Oklahoma 2016 Safety Calvin Bundage Updates Oklahoma State Visit and Talks Arkansas Trip

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Head ringer, clock cleaner, and a dream killer for wide receivers… all things true about Sante Fe High School safety/linebacker Calvin Bundage. Bundage is a bundle of anger and explosive power at the point of impact which means a running back is being put on his backside, a wide receiver just took a jarring hit, or a quarterback could not scramble out of the pocket fast enough to get rid of the ball taking another abusive hit from one of the best players in the state of Oklahoma.

For the second consecutive year, Bundage has earned all the highest honors within the state of Oklahoma clearing more space on the mantle for All-Big City, All-Conference, and All-State honors. The 6’3”, 200 pound, athlete has earned 24 top honors from college coaches as well with 24 college coaches wanting to bring his game to their program after a senior season stat line that included 90 tackles, four sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and countless headaches delivered.

The list of suitors may grow, even with National Signing Day quickly approaching, but for now some of the 24 include Texas Tech, TCU, Tennessee, Houston, Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Tulsa. The lucky five that have hosted or will host Bundage on official visits include Oregon on Oct. 9, Arizona on Nov. 14, Arizona State on Dec. 5, Oklahoma State on Jan. 15, and Arkansas on Jan. 22. The next to offer could include Michigan and Notre Dame.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Bundage after his visit to Oklahoma State and ahead of his Arkansas visit to get a quick overview on his recruiting status to date.

Interview

Calvin, the fervor for you seems to be growing. Let’s cover the teams pushing hard for you right now. How did your visit to Oregon go, the best that you can remember?

“It went really well.”

What all did you do when you visited the Ducks?

“I got to meet all of the coaches and the players along with other guys in my class.”

Was there anything that stood out to you during your visit?

“Yeah, the facilities and where we would live were cool.”

What about your visit to Arizona State, how did that go?

“It went really well. I like their defensive coordinators a lot (Chris Ball and Keith Patterson). I met a lot of new people. That was cool.”

You just visited Oklahoma State. How did that trip turn out?

“It went really well. I’ve been up there a lot. I had a good time.”

Did you learn anything new about OSU during your visit there?

“No.”

 

You have a visit to Arkansas this weekend. What are you looking for or hoping to learn from that visit to Fayetteville?

“I want to get there and meet all of the coaches. This will be first time meeting all of them. I’m interested to see what they want me to play in their defense and how I would be a part of the program.”

How are you evaluating the different schools/programs when you look over all the offers you have on the table?

“Playing time and the position they want me to play.”

What position do you want to play in college?

“The safety/linebacker hybrid.”

What position is Arkansas recruiting you to play?

“The same thing.”

What other schools are recruiting you to play that hybrid position?

“Arizona State and Oregon.”

Who is your lead recruiter at Arkansas?

“Robb Smith, their defensive coordinator.”

Have you had an in-home with Arkansas yet?

“Yes. Bret Bielema (head coach) and Robb Smith came to visit me.”

That’s a good sign about how badly they want you. Did the in-home go well?

“Yes it did.”

Would you say you have a good relationship with Robb Smith?

“Yes.”

When you make your final decision about where you will play your college ball, is that decision all on you or are you making that decision with a friend or family member?

“All on me.”

When will you announce your decision?

“On Signing Day, Feb. 3.”

Have you thought about how you will announce? Any tricks or showmanship?

“I haven’t figured it out yet.”

Are there any schools that have not offered you yet but are recruiting you hard right now?

“Yes, Michigan and Notre Dame.”

Do you plan on taking an unofficial to those schools before NSD?

“Probably.”

With all of the schools spread out across the country, I’m guessing distance from home is not a big deal to you for college?

“No. That doesn’t bother me at all.”

One could guess your Top 5 would include the schools that you have set up official visits to thus far, but have you put together an official Top 5 list yet?

“No. I don’t have a Top 5 list yet.”

Calvin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your recruitment.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: tulsaworld.com; No. 40 Calvin Bundage.

Photo credit: scout.com; Calvin Bundage during a Santa Fe practice.

Photo credit: Bundage family; Calvin behind the scenes at Oklahoma State.