Interview: Texas 2018 ATH/SS Prudy Calderon Gives Perspective on Rice Owls Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Score a big one on the recruiting trail for Rice. The Owls’ coaching staff jumped ahead of 11 other offers handed out by Yale, Columbia, Army, Brown, Penn, Jacksonville, Holy Cross, San Diego, Houston Baptist, Eastern Illinois, and Texas State landing Class of 2018 athlete/safety Prudy Calderon on Saturday. When Calderon arrives on the Houston area campus, he’ll bring his lunch pail and years of leadership with him.

Calderon was a force on the field out of the gate coming up with 66 tackles, 23 solo, five passes defended, and a blocked kick during his sophomore season playing safety. Showcasing his budding athletic talents, he also secured four passes for 81 yards with a score and took back five punts for 51 yards. During his junior campaign, the stat line truly started to reflect how much of an impact he brought to the field for San Marcos High School – three carries with a score, four receptions for 92 yards and another touchdown. On special teams, 13 kickoff returns covering 432 yards with a long of 93-yards and 11 punt returns for 177 yards with a long of 42-yards.

His recruited position at safety showed perhaps the most growth with 92 tackles, 30 solo, three tackles for a loss, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Entering into his senior season, now the 6-0, 192 pound, talent is taking on another challenge for the betterment of his Rattlers’ squad by playing quarterback.

Calderon has proven to be a leader on and off the field, especially in the classroom where he sports a 3.59 GPA and scored a 24 on his ACT.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Calderon to get the inside scoop on how the Owls’ staff and university won him over.

Interview

Prudy, congratulations on your commitment.

“Thank you.”

How did you narrow down all your offers? What was the criteria you were looking for to find your perfect fit?

“All the offers were great opportunities for me. It came down to what fit me best along with my family. I had a lot of offers from across the country, and some here in Texas. After talking to my family and coaches, we all knew the Rice coaches were the real deal. All of them are very nice. Rice is just three hours away in Houston. My family can catch a home game whenever they want. There were a lot of factors, but at the end of the day my family and I knew the best fit for me was Rice.”

How many times have you visited Rice?

“I think three times.”

What are your overall thoughts and impressions of the facilities and the campus?

“The first time I was up there for a Junior Day, everything was new. It was really nice. The facilities were really cool. The weight room, training area, meeting rooms, and coaches’ offices were all in the same spot. It reminded me of my high school. I felt really comfortable there.”

You announced your commitment yesterday (Saturday, Aug. 5), but is that when you committed to the Owls?

“Yes.”

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“I saw it as an opportunity. I did not want to regret not going there because someone took my spot. Rice has a great football program and offers a great education. We have been up there a few times. All of us have been up there. My family felt comfortable there, they love the staff. That was the biggest influence for me – my family.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I talked to Coach Bailiff. I called him ahead of a big meeting with the entire coaching staff. I told him and then he took the phone into the meeting room. Then I had to tell all the coaches. It was a neat experience. Perfect timing.”

When you committed to all the coaches at once, what was there reaction?

“Everyone was excited. It was nerve racking for me. The commitment was nerve racking – it is a big deal. All the coaches were happy. I spoke with Coach (Brian) Stewart (defensive backs) and Coach (Ronnie) Vinklarek (offensive line) afterwards. They were all happy to have me on board.”

What was the reaction like from your family and friends when you told them you were committing to Rice?

“Everyone was excited. Prior to me committing to the coaching staff at Rice, my family was backing me up 100 percent. As soon as I told my family and everyone found out, they were all very proud of me. They are all looking forward to wearing Rice gear.”

Which position did the recruit you to play?

“Safety. Hopefully during my freshman year I will be on special teams working my way onto the field.”

Have you set an official visit date yet?

“No. My family and I have been talking about that but no date yet.”

Are you going to help recruit others to Rice?

“That is obviously a big factor, having other players committing there. I will help recruit other players. I see it as a great one for me, if there are any other guys interested in Rice I will talk to them. It is well worth it for me.”

Looking to the 2017 season, when does San Marcos start fall camp?

“Today is our last official off day. Tomorrow we start, then two-a-days, and then we are in full swing. I am excited.”

What goals have you set for your senior year?

“Win every time we are out there. I want to take advantage of every down. Downs are limited on the field. My No. 1 goal is to win.”

Prudy, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Rice.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Calderon family; Prudy Calderon at Rice.