Interview: 3-Offer 2023 Louisiana RB Raydrian McKneely has Momentum Heading into Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
No defense likes seeing a power back on the schedule that week for the pounding that is coming, but that same thought in a different way also applies to scat-backs with game changing speed. The game plan for guys like Raydrian “Ray” McKneely is always to contain them and rally to the ball, but that is easier said than done. The diversity of talents McKneely brings to the field as a runner and receiving threat not only stresses the box, but forces defensive backs to split attention opening up lanes for receivers. McKneely took on freshman and junior varsity defenses a year ago leading to a lot of buzz on the recruiting trail. The 5-10, 170-pound, back has three offers on the table already as he prepares for a full season against 5A Louisiana squads with Denham Springs High School.
Covering ground on his workouts, upcoming season, and recruiting, the Class of 2023 talent stepped inside the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Ray, you got to turn on the afterburners last season blasting past defenses. Aside from your breakaway speed, what were you doing so well allowing for all the explosive plays?
I was working on my explosiveness, doing explosive drills with my coach, my footwork was together, and my balance, I stand on a medicine ball to work on my balance.
At what level were you playing last season?
Freshman and JV.
What offensive set were you running out of in 2019?
A pro-style and Spread. We had a lot of formations last year. This year will be different from last year.
What were some of the designed plays called to get the rock in your hands?
We ran tosses, sweeps, and two different power plays.
As mentioned, your speed is a big part of your game; how fast are you?
My 40-yard time is a 4.5.
Where did you post that time?
I ran that at school.
How have you worked over the spring and summer months to improve your burst and agility?
With my workouts I try to be explosive with the weights. I work on my quick twitch muscles and I am working on getting my lower half right.
What have you been doing this offseason to add more strength and power to your game?
I’m doing RDO, deadlifts, box jumps, hamstring curls, and glutes.
Which technical parts of your skillset have you been working on the most this summer?
My cuts, getting more of an angle with my cuts, and being more explosive out of my cuts to get those extra yards. I am also working on my field vision and football IQ.
Where all will we see you on the field in 2020?
At running back and slot.
What offensive set will the Yellowjackets run this season?
A Spread/RPO kind of offense.
How has fall camp gone for you personally?
It has been good. I love all the coaches, and we will have a good team this year. Our coaches are changing everything around.
Going against your teammates in practice, where are you already seeing improvements in your skills?
I’m seeing improvement with my cuts, I have gotten way better at that, and I am stronger.
What goals have you set for yourself for the 2020 season?
I want to rush for over 1,000 yards, get 15 to 16 touchdowns, and about 600 receiving yards.
Nice. Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Indiana, Virginia, Tulane, Kentucky, and Nicholls State.
Arkansas State has offered already, which other schools have extended a scholarship to you as well?
Florida Atlantic and South Alabama
Before the dead period was put in place back in March, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
Yes, I visited Arkansas State.
How did the visit to Jonesboro go for you? What all did you see and do?
The campus is nice and their facilities are really nice. I have a connection with the running back coach up there, he is really cool. I got to see them practice.
What did you think of their practice?
I thought it was pretty cool to see a college team in practice. It was cool to see them run their plays and their drills. Seeing the offense against the defense was exciting.
Once the campuses open back up, are there any planned visits ahead for you?
I’d like to visit Louisville, Kansas, Texas Tech, Arizona State and schools like that to get on their radar.
Ray, I enjoyed covering ground with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: McKneely family; Raydrian McKneely