Sierra Canyon 2017 RB Bobby Cole gives Recruiting Update Ahead of Arizona State Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Arizona State is set to host a lot of top recruits from the 2017 recruiting class over the spring and summer but one could be as intriguing as any other in Sierra Canyon running back Bobby Cole.

Cole was part of a very talented Trailblazers team in 2015 that went 14-1 losing a California state title by the narrowest of margins, a 36-35 defeat to San Marino. Along the way the Los Angeles area talent rushed for 2,468 yards with 29 touchdowns off 208 carries. If the big yardage total does not impress, Cole’s yard per carry average of 11.9 or per game average of 164.5 might. The every down back also caught nine passes for 168 yards with seven additional scores.

For readers still not impressed, the Trailblazers manufactured 13 lopsided wins out of their 15 contests forcing most of the starters to sit out in the second half of most games… the yardage total could have been even higher if the team wanted to press the issue.

Cole has continued to grow into the emerging talent that he is, now listed at 5’10”, 195 pounds. He has the strength to match the game speed reporting a bench press max at 270 pounds and a squat at 420 pounds. The other thing that is growing is collegiate interest in Cole. The first offer, surprisingly, has not dropped but he has interest throughout the west coast region with teams like Boise State, Fresno State, Army, Cal-Poly, San Jose State, Utah, and Arizona State laying the groundwork for a possible scholarship extended.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Cole before an unofficial weekend visit with teammate Kanan Ray (offensive lineman/defensive lineman) to Arizona State to get an update on his offseason camp schedule, an overview on his junior campaign, and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Bobby, you doubled your rushing total from your sophomore season when you ran for 1,126 yards with 10 scores to over 2,400 yards with 29 touchdowns. What were some of the things you improved upon that made you far more dangerous threat with the ball in your hands in 2015?

“I was really getting into the feel of the game and seeing how blocks would open up holes. I knew where I needed to be on each play – stuff like that. The entire team does a great job of protecting the quarterback (Niko Harris); that is a big thing on the team. I pride myself on being a good blocking running back. I think I became more explosive all around. I was getting to the second level as quick as possible and making the first guy miss. All the hard work in the offseason paid off.”

You put in the work last offseason, what are you doing this offseason to further your skill sets?

“I’m really working on my 40-time. The big thing for me is to work on bringing down my 40 time. My footwork, you can never work too much on that. I’m also working on getting bigger, trying to add muscle mass for my senior season. I’m working on my 40 technique for the camps so I can run a fast 40-yard dash time.”

You mentioned camps, what camps are you going to coming up that are already on the books?

“I plan on going to The Opening regional in Oakland. I’m also planning on going to college camps like Washington and Utah. I might go to Utah over spring break. Arizona definitely. Boise camps out here. I don’t know about Fresno State, SDSU (San Diego State), Arizona State, UCLA or USC yet, they are a maybe.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“Pretty much all the ones I named I have been in contact with lately. Fresno, ASU, Boise, Utah, Army, Cal-Poly, and San Jose State.”

You’re taking an unofficial to Arizona State this weekend right?

“Yes.”

You never know if this trip may lead to an eventual offer. What will be some of the things you are looking at with the school and the program during this trip as a potential offeree?

“I think it is important for the coaches to get involved with the players and the recruits and show interest. I want to get to know the school a little bit better. Even though I do not have an offer from Arizona State, I want to get a feel for it as if I did.

“I also want to get to know the area around the school. That will have a big influence. A lot that goes into the recruiting process.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits set up?

“None set right now. Like I mentioned, I might be going up to Utah for a visit over spring break.”

How is everything going in the classroom for you?

“Everything is going well in the classroom. I know you’re going to ask about my GPA but I really don’t know what it is right now.”

No worries. Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking the ACT coming up. I’m working on preparing for those test and keeping my grades up.”

That’s great. Are you playing any spring sports for Sierra Canyon?

“No. I’m focused on football this offseason. Last spring I ran track but not this year.”

Bobby, enjoy your trip to Arizona State. I hope it goes well for you.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Bobby Cole before a Sierra Canyon practice.

Photo credit: dailynews.com; No. 21 Bobby Cole