Interview: Tennessee 2018 All-Purpose ATH Aidan Raines Preps for another 6A All-State Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Being an all-around athlete at the high school level can be a blessing or a curse depending on how said player is being used by their head coach. At Mount Juliet High School, head coach Trey Perry has found the right fit to use his all-purpose player turning Class of 2018 standout Aidan Raines into a first team All-State performer.

The prevailing thought when watching Raines in action, he could play any skill position asked of him and do so at a high level. He came up through the junior high ranks as a quarterback finding his way to the varsity level during his freshman season as such. His athleticism opened doors to get him on the field at other positions finding a spot at receiver. He adapted so quickly, at the end of his sophomore season he earned first team Tennessee All-Region honors after hauling in 48 passes for 1,264 yards with 17 touchdowns.

The Golden Bears had a young squad again in 2016 but improved from a 7-6 finish the year before to 9-3 with a two-game run into the 6A playoffs. One of the catalyst yet again was Raines. The 6-1, 180 pound, talent added running back to his resume covering 1,468 yards with 19 touchdowns. Raines contributed in the passing attack securing roughly 20 passes for 290 more yards. Worth noting, Raines did not add running back duties until the third game of the season.

Word on the recruiting trail is slowly starting to spread about Raines. His on the field accomplishments already has all the Ivy League schools talking with teams like Austin Peay and Illinois State also checking in on him. The list is expected to grow as camp season heats up and with Raines adding more positions to his list of accomplishments during his senior year expected to play linebacker and/or safety for the Golden Bears in 2017.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I wanted to find out more about Mount Juliet’s scrappy do-it all talent covering his high school career to date along with his off-season goals.

Interview

Aidan, you have been all over the field the last two seasons with Mount Juliet. When did you start playing varsity football in Tennessee’s highest classification?

“My freshman year. It started over the summer. Going into the year I was working out with the varsity.  I was playing quarterback then. Our offense was slumping a little then so they called Tony (Thompson) and me up. We worked our way onto special teams as starters and then midway through the season I was starting on offense and Tony on defense. That is when I started playing receiver.”

Where all did you line up on the field during your junior season?

“At running back and receiver. I was on kickoff return at the beginning of the year and at the end of year.”

Did you played some quarterback as well during your junior year?

“A little bit on Wildcat plays on the goal line.”

Of all the positions you have played, which position is your favorite?

“Receiver.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016?

“I thought I made a very good transition to running back during third game of the year. I thought I had a very good offensive line and we worked well together. I thought I had a pretty good season.”

Which game was your best in 2016, against who, and why do you consider that your best?

“I’d say second round playoff game (vs Ravenwood). That was a really big offensive game. There were a lot of points scored. I had four touchdowns and about 280 rushing yards in that game.”

Did you earn any individual honors over the past two seasons?

“Yes, sir. I was selected first team All-Region my sophomore year and this year I was first team All-Region and first team All-State 6A. I was also nominated for Athlete of the Year for Middle Tennessee.”

How will your role change this year compared to 2016 and will we see you on defense in 2017?

“There is a bunch of talk going on with our offense. I will switch around wherever they need me. On defense, I will play safety and outside linebacker next year.”

Have you ever played safety or linebacker before?

“Yes, sir. I started last year on defense before switching to running back.”

Are you excited to play ironman football next year?

“Yes, sir.”

What are your off-season workout goals?

“My main goal is to get faster. I’m trying to gain about 10 pounds too. I’m with an organization National Playmaker Academy (NPA). I’m working out with them and doing 7v7 stuff with NPA. I’m also with Tennessee Select, a 7v7 team. Every Saturday and Sunday we practice. We do a lot of footwork and skill position work to get better during those practices.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?

“A 4.6.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I have talked to all the Ivy League schools, Austin Peay (State), and Illinois State.”

Have you started putting together your camp schedule yet?

“We are waiting for my summer baseball schedule. NPA will help me schedule football camps.”

Which positions do you play on the diamond?

“Shortstop and centerfield.”

Which sport do you like better, baseball or football?

“Depends on the day. I love both of them.”

Are you getting any looks for baseball?

“I have talked to a couple of schools.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.6.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT and got a 20. I’m taking it again in March.”

Who has made the biggest impact on you and your football career?

“My dad (Brad Raines). He has pushed me since I was little. He was taking me out back and showing me how to tackle when I was eight. He has taught me how to read defenses and has taught me what defenses are trying to do in different formation. Having that knowledge makes games way easier knowing what is going on. He takes me to workout in the mornings and runs with me sometimes.”

Aidan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming 7v7 season.

“Thank you.”

Click link to see Aidan Raines Hudl highlight reel.

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Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 6 Aidan Raines fights for more yards (2016).

Photo credit: Williamson Herald; No. 6 Aidan Raines bursts through the line (2016).

Photo credit: Lebanon Democrat; No. 6 Aidan Raines gets around the outside (2016).