Interview: 3-Star 2020 Alabama LB Rodney Groce Talks Top 10 and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The word is out on Class of 2020 linebacker Rodney Groce. The Pleasant Grove High School standout showcased his skills against 5A Alabama competition during his junior year leading to a frenzy among college coaches along the recruiting trail. Since the beginning of January, the now 6-2, 236-pound, versatile backer has seen his offer sheet expand from 10 to 22 options, and the list of potential suitors continues to grow.
With Groce making multiple visits around the SEC, and with trips planned to LSU, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, it was time for a catch-up interview with one of Alabama’s best defenders.
*Click link for Jan. 2, 2019, RNG interview with Rodney Groce
Interview
Rodney, since we spoke last your recruiting has hit a whole other level. What have the last couple of weeks been like for you receiving offers from top programs like Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and the like?
“It has been good. I am thankful for the way the process has gone. Everyone told me once I got that first offer that everything would blow up after that.”
What are the coaches telling you they like about your play on the field?
“They like that I am versatile between all the linebacker spots and I can play nickel. They like that I can play the inside and outside, that I am fast, can go sideline-to-sideline, that I am strong off the ball, and I get off blocks.”
How is the recognition serving your motivation in your workouts?
“It makes me work even harder. I don’t want someone that does not have what I have outworking me taking something away from me. I work out as hard as I can. I do each rep hard, and with a reason.”
Where are you seeing the improvements already?
“I can see it with my overall energy. I am in better shape. I realized a lot of that today with my track meet. I had my first meet today (Monday). We also had drills at 6:00 a.m. today. Running drills, it is showing.”
How many offers are you up to now?
“I have 22 offers. Akron offered about an hour ago, and Kentucky was the offer before that.”
Rodney Groce’s Offer Sheet (22): Alabama, Akron, Alabama-Birmingham, Appalachian State, Auburn, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Ole Miss, Troy, Western Kentucky, Southern Miss, South Alabama, Tennessee, and Tulane
Nice. Which schools are showing interest?
“Everyone that has shown interest has offered. Actually, there are two showing interest that have not offered, LSU and Texas A&M.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits over the past few weeks?
“Yes. I have been to UAB, Tennessee, Auburn twice, Alabama four times, Mississippi State twice, and Georgia Tech.”
How did the Auburn visit go?
“That was this past weekend. It went well. I finally got to see the game day atmosphere. I was there Friday through Sunday, it was a good experience.”
Since you have been to Alabama so many times, how did the last one go?
“The last one, it went well. I saw a practice and spent the night. It was a regular visit.”
And the MSU visit, tell me about that one.
“It went well. I met the new linebacker coach, Coach (Chris) Marve. I went with teammates and head coach. We visited everything and saw the campus.”
Do you have any upcoming visits on the schedule?
“Yes. I am visiting LSU, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M coming up.”
You released your Top 10, which schools made the cut?
“My Top 10 is Auburn, Alabama, MSU, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Tennessee, UAB, Georgia Tech, FAU, and Liberty in no order.”
Are you going to any camps?
“Coming up I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Nashville.”
Rodney, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your upcoming visits and the rest of your track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Groce family; Rodney Groce at Auburn