Interview: 4-Star 2022 South Carolina WR Adam Randall is the Complete Package
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watching Class of 2022 receiver Adam Randall play is having the utmost respect for his game. At 6-3, 198-pounds, he brings a physicality to the field and a no fear mentality that cannot be matched on the outside making him one of the best in the nation.
Fast and fearless, Randall can stretch defenses vertically with his consistent 4.4 speed but is also willing to go across the middle of the defense sacrificing body and limbs for his team. In doing that, a shoulder injury limited his 2019 stat line, but in parts of seven games he torched 4A South Carolina defenses for 486 yards off 25 receptions with three touchdowns. The 2020 season for Randall and his Myrtle Beach squad has picked up hot off their 13-1 finish a year ago taking down Darlington 69-0. In the season opener, Randall collected 104 yards on three catches twice going into the end zone.
The complete package Randall brings to a roster has earned four-star status and 17 offers to date. For more on the player, recruit, and student of the game, Randall stopped by the RNG Lab for an in-depth conversation.
Interview
Adam, the Seahawks came out of the gate hot rolling up Darlington 69-0. Everything was obviously working for you guys across the board. What kind of team do you guys have this season?
Overall, I think we have a very talented team. We can go places if we put our minds to it, and come together as a team. We are trying to get some of the younger guys experience. Our team is young but we have a lot of talent. Right now, we are trying to gel and mold together to be a better team.
There are many areas of your game I really like, but one I admire is your willingness to go across the middle. A lot of big guys only hang on the outside running fly or corner routes, but not you. That no fear mentality, where does that come from within you?
It comes from me knowing that I will be hit, but still focusing on catching the ball. I did a lot this offseason on focusing on catching the ball in traffic. I had goggles on focusing on the ball, knowing that I will be hit, catching in traffic, going across the middle, going deep, and going up high. Catching in traffic knowing you are going to be hit but still focusing on the ball is a very important part of the receiver aspect.
As mentioned, your concentration watching the ball into your hands is another strength to your game that sets you apart from others. At the end of last season, what were some of the other traits to your game that made you so dangerous?
At the end of last year, me knowing where to be and having chemistry with my quarterback, that gave me the ability to make plays. Not being distracted and making people miss were strengths. Making people miss, I can get 20 to 30 yards on each catch or break one if I can make people miss. My goal is to make one or two people miss for a big play, for an explosive play, or for a long touchdown.
When you went into the offseason, what were some of the areas of your game you focused on for your junior run?
I worked on my speed, my balance, and my lower body strength. The lower body strength, that comes with breaking tackles and getting loose when people grab at your legs. Running through tackles is a big part of my game being a physical receiver.
Sticking with your speed workouts, did you get to post a 40-yard dash time this offseason?
Yes. I’m in the low 4.4s now. My personal record is a 4.39.
Wow. Very impressive.
Thank you.
What style of offense are you guys running this season and what are some of the routes you are executing within?
We have always run an Air Raid, slinging it around the field. We have very few running plays running a high tempo offense. Our offense is a lot like the Oregon offense when Marcus Mariota (QB) was there. We are high-paced and pushing the ball downfield.
In our offense, we run routes others don’t run like a very deep post and a skinny fade; that gives us the chance to stretch the field not just running routes going just across the middle taking a kill shot. Another route is a post-dig. That route is usually always open. That route concept gives us a lot of room and creates separation even in zone coverage; we can sit in the hole to make the play. Our coaching staff does a really good job of getting us the ball. We have a great coaching staff that puts a lot of time in to our offense.
On Friday, you guys get Georgetown (1-0). What kind of game are you expecting from their defense?
What we’ve seen on film, they play a lot of Cover 3 and some man. They like to mix it up; Cover 3, Cover 4, and man. They will throw a lot at us to see what might work. If we execute and do what our coaches told us, we can run through any defense we see.
Which other games on the schedule are hyped games for you and the Seahawks?
This year, it is not a hype game but the West Florence game is new in our region. They are down from 5A. We have to bring our “A” game against them. West Florence and Hartsville, they are always good and well coached. The North Myrtle Beach game, now that is a hyped game. We are 20 minutes away from each other. A lot of fans like to see who is the “real” beach team. We call it “The Battle of the Beaches.”
With the challenging schedule ahead, what goals have you set for this season?
First off, hopefully another state championship. That feeling is of no other. As a freshman getting one, but not contributing much, it taught me a lot to see what it takes to get there. Last year, being a big part of the team, it shows how much it takes to win one. I am hoping we finish the job this season. Winning a state championship is first and foremost. For me personally, my goal is 1,000 yards and no drops. Those are my main two goals.
I like it. Let’s talk recruiting now. Which schools are showing interest as your junior season gets going?
LSU has been in contact with me recently, Notre Dame, they’ve been in contact too, and Miami. I know there are a couple of others I cannot think of right now; Northwestern too. They have not offered but they have been in communication.
How many offers have been handed to you?
I have 17 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Ole Miss, Clemson, and Oregon.
Randall’s Offer Sheet: Akron, Alabama A&M, Arkansas, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Louisville, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina, South Carolina State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and West Virginia
Going back to last season and up to when in-person visits were cancelled, did you get to take any visits?
Last season, I went to a Clemson game, for their game against Texas A&M, Duke, South Florida, and USC (Gamecocks).
If visits were allowed next weekend, are there any campuses you’d like to see in-person?
There are three schools scheduled, Oregon, I gotta take that one, Clemson, and South Carolina. I am trying to look at those schools and others find the right fit for me.
Adam, thanks for taking the time to give us insight on all that you do on and off the field, and with the update on your recruiting. Good luck with the season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Randall family; Adam Randall