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Bastrop, La. -
Rueben Randle is living the life of a high-profile recruit.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 6 recruit by rivals.com, Randle remains uncommitted. Randle has yet to tip his hand — at least not publicly — as to the schools he is even considering.

Interview requests pour in daily. Following today’s practice, The Sporting News will shoot a portrait of Randle for an upcoming issue.

On the field, the spotlight is just as bright. Randle, the nation’s No. 1-rated high school wide receiver, is getting reacquainted with the quarterback position. Besides being handed the controls of the Rams’ offense, Randle is being asked to fill the void left by Randall Mackey. All Mackey did in three seasons as the starting quarterback was guide the Rams to three straight state titles while going 36-0 as a starter.

To his credit, the 6-4, 200-pound Randle appears to be unfazed by the hoopla.

Randle took time after Wednesday’s practice to discuss recruiting, the position change and the upcoming season.

First Quarter

BDE: Let’s get the question you are tired of being asked out of the way. Are you leaning toward a particular school?

Rueben Randle: I still have some questions so I really don’t know yet. I’m still looking to get all the questions answered and trying to find out about some different places.

BDE: What schools are you considering?

Randle: I’m still trying to see which schools would be the best fit for me.

BDE: How many times have you been asked those two questions?

Randle: I’ve been getting those questions all spring and summer. Really, it started at the end of last season.

Second Quarter
BDE: How is the transition back to quarterback working out?

Randle: It’s going pretty good.

I’m still trying to get all the timing down and learning all the new plays we’re putting in. I’m trying to get all the reads down.

BDE: What has been the most difficult part about moving back to quarterback?

Randle: Basically, it hasn’t been that hard.

It’s just a matter of getting everybody on the same page and getting all the motion down.

Mainly, it’s just a matter of getting the practice reps in.

BDE: What did you learn about playing quarterback from watching Randall Mackey?

Randle: Randall kept a fire under everybody.

There were a couple of times when he came back to the sidelines mad and started yelling, but for the most part, he kept everything under control.

Third Quarter
BDE: How is the receiving corps shaping up?

Randle: Stanley Moore and Preston Coleman have a lot of experience from last year. Otherwise, we’re still trying to see what everybody can do.

Everything is coming along real well. We have to catch the ball a little better, but I think that will come in time.

Adrian Witherspoon and Rodney Heard have really been coming out and doing a good job.

Once he gets the offense down, Jevonte Watson will be ready to go.
Billy Jones is a good running back/receiver.

BDE: What areas do you believe you need to improve upon the most at the quarterback position?

Randle: My footwork, although I’m doing better with it now. I just have to learn to get the separation from the line so I won’t be getting stepped on.
BDE: What improvements have you made since the spring?

Randle: My release has gotten better. I was throwing the ball high in the spring. I’ve learned to get on top of the ball better. I’m more accurate than I was in the spring.

Fourth Quarter

BDE: What do you expect your strengths to be at quarterback?

Randle: The ability to make things happen. I can take off with my legs or buy my time in the pocket.

BDE: What are your goals for the upcoming season?

Randle: Mainly, just to step up and be a leader and to try to get back to where we have been the last three years. That’s the main focus.

BDE: Between the recruiting and the national exposure, there have been a lot of demands on your time. Has it become a distraction in any way?

Randle: Not really. It’s just something you have to deal with. You just have to be able to do what you have to do.