Interview: 25-Offer 3-Star 2020 Florida LB Ruben Hyppolite Talks Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Being a starter for any 7A Florida high school football squad carries weight. Being a starter for Plantation’s national powerhouse American Heritage carries a cargo plane full of props. The 2018 season was a showcase year for Class of 2020 linebacker Ruben Hyppolite with the Patriots, and one could argue that the best is yet to come. Some 22 college football programs would echo that sentiment.
In the growing demand for versatile linebackers who can stop the run, rush the passer, and cover, Hyppolite is the embodiment of the do-everything backer. In stats posted through 11 games, he covered ground coming up with 68 stops, 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, and picked off a pass aiding the Patriots to a 10-2 finish. His abilities on the field will be further stretched in 2019 with a transfer to McArthur. With the Mustangs, the 6-0, 225-pound, defender will be the captain of the defense anchoring another 7A squad that was tough as nails in 2018 (9-2) with state title aspirations in the new year.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Hyppolite covering his recruiting process that includes 22 offers, the move to a new defensive scheme, and covered his overall growing play-making skills on the field.
Interview
Ruben, American Heritage takes the field for each game with a target on their back. What was your weekly preparation like in 2018 getting ready to take on 7A Florida competition?
“My preparation was all about practice to perform at a high level. I was not thinking too much, I was just playing the game I love. I went out there to put on a show and I had success. That is what I do week in and week out.”
Within the 3-4 defense, you got to spy the quarterback, rush the edge, and fill the gaps against the run last season. What were your overall responsibilities week to week as an outside linebacker in the Patriots’ scheme?
“Like you said, I have so many skills. I can be anywhere on the field and make plays. I can rush the edge on third down, I can stock the box against the run, and I can go in at Mike (MLB) if needed. I can be anywhere on the field and have success.”
What were some of the weaknesses to your game at the start of the year but turned into strengths at the end of the season?
“I don’t think I had weaknesses, but I did improve. My overall play improved a lot. My reading, covering, and open-field tackling, it all improved. I feel like I strengthened my strengths and kept improving. I am getting better every time I step on the field.”
With the transfer this offseason to McArthur, how will you be used within the Mustangs defense?
“This year, I am strictly at linebacker. I am running a new defense, a 4-2-5, and I will be at Mike. I will be free to make plays and I will control the defensive line. I will have the most freedom on the field, I will have freedom to make plays. Coaches will check with me to see what I see on the field to make adjustments. This opportunity will take my leadership to the next level.”
Which areas of your game are the focus of your offseason workouts?
“I am getting faster and stronger this offseason. I am improving my overall game. I am slowing it down in my head so I can make more plays. I am working hard on becoming a better a linebacker overall.”
Much of your hard hitting comes with your strength. Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yes, sir. My max on bench is 290 and my squat max is 600.”
What? Your squat max is 600?
“Yes, sir. I’ve always been a strong kid. I have been blessed. I work different muscles and work different areas to get stronger and bigger in my legs.”
What is your best 40-yard dash time this offseason?
“My best is a 4.54 at the Nike Opening Regional.”
You mentioned competing at a Nike Opening Regional, which camps have you gone to so far this offseason?
“The Nike Camp in Miami, Under Armour, and an Adidas Three-Stripe in Miami.”
Are there any more camps coming up you may attend?
“I am looking at some of the college camps come at the end of the school year.”
You have a ton of offers, how many do you have now?
“I have 25 offers.”
Hyppolite’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Auburn, Baylor, Boston College, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina, Rutgers, Southern Miss, Syracuse, West Virginia, and Western Kentucky
Which school was the last to offer?
“Miami.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this offseason?
“Yes. I have visited, on unofficials, to Miami and FIU (Florida International). I am going to Florida Atlantic next Tuesday and I have one planned to Maryland in April.”
Nice. How did the Miami visit go?
“It went very well. That was my third time visiting. This time they offered me. I was grateful for that.”
That is what one calls a very successful visit. Congrats.
“Thank you.”
What about the FIU visit, how did that go?
“It went well. I spoke with their head coach, Coach (Butch) Jones. We chopped it up for a while. I also spoke with their defensive coordinators, Jeff Copp and Jerod Kruse. Coach Copp is also their linebackers coach. I am building all my relationship with the coaches that have offered me. That makes my decision a lot easier.”
Ruben, it was a lot of fun going inside the helmet with you on the field and on the recruiting trail with you off the gridiron. I appreciate your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hyppolite family; Ruben Hyppolite at Miami