Interview: 2019 OT Dylan Rathcke Working to be Next Great Louisiana Lineman

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One does not have to be a football guru or a psychic to see the future is extremely bright for Dylan Rathcke. The Class of 2019 offensive tackle is just three games into his sophomore season but already has all the attributes of a “can’t miss” prospect.

Rathcke got a little bit of playing time during his freshman season at the varsity level, but has grabbed the opportunity to start for University Lab and is making the most of that good fortune. The Baton Rouge area product is already as big as his upperclassmen peer group coming in at 6-5, 270. Instead of growing into his frame and being a little clumsy or slightly uncoordinated as he figures everything out, he looks and acts the part of seasoned varsity starter. Even better, he already has that nasty streak that college coaches love to see and opposing defenses hate to play against.

Watching Rathcke’s reel, his excitement for the game pops off the screen. He locks onto his assignment whipping the defender play after play seeking the victory pancake block every time. Beyond technique, Rathcke has the strength to play with the big boys benching 270, squatting 370, and power cleaning 265; all over the summer numbers and all working through a small-nagging wrist injury at that time. He is fast too, posting a 5.37 at a LSU camp and a 5.2 in private workouts with a trainer.

Colleges are coming around on Rathchke already with Louisiana-Monroe offering and LSU, Alabama, Miami, Arkansas, and Tennessee, among others, all showing interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Rathcke three games into his sophomore season to get his thoughts on his play on the field and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Dylan, I really liked your early season reel. I have to ask, how many pancake blocks do you have so far this year?

“I think I have 20 so far. I had 12 against Archbishop Rummel.”

In your first start at the varsity level against a team like Rummel you had 12 pancake blocks?

“Yes, sir.”

Impressive. Did you know going into fall camp that you would be a starter this year?

“I didn’t think that I would start. I was hoping to get time out on the field. I wanted to get my experience up for later years.”

How much time did you get in during your freshman year at the varsity level?

“My play was mostly in the fourth quarter, sometimes in the third, and on field goals.”

What all did you work on in the off-season to prepare for your sophomore year?

“I worked with Keith Ballard (local trainer, Mississippi Valley) and Kevin Mawae (former NFL All-Pro, Chicago Bears assistant coach). I worked on my footwork and technique. I also worked on conditioning. I work out six days a week on strength, condition, and weight lifting.”

What has been the biggest part of the game you have had to adapt to in the move up to varsity?

“So far it has been the speed of the game. The game is more intense, guys are stronger.”

What was that first game against Archbishop Rummel like for you?

“The first couple of plays I was nervous, but once my teammates and everyone got used to what was going on with Rummel we got into a groove. It was fun to see it come together later on.”

What was your welcome to the varsity level moment? Was it in practice? A big hit?

“My welcoming would probably be during practice during our boot camp. We were in pads and working with each other. It was fast-paced. At first it was difficult to get used to. After a while I caught on to what was going on.”

What are some of the strengths of your game at this point in your high school career?

“My strengths are my fast twitch muscles, my foot work, and my hand technique. My conditioning is a strength and not giving up until the whistle blows.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Tulane, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), Georgia, Nicholls State, and Auburn.”

What were some of the things that you learned that you have taken with you into the season?

“I learned a lot at Nicholls State, LSU, Alabama, and Tennessee. At Tennessee, it was more hand speed and technique in run blocking. LSU was more about being aggressive and attacking off the ball. Nicholls State was both of those with more technique and different ways to play the game. Auburn taught me different types of hand techniques.”

Which teams are showing interest in you right now?

“Right now I am getting the most interest from ULM, LSU, Arkansas, Tennessee, Bama, Georgia, Auburn, and Texas A&M.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“Tennessee, for their Jr. Day (March 5, 2016), Alabama, for their A-Day event (April 6), and I went to the LSU game (vs. Mississippi State) this past weekend.”

How did your visit to LSU go?

“It was an exciting game. I really enjoyed the visit.”

What all did you do during your visit?

“At first we talked to all the coaches before the game and then went onto the field. We watched the warmups and then went into the stands for the game. Afterwards, we went into the locker room, ate, and talked to the coaches some more.”

What did you talk to the coaches about when you were there?

“They talk to me about getting stronger and told me they are excited about how I am getting better throughout the season.”

Do you have any other visits lined up?

“I’ve been asked to visit UTSA (Texas-San Antonio). I know we are visiting LSU in a couple of weeks and going to ULM for some games.”

Back to University Lab, how does the team look going forward? Do you think you guys will be able to make a deep run into the playoffs?

“Yes, sir. We had a hard preseason with 5A teams and against returning state champs. We are ready for district. We’ve had a lot of injuries, hopefully we can get everyone back in time for district and then state.”

I understand you may be excited to play all of the games on the schedule, but is there at least one game you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“We’re always been excited to play Parkview (Oct. 14), our rival. West Feliciana (Sept. 23) will be a big game for us too.”

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

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Rathcke family; Dylan Rathcke at LSU

Photo credit: Rathcke family; No. 75 Dylan Rathcke vs. Rummel

Photo credit: Rathcke family; Dylan Rathcke blocks two defenders