Nevada 2017 WR Randal Grimes Gives Insight to USC Trojans Verbal Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

No matter the state of affairs at USC, in championship mode or in the middle of a coaching change, the Trojans always seem to have a fleet of elite receivers on the roster ready to change the fortunes on the field for the Pac-12 giant at any time and from anywhere on the field. On Saturday, the Trojans got another future game changer in Randal Grimes.

Grimes move from an under the radar recruit to a primetime prospect in relative terms was as quick as the talent himself. During the 2014 season, Grimes was playing safety. After transferring schools landing at Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas for the 2015 schedule, a position switch came along with it from head coach Tico Rodriguez. The Jaguars knew what Grimes could do on defense but wanted to find out if he could be a dynamic addition to their offense as well… and the rest as they say is history.

The Jaguars went 8-3 last season working their now 6’4.5”, 209 pound, target into the offense as much as possible. Grimes pulled in 24 passes covering 512 yards with seven scores during his first season as a wide receiver. He also picked up 127 yards on the ground off 11 totes with another touchdown.

Offers rolled in from teams like Arizona State, Oregon State, Hawaii, San Diego State, UNLV, Washington State, Southern Utah, Colorado, Colorado State, and Utah but there was always one school that was his dream school forefront above the rest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Grimes after his commitment to USC to get the inside scoop on how his verbal pledge took place and gained a little insight on how his 2015 season lead to the momentous announcement.

Interview

Randal, before we get into your commitment with USC, tell me a little bit about your growth on the field as a receiver during the 2015 season.

“My sophomore year, when I played for a different school, we did not have a receiver based offense. We ran a Wing-T. I played safety in 2014. At my new school, coach said “let’s make you into a receiver.” I liked it. During my first year as a receiver, I worked on my route running, starting my route, my break, and normal receiver stuff. I always knew I could catch the ball.”

You mentioned the stuff you were working on throughout the season, the normal receiver stuff. What all are you working on this year to get ready for your senior year?

“I have been lifting, trying to get stronger so I can be where I want to be for my senior season. I really have been working on my speed. I’m trying to get a little bit faster. I want to be different from other receivers with better route running.”

You mentioned your speed, what is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?

“The first time I ran a 40 was four months ago, I ran a 4.73. Since then, a lot of coaches were liking me as at tight end. I started grinding on the track to get my speed better. The second time I ran a 40 I ran a 4.59. Ever since then I have been on the track even more.”

What events are you participating in with track?

“The 4×1, 100 (meters), high jump, and long jump.”

Which event do you like most?

“I like the 100. That’s my event.”

What is your PR (personal record) in the 100?

“This is my first season running track. I’m new to this. My best is an 11.1. I ran that at my first track meet.”

Wow, that’s great.

“I was really nervous. I had one practice the day before the meet. I came in and ran, and finished in second place.”

You guys had a strong season last year at 8-3. How does the team look going into the 2016 season?

“Actually we look – we look really good right now. We are still strong and we are still fast. We are getting a lot of guys back. We lost like 10 seniors, but we have a lot of players to fill those spots. I feel like we will be better than last year’s team.”

Okay, let’s jump into the big news with your commitment to USC. What helped you to decide to commit to USC on Saturday?

“Actually I’ve been thinking about it since my first visit a month ago. USC has been my favorite school since I was young. I really wanted to go there but I wanted to check it out to see if it is the right school for me first. I made the commitment on the second visit.”

USC has been your favorite school but what was that one thing or what were those things that clicked with you letting you know this is the right school for me?

“Really, I like the football team and the coaches. I really like the coaches. It is great being around the team and the people at the university. The facilities are nice. I thought it would be nice to be in southern California too. The school is really good. I’m set with my education from USC.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I was sitting in the USC lobby. One of coaches’ assistant came by and took me into Coach (Clay) Helton’s (head coach) office. I said hi to him and we sat down and talked for a little bit. He was talking to me about the other schools that were recruiting me and he asked how things going in football. We were talking and I said it. The coaches outside the office were watching the Alabama scrimmage. Coach Helton walked out there to tell the coaches and they cheered.”

That’s great. How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was really excited. I got to commit to my favorite school.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yes. I was already recruiting one of my friends Bubba Bolden (4-star defensive back from Bishop Gorman). He has already committed to USC. We were talking about the Trojans and I told him, “Yeah, I like USC too.” Another player is Greg Rogers (4-star defensive tackle from Arbor View) and Tony Fields (3-star linebacker) from my school.”

How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“Really just it’s a great program. The coaches, put it all into the players. The USC players feel that way about the coaching staff. The coaches care about the kids. USC is a wonderful school, I’ll them that.”

Randal, thanks for your time today and congratulations on your commitment to USC.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: nevadaappeal.com; Randal Grimes pulls in a fingertip pass.

Photo credit: Grimes family; Grimes at USC (right).