Interview: Inside Scoop on 2018 California RB Justin Cauley Montana State Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Score a big off the field victory for Montana State on Saturday. What has been known privately for weeks in the inner circle of Venice High School’s football program (Los Angeles) and among the Bobcats’ coaching staff became public Saturday afternoon when California Class of 2018 running back Justin Cauley went from a silent commit to a public commit choosing the Bobcats as his collegiate team.

Cauley started popping up on recruiting boards after a standout junior campaign rushing for 1,334 yards with 10 scores off 196 totes. The 5-11, 205 pound, talent added to the all-purpose back theme he displays pulling in 15 passes for 113 yards with another trip into the end zone. Offers rolled in to compliment the play on the field with Northern Arizona and Weber State believing Cauley could be “the man” for their offense along with Montana State. Schools showing interest but coming around too late included Washington State, Portland State, and Idaho State.

The Gondoliers are off to a 2-1 record dropping their season opener 34-10 to St. Paul but rallied the team for wins against El Camino Real (18-15) and Arleta (41-8). The Division-I squad has a bye week to prepare for a tough Newbury Park squad looking great entering Western League play against teams like Palisades, Hamilton, University, Fairfax, and Westchester.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Cauley right after his Montana State announcement via Twitter getting the inside scoop on how the Bobcats became his perfect fit program.

Interview

Justin, first, congratulations on your commitment to Montana State.

“Thank you.”

Did you commit today or have you been committed to the Bobcats for a couple of days now?

“I’ve been a silent commit for three to four weeks – since late August.”

What were the factors that helped influence you to commit to Montana State?

“The first time my mom talked to head coach Jeff Choate, her eyes lit up. She fell in love with the school. They are committed to helping make me a better person and a better man on and off the field. I love seeing my mom smile. My mentor, TJ, was for it too.

“Bozeman is a beautiful place too. Seeing the school’s environment, everyone seems so happy there. One of my best friends, Aaron Howard (2018 corner commit to Montana State), loved it up there. I am pretty sure I am going to love it up there as well.”

How did the commitment take place?

“On the day I was going to commit, I knew I was going to do it because I was tired of waiting, I talked to my mentor and he was excited for me. I called my mom to let her know, and she was excited. Then I called Coach Choate, Coach (Michael) Pitre (running backs), and Coach (Mark) Orphey to let them know I was committing.”

How did the coaches react to your commitment?

”Coach Pitre, he is all about business and he is a great person. He does not hand out fake love to players, he is very genuine. He was excited. He is ready to get to work just like me. Coach Choate was at a media day event when I committed. He was excited too. He told me I was the No. 1 back on their list. All the coaches were very welcoming.”

This is such a big decision with a lot of thought and time put into it, how did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I felt it in my stomach. This is a lifetime decision. I felt butterflies, but when I did it I felt great making this decision. My family and friends are all behind me – they’re all supporting me.”

Very nice. Have you set an official visit date with Montana State yet?

“No, not yet. I might take my official in December or January. I’m not sure yet.”

Have you been recruiting other players to join you in Bozeman?

“Yes. I’ve been recruiting one of my friends, Tekedrian Veal, he is a nickel at Venice. He is a beast. He had a pick-six against El Camino. The Montana State coaches are coming out to see one of my games soon, I want to introduce him to them. He has the size, ability, and grades.”

Last question – what are you doing or what did you do to celebrate your commitment?

“I’m celebrating it tonight by going to movies. We are going to see the new Stephen King movie It.”

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

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Justin Cauley (August 2017).