Interview: 3-Star 2020 QB DJ Ralph Covers Recruiting Process with New Mexico State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Everything about DJ Ralph is rare, and it is all now making sense. The Class of 2020 quarterback showed that rare selflessness throughout his high school career at Cathedral Catholic executing a run-heavy Wing-T set. Although not the best offensive system for a quarterback seeking to play at the next level, Ralph never waivered from his commitment to the Dons helping his squad capture a San Diego sectional title in 2018 (12-2) and showed out in 2019 (8-3) until a collar bone injury slowed his progress nine games into his senior campaign.
Those in the know always knew the 6-3, 200-pound, three-star field general was a unique next level talent, he just did not have all the game reel and gaudy stats leading to a flood of scholarship offers. In an extraordinary change of events, Ralph went from being ready to compete for a starting job at Saddleback College during the 2020 season to receiving an offer from New Mexico State on Tuesday, leading to a commitment on Wednesday, and a planned report date in Las Cruces on Sunday.
In a joyful RNG catch-up interview, Ralph took pause from preparing for his departure to New Mexico State for his freshman season to fill us in on his unlikely recruiting process with the Aggies.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with DJ Ralph
Interview
DJ, I’ve known you now getting close to four years. When I found out you had committed to New Mexico State I was over the moon for you. Congratulations.
Thank you. Really means a lot.
Let’s get into your process with the Aggies. Walk us through the interest to offer part between you and the NMSU coaching staff?
One of my coaches called me on Tuesday letting me know they had a spot opening up and Coach (Chase) Holbrook (QB) would be calling me. Coach Holbrook and I talked for about 30 minutes on that phone call. He then informed me they had an open spot and that they could put me on scholarship.
What was that moment like for you?
It took a while to kick in to be honest. I was planning on going to Saddleback (JUCO). It did not cross my mind that I would get this opportunity this late in the process. I was ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy.
What style of offense do they execute?
Their offense is like an Air Raid, but not completely Air Raid. Coach Holbrook told me they like to pass the ball around a lot. I am ready to learn more about the offense when I get there.
Obviously, you are coming in to guide the team with your arm and leadership, but what were the overall attributes to your game that they liked leading to that offer being dropped?
Coach Holbrook played in the same offense when he was in high school, a Wing-T/option offense. He knew that I can throw the ball, liked how I can extend plays, and knows a quarterback is being a team player in that system. They like how I can make things happen.
What was it and at what point did you go from heavily interested in the Aggies to ready to commit?
(Laughs) I was interested right away with first phone call. On Wednesday, I was on the phone with Coach (Doug) Martin (head coach) and Coach Holbrook. They laid it all out for me. They let me know the competition I had ahead of me and the opportunity I have to play. New Mexico State has an amazing opportunity for me, it seemed necessary to make this decision.
You announced your commitment on Wednesday, when did you notify the coaching staff and how did you do it?
After that phone call. They told us to give them a call once we felt ready, we called back in 15 minutes. When I called back, I let them know I was ready to go. They asked I get to campus as soon as possible; my family and I are going Saturday morning.
That moment right before you let the coaches know your intent, what was going through your mind and what were you feeling?
I was thinking about… I have to think about this. It was all so fast. I was thinking about making this new adjustment in my life and how blessed I am being in this position at this time of the year. I was ecstatic and could not stop smiling.
What did you do or will you do to celebrate this great achievement?
Say goodbye to my friends, get my goodbyes in, and go out to dinner with my family. I will take in the town I live in before I leave, and get ready for the new journey.
Your path to Division-I football was more daunting than most, and all out of your control based on the Wing-T offense you ran with the Dons. Do you have a word or message of encouragement for the quarterbacks coming up behind you in regards to the recruiting process?
Yeah. That is a great question. To the quarterbacks going through the process, if you know this is something you want to do and you love the game, put all your time and effort in, stay pure, keep God in your life and good things will happen.
DJ, thanks for your time today and wishing you the best of luck throughout your collegiate journey?
Thank you.
Photo credit: Cathedral Catholic/Ralph family; No. 17 DJ Ralph (2019)