Louisiana: Interview with Cecilia 2,000-yard Running Back Raymond Calais Jr.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
In 2014 the Cecilia Bulldogs went through a rough 4-7 campaign. In 2015, the Bulldogs have rebounded and are off to a 3-1 start in the young season. One of the big reasons for Cecilia’s success is the great play of senior star running back Raymond Calais.
Calais had a monster junior season in 2014 when he ran for an astounding 2,228 yards and 26 touchdowns. After the 2014 season, Calais won several awards including All-Acadiana, All-District, All-State honorable mention, and first-team All-State Coaches Selection.
The senior workhorse has also used his great speed to run for 913 yards and 14 touchdowns through the first four games of 2015.
The 5’9″, 172 pound, speedster attended four college camps this summer and has four Division-one college offers at this time. Calais also has been on two college visits, Southern Miss and Louisiana-Lafayette. The senior star also excels in the classroom as he currently has a 3.7 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Raymond to talk about his high school career at Cecilia and his recruiting process.
Interview
Raymond, the Bulldogs are 3-1 so far in 2015, what are the keys to your early season success?
“All of us, we bond together and we practice really hard day in and day out. My success comes from my offensive line and I want to give the credit to the big guys up front.”
How does Cecilia look going forward?
“We look really good. Everyone is healthy and ready to play. We are winning and everything is looking good.”
What games left on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“Breaux Bridges and St. Martinville, those are our rivals.”
Getting back to your great start of the season, what are your strengths on the football field?
“My vision, my speed of course, and that demeanor to gain an extra yard.”
What did you work on the most to prepare for your senior season?
“My blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield and I’ve been hitting the weight room to tack on a few pounds.”
Did you have any personal or team goals going into the season?
“My personal goals were just put up the same numbers and try to be consistent. My team goals were to win district and make deep run in the playoffs.”
Did you attend any college camps this past summer?
“Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Southern Miss and Southeastern.”
Have you received any interest from any schools?
“Minnesota, Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette, Arizona, McNeese State, Southern Miss, Southern, and Nichols State.”
Do you have offers?
“Yes, four, Southern Miss, McNeese State, Nichols State and Southeastern University.”
How many visits have you gone on?
“Southern Miss and Louisiana-Lafayette this past Saturday. I’m taking an unofficial visit to McNeese State and Nichols State in the next three weeks.”
How did your visit at Southern Miss go?
“It was a great game against Mississippi State, amazing atmosphere and I met Brett Favre.”
How did your visit at Louisiana-Lafayette go?
“They treated me like family. It was fun. I enjoyed it.”
What is your best 40 yard dash time?
“4.31 at school and then 4.35 at Louisiana-Lafayette.”
What is your favorite part about playing football?
“My favorite part is bonding with my brothers every night and giving your all.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“Shae Stelly, He’s mentally ill and he’s in a wheel char.”
Photo credit: theadvocate.com; Cecilia RB Raymond Calais
Photo credit: theadvertiser.com; No. 5 Raymond Calais