Interview: Offer Sheet to Rapidly Expand This Fall for 4-Star 2023 Georgia DE TJ Searcy
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The recruiting classification is on par, but the scholarship total is way off at this point for TJ Searcy (6-5, 245). The Upson-Lee High School defensive end manhandled opposing 3A Georgia offenses during the 2020 season producing 61 stops, 38 solo, with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks along with a batted pass and two fumble recoveries. The Class of 2023 standout is rated as a four-star but only has three offers; although three very impressive offers from Florida State, Georgia, and South Carolina. When action picks back up again on the field this fall in the Thomaston area, expect Searcy’s offer sheet to start adding a lot of high-profile friends.
Making his first visit to the RNG Lab, Searcy covers ground on his college camp circuit and offseason workouts.
Interview
TJ, you were able to dominate the line of scrimmage last season against the pass and the run. To push your skills forward, what have you been working on with your fundamentals this offseason?
I have been working on my get off and hips a lot. I want to beat them off the line with speed to get more sacks this season.
Within the Knights’ scheme, they had you going against both the right and left tackle, and even getting out in space some as an outside backer. What all will you be doing in the scheme this fall?
I am playing the same positions. I’ll be doing the same as last season, as of right now, but it depends on who we play.
Going into the weight room, what have you been doing in there to prepare for the upcoming schedule?
A lot of workouts with our coach. We do basic lifts, and we do all of it in one day. We used to do one day for squat, bench, or cleans but now we are doing it all. They have stretching and conditioning days for us too.
What are your weight room maxes?
My bench is 280 and my clean is 285.
You got in on offense at tight end, even pulled down a handful of passes. What will your role be this fall on offense?
They are trying to use me more than last season throwing me passes. I should get more targets this season.
Will they also use you as a blocker?
I think I will block out of certain sets. On the line, we usually put an extra offensive tackle in there.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to a Rivals camp.
How did that go?
It went pretty well. I think I did really well actually.
How did you do during the one-on-one reps?
I won one and lost one. I was facing a guy from Kansas City, he’s a four-star also.
Have you been to any college camps?
Yes, sir. I went Georgia and Florida State.
What was the Georgia camp like for you?
It was very fun. I learned a lot.
Of your skills, what were you able to showcase at the Florida State camp?
I was able to show how good I can move. Especially during the agility circuit, I feel that I was one of the better people there at that.
Did you post a 40-yard dash time this offseason? If so, what did you post?
I ran a 4.75 at school.
Let’s talk recruiting now. Which programs are showing interest as we make that turn to the 2021 season?
I went to a camp in La Grange, there an Arkansas State coach said he was going to offer. There was also a coach from Western Kentucky that said the same thing.
How many offers do you have?
I have three offers: Florida State, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Of the three, which was the first to offer you?
Georgia – they were a dream school of mine growing up. It was crazy for that to be my first one.
Nice. Have you visited any programs this summer?
Yes, I have visited Florida State and Georgia.
What did you see and do during the Georgia visit?
I went to the camp, afterwards they gave me a tour around the facilities. After that, I did a photo shoot. They also walked me out onto the field.
From your visit to FSU, what has left a lasting impression?
What really stood out was the coaches; how real they were.
TJ, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success the rest of the summer getting ready for your junior season.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Searcy family; TJ Searcy