp was great. The position they want me to play fits me well. They said I could play both sports, baseball and football. The baseball coach supported it. I always wanted to play baseball and football in college, I could not turn that down. Air Force has a great education and I take great pride in our armed forces. I will take pride being a student at Air Force.”
Which position will you play for Air Force on the gridiron?
“They have recruited me at inside and outside linebacker. At their camp, they gave me the choice between the two. I played outside linebacker at the camp. I can play both, but I’m not sure what will be the final position until I start practicing with them.”
Which position will you play for Air Force in baseball?
“Outfield.”
Have you schedule any upcoming visits to Air Force for this fall?
“Not yet. I will talk to the coaches about that soon.”
Back to football. The Sabercats open the season with Poston Butte, what kind of game will their offense give you personally?
“We start watching film on them on Monday. We never want to underestimate them. We will give them our best shot, I know they will against us because we have a target on our back.”
Game 2 is one I wish I could attend. Have you started preparing for Liberty (NV) yet?
“Yes. We have been preparing all summer. That has been our main focus this summer. We have been watching film on them and lining up against their offense in practice. We are excited to play them this year.”
What will that game by like facing their offense from a linebacker’s perspective?
“They mix it up. They have a heavy package running the ball with two tight ends and three backs. They spread it out wide and pass too. We will have to defend the whole field. I have confidence in our defense.”
Are there any other games on the schedule you are pumped to play?
“Yes. Helix and Chaparral. Chaparral is a rivalry game. We are excited to play them. Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, that is another rivalry game that will be fun this year. We want to beat them. Both teams, I am very excited to play them.”
What goals have you set for the 2018 season?
“I want to come home with a gold ball and go out on my last ride with my team. I have not set personal goals, I just want to play hard and perform for my team.”
Do you have a message for opposing Arizona squads wanting to knock the defending champs off their perch?
“Good luck, but we are ready for everyone this year.”
Clay, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Randall family; Clay Randall (left) at Air Force