Interview: 4-Star 2020 Bishop Gorman Talent Ikaika Ragsdale is That Power Back with Speed
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In a powerhouse Bishop Gorman backfield featuring dual-threat Micah Bowens and senior tailback Amod Cianelli, rising Class of 2020 running back Ikaika Ragsdale (6-1, 207) carved out a niche for himself as a power back with speed. With a one-cut and gone mentality, Ragsdale wasted no time picking up 676 yards off 119 totes with 11 trips into the end zone playing a national schedule that included two state title winners in Orem (UT) and Mater Dei (CA) along with nationally ranked squads in Centennial (CA) and De La Salle (CA). The Gaels (12-3) steamrolled in-state Nevada competition for yet another state championship seeing Ragsdale picking up three offers along the way.
In an RNG exclusive, I spent some time with the four-star rated recruit to learn more about his game and expanding recruiting options.
Interview
Ikaika, the Gaels once again played a very tough out of conference schedule going up against some of the best teams in California. How did those early season games help prepare you and the team for the run to another Nevada state championship?
“I feel like those first four games, in those games that prepared for us to become better. We came back as a team to win the rest of our games. Throughout the season we got better and better each week.”
How did playing against teams like Mater Dei, Orem, Centennial, and De La Salle help push your personal game forward?
“Those first four games, everyone we played against was good, fast, strong, and big. You can see how good you are, where you are at with your game, and what you need to work on going forward. Those tough games are always fun.”
How did the run through the Nevada schedule and playoffs go for you personally?
“It went well. The competition in Vegas was not as high as the first four teams but in the playoffs it got harder and harder.”
Covering the entire season, which areas of your game improved the most?
“My speed, vision, and my agility all got better. I feel I got better all-around with my game.”
Is there a strength to your game that may get overlooked?
“My routes, I run great routes and have great hands. That might get overlooked. Now a days, a running back has to be able to catch the ball.”
What are you focusing on this offseason with your workouts?
“I am focusing on getting bigger, faster, and stronger.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?
“Yes, sir. I am playing with Phase 1 out of Vegas.”
Nice. Which schools have offered you so far?
“Arizona, Oregon, and Brigham Young have offered.”
Fantastic. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“LSU, Stanford, Washington, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas, Florida, Florida State, and Washington State are all showing interest.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“Over the summer I visited Auburn, Alabama, and Miami.”
Are you competing in any other varsity sports for Bishop Gorman?
“Yes, sir. I run track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, 400, and relays.”
Busy man. Last question, for fun. Which team do you think will win the National Championship, Alabama or Clemson?
“I think Alabama will win.”
Ikaika, it was great covering your junior year and recruiting today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ragsdale family; Ikaika Ragsdale at Alabama
Photo credit: Nevada Preps; Ikaika Ragsdale in action