Interview: 5-Star 2020 Tennessee ATH Reggie Grimes Talks Growing Recruiting Interest and Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One might assume five-star status instantly brings 30 scholarship offers from top programs across the country, and it more than likely will over time, but as is the case with Class of 2020 defensive end/athlete Reggie Grimes, schools are still finding out about him week by week. Grimes helped carry his Mount Juliet High School football program to a 12-1 record in 2018 taking on Tennessee 6A competition. As a standout end, who is capable of playing outside linebacker and running back at 6-3.5, 220 pounds, he has captured the awe of 19 college football programs with offers being dropped. No surprise that the multi-sport athlete is also an impact player for the Golden Bears basketball team seeing the hardcourt warriors extended their record to 29-4, ranked No. 10 in-state.
To catch up on all that Grimes has going on, we sat down for a quick one-on-one update interview.
Interview
Reggie, last we spoke you were in the middle of your basketball season. How is the season going overall?
“We are still playing. I think we have only lost one game since we last spoke. We are playing in the regionals now.”
Nice. Do you know your season stats?
“No. Honestly, I don’t keep track of my stats.”
Are you getting ramped up for track season yet?
“Not yet. I am strictly basketball right now and my offseason football workouts.”
With your busy schedule, how are your offseason football workouts coming along?
“I am still doing my workouts with my dad, but nothing too strenuous because of basketball. I do not want to be too rusty in football when spring ball comes around.”
Understood. Have you put any upcoming national camps and/or combines on your offseason schedule?
“I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in late May here in Nashville.”
When we last spoke you have visited Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and Alabama. Have you visited any new schools since then?
“Yes. I have taken visits to Virginia Tech and Louisville.”
How did the Virginia Tech visit go?
“It was really nice. They have a beautiful campus. The visit was eye opening.”
What about Louisville, how did that go?
“It was nice. We watched the Duke-Louisville game. It was great. It was a nice place to hang out and it was nice to hang out with the other prospects and coaching staff.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Nothing is set as of right now.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 19 offers.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Reggie Grimes Offer Sheet (19): Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, Memphis, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Pitt, Tulane, Purdue, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Virginia, South Carolina, and Oregon
When you take a visit to a given school, is there anything you are quietly doing to mark or remember each visit? Some people collect magnets or postcards, are you doing anything like that as a scrapbook sort of reminder of your adventures?
“We take pictures, but that is about it.”
Since you are deep into your basketball season, as of right now which schools do you think will make the NCAA Final Four?
“That’s tough. I think Duke and Gonzaga can make it, but the others are up in the air.”
Reggie, great catching up with you. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Jan. 18, 2018, RNG interview with Reggie Grimes
Photo credit: Grimes family; Reggie Grimes at V-Tech and Louisville