Missouri Tigers Commitment Interview with Kearney 2016 LB Cale Garrett
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Cale Garrett had a great career at Kearney High School in Kearney (MO). During his senior season in 2015, the 6’3”, 225 pound, beast posted some incredible numbers by notching 160 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. Garrett then led the Bulldogs to the Missouri 4A state champion game where they took down the 5-time defending champions, the Webb City Cardinals, 17-14.
After his amazing senior season, Garrett received many individual honors including Max Preps All-American, first team All-State, first team All-Conference, first team All-District, Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and Missouri Class 4 Defensive Player of the Year.
On Oct. 10, 2015, Garrett committed to play college football at the Naval Academy in Annapolis (MD), however on Jan. 30 2016, the star linebacker received an offer from Missouri, his dream school. He then decommitted from Navy and committed to the Tigers on Saturday Jan. 30.
In an exclusive Recruiting News interview, I sat down with Cale to discuss how he received the offer from Missouri and how his commitment took place.
Interview
Cale, congratulations on your commitment to Missouri, how did you learn that you had received an offer from them?
“Yesterday morning my coach told me at 10:30 am.”
What was your reaction to the offer?
“At first my mom and I were a little upset that they waited so long. I then realized it is a SEC school and Missouri has always been my dream school. Then I got really excited.”
How did your commitment to the Tigers take place?
“At 1 p.m., my mom and I drove the two hours to Columbia to commit to them in person. I told Associate Head Coach/Wide Receivers Coach Andy Hill, my area recruiter, that I want to prove to you that you made the right choice and that I will exceed your expectations. I also told Head Coach Barry Odom that this is where I want to go and I want you to be my coach.”
What was their reaction?
“Coach Odom hugged me and my mom. Everyone was excited for me and I’m really excited. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I will seal the deal with them on Wednesday.”
How did your decommitment from Navy take place?
“I have nothing but respect for Navy but I had to tell them my dream school, Missouri, came through and I couldn’t pass it up. It hurts a little bit and I know they were disappointed but moving forward I want to be at Missouri more. I knew I had to call them and tell them myself and not just post it on Twitter.”
Congratulations on your commitment to Missouri and thank you for your time.
“Thank you sir.”
Photo credit: scout.com; Kearney LB Cale Garrett