Interview: 4-Star Texas 2019 RB Deondrick Glass has Sights Set on 2,500-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The sports world is full of dynamic characters with big personalities and lofty egos. From the truly great ones to the players that just believe they are great without much to back up the talk, but the underlying theme needed to be successful in any aspect in life, especially on the gridiron regardless of reality, is self-confidence. Belief in one’s self can help develop character, talent, and ambition in the face of adversity, and every now and again that guy with the big dreams and the high reaching goals makes the seemingly impossible possible making fans out of the masses.
One Class of 2019 talent few should doubt when he talks about his preseason goals or abilities on the field is running back Deondrick Glass.
To be the G.O.A.T., or something close to it, one must rise to the occasion time and time again proving their worth. Coming off the 2015 season, when he earned MaxPrep Freshman All-American honors as a member of Katy High School’s 6A championship team, Glass (5-11, 195) did not shrink from the heavy expectations. After rushing for 674 yards with 14 scores on the Tigers’ 16-0 team that finished ranked No. 3 nationally, all Glass did was torch opposing Texas defenses for 1,912 yards off 184 totes with 30 scores in 12 games. The only thing that kept Glass from going beyond the 2,000-yard mark was a knee injury. Despite missing the last game of the season, the super sophomore still earned District 19-6A MVP honors and was named first team All-Texas by the AP.
With Glass fully recovered and ready to take on all challengers, the four-star recruit is ready to help lead the Tigers to the promised land once again, and once again they will have a big target on their collective backs. Katy starts the season as MaxPreps’ No. 17 ranked Lone Star squad. The opposition, especially when visiting the Tigers, are going to pull out all the stops to try to take them down; Katy opens the season in a beautiful new $70 million stadium.
The schedule starts off with a tough home game against No. 19 Westlake (Austin). After a road trip to No. 7 Klein Collins (Spring), the Tigers return home to face No. 5 The Woodlands. If the Tigers are undefeated by the time they travel to Legacy Stadium to take on Cinco Ranch, the rest of Texas better watch out.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Glass getting an update on his workouts, recruiting process, and a preview of the Tigers’ 2017 roster.
Interview
Deondrick, how did your offseason workouts go?
“Most of the offseason I spent working out my arms and upper body. My arms got a lot stronger. Since we lost early last year, this off-season was very serious for everyone on the team. Everyone wants to win a championship this year. When we lost in the playoffs last year, it opened our eyes.”
How does the team look in fall camp?
“We look really good so far. We look determined. We are not taking any shortcuts. Our captains are leading the team. There has been a change in the way we are doing things. We have a serious approach to everything that we do.”
Will you be utilized on the field differently this year than last?
“I think I will stick at running back but get some catches out of the backfield too this year.”
What will be some of the strengths of the team this year?
“On defense, we will be able to rush the passer and shutdown receivers. On offense, Trey Brown, he is a great receiver. He will have a good season. We have a new quarterback coming in. We still have an open competition for that position. We have a big line this year.”
You have to be excited about having a big line to run behind this year.
“Yes, sir. I am excited.”
The Tigers enter the season with an in-state No. 17 ranking. How is that sitting with you and the rest of the team?
“We are upset. We feel we should be ranked higher. We know we are better than what we showed last year. Looking at our film from last year, losing to Westlake last year by three points (32-29) and to North Shore (20-17 – playoffs), it makes you dig deeper and push harder.”
You guys get a nice challenge out of the gate with Westlake (Austin). How will that showdown push the Tigers?
“This year, we don’t want the game to be close… at all. We want to set the pace out of the gate and stay on them all the way through.”
Are there any other games on the schedule you are excited to play?
“The Woodlands. We got beaten badly by them last year (26-3). We did not have a good game. We heard they are getting cocky too.”
What goals have you set for your junior year?
“Personally, I want to get 2,000 yards. Maybe 2,500 yards with 40 touchdowns. I should have gone over 2,000 yards last year. Team wise, win the championship. Nothing short of that.”
Last time we spoke, your recruiting stock was steadily rising. How many offers do you have now?
“I think I have 17 or 18 offers.”
Which programs were the last few to offer you?
“Alabama, the Florida Gators are the most recent offer, Texas, OU (Oklahoma), and Ohio State are the last five to offer me.”
*Offers include: Michigan, Texas A&M, Washington, Oklahoma State, Duke, Purdue, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida State
Did you take any unofficial visits this spring or summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to LSU, Texas A&M, and Texas. I have visit coming up with Alabama in the fall.”
Do you have any other unofficial visits planned for this fall?
“No, sir. As of right now I do not have any other visits set.”
Are there any teams showing interest in you that have not offered yet?
“Just Clemson.”
Deondrick, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Burnt Orange Nation; No. 30 Deondrick Glass (2016)
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 30 Deondrick Glass outruns a Lake Travis defender (2016)