You might have stayed up late Saturday night and watched the McEachern vs. Archer game. If you did, then you saw two young teams that are still figuring out their systems but are teeming with talent.
No player stood out more than Archer wide receiver Tyler Ranel, who wowed the crowd with an impressive kick return that left the McEachern return team in the dust.
The word is already getting out, and the Class of ’17 prospect was contacted by Colorado State today. Rest assured, more FBS schools will be inquiring about the senior receiver very soon.
Fortunately, we were able to catch up with the busy student-athlete to talk recruitment, what he has worked on during the offseason and his goals for his final year of high school football.
Last season, Ranel’s reps were limited, but with multiple receivers graduating at Archer, he is next in line. Leading up to the season, Ranel made a few adjustments in his diet to help improve his play.
“I mostly worked on my body by eating and working out properly so I can add more weight as muscle. With that, I’ve gotten faster, and more durable,” Ranel said.
Standing at 6′ and running a 4.5 40, one would assume that colleges would be all over the 2017 prospect. Currently Lenoir-Rhyne, Tusculum, Austin Peay, Charleston Southern, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, Campbell, Wayne State, Alabama State, East Tennessee State, Wesleyan, Limestone, UT Chattanooga, West Florida and Benedict have expressed the most interest in Ranel. But with more performances like last weekend, that could change quickly.
Ranel plans to take some visits this fall, and his schedule is subject to change. “So far Lenoir-Rhyne on October 8th for their homecoming and Tusculum date is TBD. I’m confident more will be added, I’ll keep you posted,” Ranel assured us.
The speedy receiver compares his game to Reggie Bush and believes that his vision and speed are what separate him from other college recruits. “My vision to see cut back lanes and my speed to get around the perimeter or just outrun the defenders (are what separate me).”
This year is a critical moment for Ranel’s chances to play college football at the next level. He will be a go-to receiver this year for the Tigers and a threat in special teams as well. As a senior and leader for his team, he is focused on improving both himself and his young teammates.
“My goals for the season are to prepare the best I can during the week for Friday nights. Review what could be done better and be consistent with what was done well. We have a young team so I want to influence them to get better each day in every way they can. Finally, have fun.”
The Tigers are a very young program but still have plenty of talent. They could prove to be a difficult team to compete against toward the latter half of the season, and seniors like Ranel will be leaned on both in the locker room and on the field.
A lot of colleges should begin to consider the senior, so stay tuned @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter to hear the latest on the Class of ’17 prospect. Also, be sure to visit his Recruit Georgia profile by clicking HERE.
