Interview: 4-Star 2023 Florida WR/CB Raymond Cottrell Updates Season and Potential Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As an offensive, defensive, and special teams coordinator, going up against Milton High School during the 2020 season required all 11 on the field to identify where No. 4 was lining up in all three phases of the game. Identifying him pre-snap was the easy part, after the ball was hiked four-star Class of 2023 athlete Raymond Cottrell was a blur on the field.
In an abbreviated seven-game season, Milton High School posted a 5-2 record going against 6A Florida squads. Over the duration, Cottrell showed why he was one of the nation’s best all-around talents after hauling in 29 passes for 360 yards with five scores and ending 14 plays, 12 solo, with a pick playing corner for the Panthers. The registered 4.41 speed was further showcased on special teams taking six kicks back for 172 yards.
College programs are responding to the talents of the 6-3, 195-pound, standout with eight offers dropped and recruiting interest building. For in-depth coverage on his sophomore season and a look at his growing recruiting options, Cottrell sat down for an RNG interview.
Interview
Ray, you got after as a freshman at the varsity level and kept that flow going through a six-game schedule in 2020. After all the hard work put into your game in the offseason, which areas of your skills showed the biggest improvement as that go-to receiver?
Being more physical than others, my routes, cuts, and coming back to the ball.
You’re not just a big target that hauls in jump balls, you have some wheels. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
I run track, but my best 40 is a 4.41.
Wow. Impressive.
Thank you, sir.
Which events in track are you competing in for Milton?
The 100, 200, and 4×1.
What offensive set were the Panthers running during the season?
The Spread. We were all Spread this season. The defenses we played were running a Cover 2. We’d spread them out and find a way to get the ball to me or run the ball.
Another standout aspect to your game is your willingness to go across the middle. Are there any other traits to your game that others may overlook?
I block very well.
Is there feedback you receive, positive or negative, that helps motivate you on the field?
Yes. People tell me that I don’t go up and get the ball well; that’s just the parents around the team. My route running is another. As a player I take that personal, that makes me stronger.
You got some snaps in on defense as well, how did that go for you?
Defense is fun. Defense is really-really fun. I have a good football IQ. When I play corner, it is easy to guard receivers. It is the easiest on defense for me.
How did that part of your game take strides forward during the season?
When I first started at corner, I had to work on my backpedal, footwork, and jamming. All of that I improved on this season. All of that went very well for me.
In which game did you turn in your best overall performance?
Gulf Breeze.
What did you do well in that game to make it your best?
I had a lot of tackles. The ball was not thrown my way, they were always throwing away from me. They knew if it came my way it was getting swatted down or intercepted.
There is an energy and excitement in your voice when you talk about defense. Do you have a favorite position on the field?
Corner and receiver. But I am 100 percent an offensive guy.
What will you focus on with your offseason workouts on offense?
Being more physical and getting bigger and stronger. I am working on getting faster out of breaks and my route running.
And what about on defense?
The same things as on offense. As a defensive back, you have to be physical. I will improve on my football IQ overall which will help me read offenses even better.
Are you taking on any new roles in 2021?
Yes, all our seniors left. I will have to step up, be a man, and a leader for my team.
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Florida, Cincinnati, and NC State
How many offers have been given to you?
Eight.
Which program was the last to offer you?
Florida State was the last to talk me and the last to offer was South Carolina.
Cottrell’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, South Carolina, and Tennessee
When visits are allowed again in the coming months, are there any schools you’d like to visit?
Yes, I’d like to visit Florida, Miami, Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama.
Ray, I enjoyed learning more about your game and early recruiting process today. Thanks for your time and good luck with your offseason workouts.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: J&E Photos/Cottrell family; Raymond Cottrell