Interview: 4-Star 2021 LB Raneiria Dillworth Covers Top 5, Visits, and Commitment Date

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When constructing the ideal linebacker, the gods seemed to have gotten it right with Raneiria Dillworth. The Glenn High School standout can do it all and has all the giftings. At 6-2, 195-pounds, he dominates the box with his football IQ and determination, and ends plays before they get going with his 4.35 time in the 40-yard dash. The Kernersville product put it all together against 4A North Carolina competition in 2019 tallying 203 tackles, 107 solo, with 29 tackles for a loss, five sacks, four quarterback hurries, picked off a pass, forced a fumble, and blocked three punts scoring four total touchdowns in the process. The totality of his season earned him 4A Defensive Player of the Year, All-Northwest, and All-Conference honors followed by a wave of scholarship offers, 26 in total for the Class of 2021 four-star recruit.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Dillworth learning more about his game on the field with an update on his Top 5, plus two schools of interest, and how his recruiting process will play out in the coming months.

Interview

Raneiria, before we get into the thick of talking about your play on the field, congratulations on being invited to and committing to play in the Under Armour All-American Game.

“Appreciate you.”

No worries. Obviously, that is a big honor. What does that mean to you knowing you are an UA All-American going into your senior season?

“It is a dream. It is a dream come true. I have always wanted to be invited to play in the Under Armour All-American Game.”

Turning to your play on the field last season. It looks like the Bobcats run a base 3-4 with you at one of the inside linebacker spots. What is your role and responsibilities within the defensive scheme?

“My role is to be a leader on the field, play my keys, and execute.”

When the 2019 season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game as a linebacker?

“Playing sideline to sideline – because of my speed, I can do more than other linebackers. Because of my size, I can do a lot more than other linebackers too.”

This may be a difficult question for you given your prolific nature, but in which game last year did you turn in your top personal performance?

“Against Grimsley (Greensboro – in the playoffs). I had 27 tackles in that game.”

That qualifies. During your sophomore season you got some short-yardage carries and last season you pulled in a 13-yard pass; will we see more of you on offense during your senior year?

“A lot more.”

At which position?

“Running back.”

What all are you working on with your game this offseason?

“Getting better at the fundamentals and helping the young guys coming up.”

Because of the overall talent and athleticism, college coaches have offered you at a prolific rate. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 26 offers.”

Dillworth’s Offer Sheet (26): Alabama, Arkansas, Appalachian State, Auburn, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, North Carolina, N.C. State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Syracuse, Temple, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia

Which programs were the last couple to offer?

“Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits over the last few months?

“Yes. I have taken a lot of visits. I went to the N.C. State basketball game recently. I was going to Alabama but I got sick. I have been to UNC (North Carolina), West Virginia, and Virginia Tech – I’ve been on a lot of visits.”

Going forward, which schools might you visit?

“I will visit my Top 5 schools in March, but there are two schools not in my Top 5 that I am still interested in.”

Which schools are in your Top 5?

“Alabama, Georgia, UNC, N.C. State, and South Carolina.”

There were two schools you said you were still interest in but were outside your Top 5, which two are those?

“Oklahoma and Tennessee.”

Will any of the upcoming visits be official visits?

“My official will be to the school I commit to.”

Given your talent level, athleticism, power and speed, I am guessing a lot of college programs are coming at you hard wanting your commitment. When the time comes to commit, what is your idea of the right fit for you at the next level?

“The ideal fit is a family environment and my best fit. I want a school that my mom, grandparents, and siblings have the same feeling as I do.”

Have you started thinking about a commitment date to put all of this out of your way?

“Yes. I am committing on April 17th, but I am announcing on May 9th.”

Is there a significance to your May 9th announcement date?

“No, not for May 9th, but April 17th is my grandma’s birthday.”

Nice. Raneiria, it was great covering all this ground with you today. I wish you success with your workouts and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Dillworth family; Raneiria Dillworth at North Carolina and West Virginia