Interview: Ralen Goforth is Ready to Back Hype as Next Standout Trinity League 2019 Linebacker

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The still evolving tale of Class of 2019 defender Ralen Goforth should serve as an optimistic reminder to other recruits coming up the ranks to be patient because one never knows how life will turn out with enough hard work and determination. At the end of the 2016 season, Goforth was a Division-I safety in the making but after an off-season in the weight room he is the next four-star caliber outside linebacker ending plays for St. John Bosco in the tough Trinity League.

Every season spent playing a given sport is a learning opportunity with room to improve on one’s craft. For Goforth, he was a standout defender for Warren High School primarily playing strong safety but would also occasionally come down in the box as an outside linebacker coming off the edge as a speed rusher and to help stop the run. When the 2016 season had concluded, Goforth tallied 64 tackles, 31 solo, forcing at least five fumbles with one fumble recovery.

Recruiting eyes were drawn to the upside of the then- 6-2, 185 pound, playmaker. After Christmas break, Goforth transferred back to St. John Bosco High School from Warren reuniting with the Braves from his freshman year. As a new transition was going through with the playbook, Goforth was also physically transitioning ending spring practices as a 6-2, 215 pound, outside linebacker.

Spring practices at St. John Bosco always draws college scouts aiding in Goforth rocketing up recruiting boards racking up eight Division-I offers. To date, USC, Washington, Boston College, Arizona State, UCLA, San Jose State, and TCU believe he can be a difference maker on their squad in 2019 at linebacker with Nebraska ready to make Goforth the scariest strong safety in college football.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2019 class covering his sophomore season, transfer to St. John Bosco, and his booming recruiting interest.

Interview

Ralen, during your sophomore year you were all over the field with Warren, where all did you lineup last year?

“At strong safety, outside linebacker, receiver, and running back.”

How did your game get better on defense last season from the start to the finish?

“The experience helped me get better just being on defense at the varsity level. I was able to dissect what it is like under the lights instead of it hitting me during my junior year. It was a very big opportunity for me getting to play varsity football last season.”

When did you transfer to St. John Bosco?

“My freshman year I was at St. John Bosco and then to Warren in off-season. I transferred back during Christmas break in January.”

How has the transfer back gone so far?

“It has been great. I have always loved the coaching staff at St. John Bosco. They welcomed me back with open arms. All the coaches showed me a lot of love when I came back and welcomed me with great hospitality. I am truly grateful and I appreciate that.”

Which positions did you lineup at for the Braves this spring?

“I am playing outside linebacker for Bosco. In their scheme, I am a linebacker rather than a safety. I am fitting in and making plays at linebacker.”

How did spring practices go for you?

“The practices were great. Coach King, Coach Rob, and Coach Hall were showing me their scheme and how they run their defense. They spent a lot of time showing me how to play certain blocks, reading my keys, and what to look for during pre-snap reads and during the play. Practice is intense and fast-paced at Bosco, just like in our games. The preparation day by day is serious. We come to work at every practice and do not play around.”

You’ve added a lot of weight this spring from 185 to 215. How has the added weight changed your game?

“Adding weight, which is all muscle, I have always been aggressive and physical. I’m dealing with the big men in trenches now. I am preparing my body for that. I’m no longer a safety prospect. I am at a more physical position. I am preparing myself for that change the best I can.”

Did you max out in the weight room this spring?

“No, we have not maxed out yet.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring and, if so, with who?

“I played 7v7 with Premium Sports.”

How did 7v7 help your game improve?

“Premium Sports, that is like family. They taught me the ins and outs of playing safety and being a backer. They got me back into the swing of things, what to read, what to look for in tendencies, and if he does this what you do. They taught me how to be a better player on and off the field. Premium is family to me.”

What has been the focus of your workouts this off-season?

“I’ve been working on getting faster and quicker and bigger and stronger. I’ll need to be bigger for this season.”

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

“Penn State, Illinois, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah.”

How many offers do you have now?

“Eight.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring or summer?

“This spring I went to Cal, USC, UCLA, Stanford with Premium, and Fresno State.”

Any planned visits coming up?

“No.”

Have you attended any exposure or college camps in 2017?

“I’ve been to a Washington, USC Rising Stars Camp, and a Rivals camp.”

How did the USC camp go for you?

“The USC camp, that was great for me. I learned a lot there from Coach Johnny (Nansen – linebackers coach). He coached me up on hand and foot placement, how to take on blocks, and what to look for from the offense. We had a lot of one-on-one conversations during the camp.”

How did the Washington camp go?

“The Washington camp was great. I had a pick six in one-on-ones. I almost had another one but I dropped it. Coach (Bob) Gregory (linebackers coach) and I hit it off. Coach (Jimmy) Lake (co-defensive coordinator) and Coach (Chris) Petersen (head coach) want me to come up there for a visit. Hopefully sometime next year I will be able to go Washington for a visit.”

Which position did you attend the USC and Washington camps playing?

“Linebacker.”

Which position are most schools recruiting you to play?

“Every school so far knows I can play safety. Nebraska has offered me as a safety but all the other schools have offered me as an outside linebacker.”

What goals have you set for yourself for the 2017 season?

“My goals are to have a 4.0 GPA and do well on the ACT and SAT. Athletically, my goals are to get stronger and bigger and make plays this year. My team goals are to get a state and national championship.”

Outside of working out and football related activities, what do you do for fun during your downtime?

“This summer, not much. I’ll go workout with my older brothers. All that is on my mind is football and school. Rarely do I have downtime when I do, I’m doing pushups and homework.”

Ralen, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Premium Sports; De’Gabriel Floyd, KJ Trujillo, Paul Edwards, and Ralen Goforth.

Photo credit: Goforth family; Ralen Goforth at Cal (Feb. 2017).