Interview: Prolific 2018 California RB Branden Rankins Set to Break State Rushing Records

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A great career at any level can usually be attributed to opportunity, health, and longevity. Before all three factors can be put into play a certain amount of determination and talent must be in the equation. For Aquinas High School running back Branden Rankins, he has taken a firm hold on all variables working his way towards being one of the most prolific running backs in the California high school history books.

The rise from potential to standout happened quickly for Rankins. During his freshman season he was slowly worked into the offense ending the 2014 campaign with at least 1,013 yards off 124 carries with 11 touchdowns through stats posted from eight games. Full season statistics over the next two seasons give insight to just how quickly the San Bernardino area product embraced his abilities. During his sophomore season he essentially doubled his output and production carrying the rock 241 times for 2,115 yards crossing the goal line 22 times.

The emerging talents of Rankins draws a direct line to the success of the Falcons on the field. At the end of the 2015 schedule Aquinas posted an 8-5 mark but jumped out to an 11-3 season in 2016 with their star rushing for 2,585 yards off 265 carries with 30 touchdowns. The 5-10, 205 pound, back started rounding out his skills becoming more of an all-purpose back after hauling in 15 passes for 278 yards with three more scores. On special teams he returned four kickoffs for 230 yards with a long of 90 yards.

If all of the activity on offense was not enough, Rankins also played some linebacker in 2016 adding more stats to his resume with 42 tackles, 18 solo, seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one pick. All the production on the field has earned Rankins three-star status by 247Sports. More importantly, college programs have taken notice. Teams like UCLA, Nevada, Purdue, San Diego State, and USC have reportedly shown interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the more overlooked talents in California’s 2018 recruiting class covering his high school career to date, off-season plans, and recruitment.

Interview

Branden, your freshman stat line is incomplete going just through eight games. How many career rushing yards do you have?

“I have over 5,000 yards and I’m about to hit 6,000. I think I am at 5,600-plus.”

*per stats posted Rankins has 5,713 all-time rushing yards and 63 rushing touchdowns

Are you close to any state or national records?

“They said I need to hit 2,000 to go in the record books for the southern section of California. I hold the most touchdowns scored record at my school. I am about to break the school record for (career) yards. I think I need 400. I think I have passed up the most rushing yards in a season.”

You exploded onto the scene during your freshman season with a 1,000-yard campaign, did you expect to have that kind of season that young at the varsity level?

“My mom always told me don’t do something if you don’t have your head right. I went in with the thought that I was running the team. I did not start the first three or four games, I played defense then. I finally got my real opportunity to show them what I can do with the ball. Since then I have been the starting running back. I believe you have to come into the game aiming to beat the person that is in your spot no matter what.”

When you put it all together during your sophomore year for over 2,100 yards with 22 touchdowns on the ground, was that a surprise for you?

“No it did not surprise me. I always workout hard in the off-season. You have to have your head set strong. If I hit 1,000 my freshman year you have to aim higher for the next. I wanted to set the bar higher. I wanted to hit at least 2,000 yards.”

Do you have a goal for total yardage in 2017?

“My goal – I want to at least pass up my previous mark of 2,500 yards. I want to beat that going for 3,000. I believe it is within reach, especially with the line I have coming back next year.”

How did your game improve during your junior season?

“I’d say from my sophomore year to my junior year I got better. We had different schemes last season. I have learned a lot from our coaches. I have learned how to run my routes better, how to run the ball better, and how to hold it better. I have been taking it all in and I put that into the way I play. I have been going hard in the weight room too.”

You played both ways last season, how did your defensive game come along?

“I did okay. My defensive game was not as good as my offensive game. When you are put into a position at linebacker, I feel like you always have to do what the coach tells you. You have to do your best. I felt like I could impact the team on both sides of the ball and did my best on defense.”

What post-season honors did you earn at the end of last season?

“I was first team All-League, CIF Offensive MVP, first team All-County, and second team All-State.”

What are you developing for your playmaking arsenal this off-season?

“I’m developing getting shiftier. Coaches have been telling me that I need to be shiftier. All running backs have a hit count. I know I can run the ball up and down the field but I need to make some miss and not take as many hits.”

What is the focus of your workouts?

“I like the way my weight lifting has been going. I’m getting stronger. With the way our program is set up, worrying about getting stronger is not needed. I’m working on getting faster and quicker.”

You recently attended the LA Nike Opening Regional, how did that Nike camp go for you?

“Overall it was an amazing experience. I did well when I got in the drills. I tried to show the coaches I work hard and I can keep up with any player out there.”

What other camps might you attend coming up?

“The Rivals camp in LA and I plan on attending a camp (exposure) in Arizona over the summer.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered?

“Purdue, Arizona State, UCLA has been sending me stuff, Washington State, I have received some stuff from USC, Oregon State and Utah.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I went to Junior Day visits at San Diego State, Arizona State, and Fresno State.”

Do you have any planned visit coming up?

“I fly out to Purdue on the 31st (March). That is all I know of for now.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I take SAT over the summer – in June.”

Do you know which major you want to pursue in college?

“It all depends on the college, but I am looking into the medical field or at engineering.”

When you make your final decision on which school you will attend in college, what all are you looking for in said school?

“I want to pick a school that has a great running game and a great staff. Mostly I am looking for a school that will feel like home. I want to know that I will be comfortable there with good people.”

For example, it was awful to endure travelling. I experienced the xanaxbest.com increased panic attacks, especially when the bus was stuck in traffic or the train was blocked in the tunnel. You can’t hide or run away in such situations. As for the dosage, I tried to take a minimum buy xanax 0.25 mg. This dose was usually enough. Drowsiness was not observed.

Branden, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit to Purdue.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Aquinas Football/Nick Karavedas via Twitter; No. 7 Branden Rankins in action.