Interview: 3-Star 2021 Louisiana WR/CB Tyrell Raby is an All-Out Force for Madison Prep
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you are a teammate or a coach, going into battle on the gridiron you want to know that everyone is doing all they can to piece all the hard work from the offseason, team camps, and weekly practices towards a victory every Friday night. At Madison Prep Academy, no one associated with the team has to worry about corner/receiver Tyrell Raby’s desire to win.
Some guys are play-makers, and others are guys who sacrifice body and limbs to make plays; Raby is the embodiment of both. The 6-1, 174-pound, athlete is quick, fast, and the game can come easy to him, or so it seems. But he also lays it all out on the line soaring to high-point the ball, even if a big hit is waiting, or dives for a finger tip catch not worrying about how the ground may respond to the impact. For his efforts, Madison Prep rolled through 3A Louisiana competition posting a 13-2 record in 2019 with Raby hauling in 32 passes for 632 yards with 13 touchdowns and held up 35 plays knocking away four passes with three picks earning first team All-District honors as a receiver and second team at corner.
There is an impressive list of those believing in his talents, 13 college football programs have offered the three-star recruit thus far. To talk about his recruiting process and his skill on the field, Raby goes into the RNG Lab for the first time.
Interview
Tyrell, there are a lot of things to like about how you play the game as a receiver. One that I love is how you go all out for the ball showing no fear. Where does that determination come from to do whatever it takes to come down with the ball?
“Growing up, I played with older kids. If I dropped the ball, they would talk about me. In a game, that is my money. I cannot let anyone come down with it but me.”
The game speed you display helps you get separation from everyone around you. What is the fastest-timed run you’ve posted?
“In the 40, my last time was a 4.53. In the 200, my best time is a 22.1.”
Nice. What were some of the routes you were running last season within the offensive scheme?
“Everything – go-routes, flies, digs, screens, slants – everything. Whatever they needed me to run, I did it and did it well.”
We talked about your speed and fearlessness on the field, what else were you doing so well to earn first team All-District honors in 2019?
“I blocked. Whatever my team needed, I did it. I blocked helping my team score a lot of touchdowns last season.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game on offense?
“Everything. I have been working on getting bigger, faster, and stronger. If I get better at everything, I will be unstoppable.”
How did the season go for you on defense last year?
“It was fun. I came up with a lot of big stops. I had three interception; we had dogs in our secondary. They could not run or pass on our secondary. On the outside, they knew I was there, they would not run to my side.”
Which parts of your game improved on defense last season?
“I started at corner my sophomore year, but I was not as aggressive as my junior year. My vision, patience, backpedal, speed, and my ball skills improved last season.”
Where all will we see you play in 2020?
“Receiver and corner, and at Wildcat some too.”
Are you planning on competing at any college camps this summer?
“It depends because of the virus. I will go to a lot if I can.”
During this time, what have you been doing with your daily workouts to keep your edge?
“On my own, I have been running on the levy, working on my backpedal, and lifting weights at home. Everything is on my own. I am training every day.”
The offers have rolled in, how many do you have?
“Thirteen. I just got an offer from Arizona.”
Raby’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Central Florida, Grambling State, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Miami, South Alabama, Tulane, Virginia, and William & Mary
How did Arizona offer you?
“I’ve been talking to them for a minute. They talked to my coach and then they called me. They asked how everything is going with the virus and asked me if I would accept the offer.”
You have the offer, but what did you say when the offer was floated out there to you?
“Of course,” that is exactly what I said.”
Are there schools showing interest but have not offered yet?
“SMU.”
Before the dead period, did you get a chance to visit any schools?
“Miami, Louisiana Tech, and South Alabama.”
How did the Miami trip go?
“That was so much fun. The campus is beautiful. I love Miami. Miami is a beautiful city. The coaches are cool. I had fun in Miami.”
And the Louisiana Tech visit, how did that go?
“It was fun. Louisiana Tech is a family school for sure. I had a good time. The coaches are cool. It was a fun visit.”
Once things open back up, do you plan on visiting any programs?
“Memphis; I was going to take one there before everything happened.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun to balance out this time at home?
“Watching movies, working out, eating, sleeping, and working out. That is my routine every day.”
Tyrell, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you continued success with your personal workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Beau Brune; Tyrell Raby