Score Atlanta’s Official Visit Interview Recaps

Every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, Scott Janovitz and Fletcher Proctor talk recruiting:football, basketball and even baseball. This week’s show featured three interviews with some of the state’s top football talent including Thomas County Central’s Ray Drew, North Cobb’s Darren Waller and Kell’s Brian Randolph.

Randolph and Waller each recently committed to major BCS schools (Tennessee and Georgia Tech, respectively) and both appeared on the show ready to talk about those pledges.

Brian Randolph gave Derek Dooley his word in a race that came down to the Vols and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Randolph noted in the interview that Dooley came after him hard, much like Lane Kiffin did before he left for USC. Randolph said that Kiffin was even recruiting him to Knoxville right up to the day before he left for the Trojans. Dooley though did make an impression on Randolph and the young safety seems ready to go be a Volunteer. When asked about his expectations for his first season, Randolph doubted that he would redshirt because he "(doesn’t) think anybody wants to redshirt his first year." Randolph said that if he cannot crack the starting lineup in the defensive secondary, he would be willing to play special teams, and he hasn’t ruled out a go on offense, if that is what the coaches want. Randolph also plays running back for the Longhorns and now he says he is fully healthy after injuries cost him parts of his junior season. He believes he can be aggresive again on defense, something the injuries prevented him from being last season.

Darren Waller of North Cobb meanwhile was very excited to have recently committed to Coach Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. At 6’5, Waller will be a tall order in the defensive secondary and could line up at corner, safety or even linebacker. Waller said he was impressed with new defensive coordinator Al Groh and the possibilities that Groh has presented to him, everything from lining up over the slot receiver, out on the perimeter or even to rush the quarterback. Waller’s speed and ability to hit are what he believes made him attractive to the Jackets. Waller, while a bit confused as to why some of the other programs didn’t come after him early, thinks that perhaps it is because last season was his first as a starter. Regardless, Waller is happy with Georgia Tech and will make his official visit there this fall. Waller also credited his coach Shane Queen for helping him in the process.

Finally, the state’s No.1 recruit, Defensive End Ray Drew joined the program. Drew had just gotten back from visiting Florida State and the University of Florida, with both visits going well. Drew noted that he sat down with FSU’s coach Fisher and several assistants for over two hours and even talked to an advisor about potential classes in communications, his intended major. At Florida, more of a recruiting press was given, with several coaches joking with Drew about his shoe size. Drew seemed really impressed by the Florida program. The in-state schools though also received some attention though as Drew commented on Georgia’s Dream Team, saying it was a cool concept, and admitting that he spent over an hour talking to Mark Richt the last time he was in Athens. Finally, Drew boasted that he won a watermelon-eating contest when he was in Auburn for the Big Cat Weekend. Drew liked the Auburn experience overall, even though no limos were involved as in years past. Drew revealed that it would be a while before a decision is made. Drew also talked about how NFL legend Michael Strahan has become a mentor to him after he met the former Giant sack-master at a camp. The two talk several times a week.