Missouri: Kearney LB Cale Garrett Discuses Commitment to Navy and Bulldogs Football

Written by Charlie Beuttel

On October 10, Cale Garrett, a linebacker from Kearney, Missouri, committed to play college football at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Garrett (6’2″, 225) has had a monster senior season through the first eight games for the Kearney Bulldogs where he has 74 tackles including 12 tackles for a loss, and one interception. The senior linebacker has also helped lead Kearney to a 7-1 record and are a lock to once again make the Missouri high school football playoffs.

Garrett is rated a three-star prospect by 247sports.com and is the 17th commit in Navy’s Class of 2016 recruitment class.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Cale to talk about his commitment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Interview
Cale, congratulations on your commitment to Navy. What influenced you to commit to Navy on Saturday?

“Well I just thought it was an opportunity I can’t pass up. As long as I do what I’m supposed to do I’ll be alright. My dream is football but I’ve always had the military in the back of my mind so this is the best of both worlds.”

What was the biggest factor on choosing Navy over all the other schools that have offered you?

“They play some tough competition including Notre Dame every year. They have a brotherhood and all the coaches are genuine. The head coach (Ken Niumatalolo) seems like an honorable man. It’s awesome representing the Navy through football.”

Whic coach did you commit to and how did your commitment take place?

“I committed to the wide receivers coach, Coach (Mick) Yokitis, who is also the recruiting coordinator for my area. I told him Friday night that I would commit on Saturday and I had news that he might want to hear. I wanted to be a part of what they have. I’m ready for it.”

What was his reaction to your commitment?

“He was really excited for me. He does a good of controlling his emotions but he was really excited about it.”

Have you visited Navy yet?

“I haven’t visited yet but I’m hoping to go in November or after Christmas.”

What have the coaches at Navy said about your football skills?

“They want me as an inside linebacker and they like my style of play. They said I look like a guy that can go through the lifestyle.”

Were there any other teams that were pushing hard for you?

“I feel like the Naval Academy was my biggest offer.”

How does the commitment work? Do you have an obligation to serve in the Navy?

“It’s a minimum of five years after graduating from the academy. I’m am expecting to serve though but I don’t know how yet.”

Now let’s talk more about your high school team as they are 7-1 on the season.  What are the keys to your team’s success this season?

“(That) we don’t self-destruct.  We can move the ball well but sometimes penalties are drive stoppers. On the defensive side, we just trust what are our coaches are saying.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I’m excited. I’ve been playing to impress colleges but I feel like the best is yet to come because the pressure is off because I’m committed to Navy. I’m playing for my town and team now and want to win a state championship.”

How does Kearney look heading into the playoffs?

“We look pretty well. I like our chances. We still have to play every game. Anything can happen as all the teams aren’t pushovers and everyone wants to win.”

Cale, congratulations again on your commitment and thank you for your time.

“Thank you sir.”
Photo credit: scout.com; Kearney LB Cale Garret