Interview: 4-Star 2021 Texas RB Cam’Ron Valdez Has Sights Set on 2,000-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you have ever wondered what a 5-9, 175-pound, Mack truck would look like on the gridiron, check out game tape on running back Cam’Ron Valdez. The Rockdale High School standout was bullish against 3A Texas defenses during his sophomore season carrying the pigskin 171 times for 1,175 yards with 17 scores going up on the board while pulling down eight passes for 101 yards and one more touchdown. For his efforts, Valdez has earned four-star recruiting status and four scholarship offers from Houston, Michigan, Texas Tech, and Tulsa. The long list of schools showing interest are set to see more of Valdez’s overall athleticism in 2019 as he adds outside linebacker to his list of duties for the Tigers.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Valdez breaks down the Tigers opening win to start the 2019 season and updates his growing recruiting prospects.
Interview
Cam’Ron, the Tigers came flying out of the gate for the 2019 season with a 48-24 win over Giddings. What was it like being back on the field competing against other 3A teams?
“It was good. I missed playing out there. My friends on JV moved up, it was fun to play with them.”
Did the team look as good as the big win suggests?
“Yes, sir. Our QB (Jace Robinson) is looking good and so is are our receivers. Everyone looked good. We had three touchdowns called back for holding, we could have scored 60 points.”
You put up a fantastic all-purpose stat line with 63 rush yards, 68 receiving yards, and an 80-yard kick return with two touchdowns scored. Did the game go the way you wanted it to go?
“No. It was good, but I wanted more rushing yards. We did well in the passing game, I did not mind.”
What did you work on this offseason to prepare for your junior year?
“I worked on my footwork with my track coach and gaining weight while maintaining my speed.”
Speed is such a big part of your game, how fast are you?
“I haven’t run the 100 meters in track, I just run the relays. My best 40 was a 4.45.”
Nice. Beyond your speed, field vision, and shiftiness, I am guessing a lot of defenses take you for granted because you are not a prototypical big back, but you will knock the snot out of jokers out there. How have you worked that into your game?
“Yeah. I used to play defense, I was a defensive player first since junior high. I started playing running back my freshman year. Defense, I have been doing that my whole life. I love it.”
Are you playing defense this season?
“Yes, sir. I am playing outside linebacker.”
Are you excited about getting time in at outside linebacker this season?
“Yes, sir.”
What goals have you set for yourself on and off the field for your junior year?
“This year in football, I want 2K rushing and 20 touchdowns. I also want to keep my GPA over 3.0.”
Are there any big games coming up on the schedule you guys are excited to play?
“Yes, sir. The Battle of the Bell against C.H. Yoe (Cameron). That is always a big game.”
Closing out with recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered just yet?
“Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana Tech, Baylor, TCU, Tennessee, and Notre Dame. Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have four offers.”
Did you get to visit any programs this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I visited Texas Tech this offseason and I visited Texas in 2018.”
How did the Texas Tech visit go for you?
“It went well. That was my first time out there. I like the coaches at Tech. I like Coach (Matt) Wells (head coach). I like how they handle their running backs. Tech has my kind of playing style. Their facilities are nice. They were updating them the week after I was there; I haven’t seen the new updates yet.”
Are there any trips you may take this fall?
“I am trying to go to Michigan and maybe to TCU.”
Cam’Ron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Valdez family; Cam’Ron Valdez at Texas Tech