Interview: Recruiting Interest Taking Off for Texas 2017 LB Colby Vidrine

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is nothing better than seeing a player amp up his game when the stakes are high. During the 2015 season, Colby Vidrine was a standout on defense for San Marcos High School. Any college coaches wanting more reel on the Class of 2017 linebacker/defensive end are getting an eyeful through the first part of the 2016 season.

Vidrine spent his 2015 season playing defensive end, and doing it well. His stat line included 81 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles helping the Rattlers to an 8-4 record. During the off-season, the 6-2, 223 pound, Lone Star State product, for the betterment of the team, moved from defensive end to linebacker. The personal payoff for Vidrine has been a reel that shows versatility, a trait all college recruiters love to see. Through five games, Vidrine has an approximate stat line of 31 tackles, four tackles for a loss, and two sacks.

The list of colleges starting to come around are expanding outside of Texas. The teams liking what they are seeing includes Texas, Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, Purdue, Texas-San Antonio, SMU, Kansas, and Wake Forest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Vidrine to get an overview on his gridiron skill set, his senior season, and his recruiting process.

Interview

Colby, when did you get the starting nod at the varsity level?

“My sophomore year.”

Now that you are into your third year with varsity starting experience, what are some of the strengths of your game?

“I feel like I get the whole defense gets motivated with my kind of play. I tackle well and fill my gap well.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“I set All-State goals and a district championship goal.”

Are you happy with your personal performance on the field so far this year?

“Yeah, I’m pretty happy with it. Our season has not gone the way it should be going (2-3) but we are getting on a roll for district. As long as the team is winning, I’m happy.”

What are some of the parts of your game you are working to improve?

“Definitely my speed and my pass coverage. There is a difference going from defensive end last year to linebacker this year?

Which position do you like better linebacker or end?

“I like end but I feel like at linebacker I can bring more of my athleticism to the game and make more plays there.”

Who is the toughest guy you have gone up against so far at the Texas varsity level?

“I’d have to go with QB Cade Dyal (Tivy High School, Kerrville, Class of 2016). Last year we had a little thing going and both played a good game that day.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Sam Houston State, Texas Tech, a little from UT (Texas), Purdue, A&M Commerce, SMU, and I’ve talked to Wake Forest, UTSA (Texas-San Antonio), and Kansas.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits yet?

“I’ve visited A&M Commerce. On Oct. 15 I am going to Sam Houston State. I’m planning one with UTSA soon. I’ve been talking to one of their coaches about setting up a visit.”

In the off-season did you max out in the weight room?

“I did on bench and squat. My bench then was 270 and my squat was 480.”

Do you play any other sports for San Marcos?

“Basketball.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 3.3.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have but I have not checked my scores on them yet. I took them this summer. They were supposed to be in at the end of August.”

There is a loaded college football schedule this weekend, are there any other games on the docket you are excited to see?

“I’m a LSU fan, I will be watching LSU vs Missouri this weekend. I’m also excited to see Louisville and Clemson. I’m predicting Louisville 48, Clemson 24.”

Wow. You are looking for a big Louisville win.

“I am.”

Colby, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Frank De Leon/Texas Redzone Report; No. 8 Colby Vidrine closes in on a tackle.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 8 Colby Vidrine pre-game warmups.

Photo credit: Vidrine family; Colby Vidrine (right) at a Texas Longhorns camp.