Reggie Ragland QA
Bob Jones linebacker Reggie Ragland was one of the first commitments in Alabama's 2012 recruiting class. Now, he's taking on the role a recruiter for the Crimson Tide.
Get to know the in-state star in this TideSports Q&A.
Advertisement
Q: What do you love most about playing football?
A: Just the contact, and how physical it is. It's the best game in the world. It's the only sport in the world where you can just come up and knock somebody out. I love it.
Q: How's it feel to know to know this is your last high school football season?
A: It's almost heartbreaking. It's been like four years, and with 8th grade, almost five. But it's been a long time coming. I'm just kind of emotional, and I know that I just have to keep moving on with my life. It's just another aspect to hop over.
Q: What was the deciding factor in choosing the University of Alabama?
A: Well, one was just the way they send their linebackers to the league. I at least want the opportunity to go to a good school that has great facilities, great academics, great people, just great everything down there.
Q: Who on Alabama's defense do you play the most like?
A: I play like me. I'm going to come in and bring my own style. But if I had to play like somebody, it'd probably be like Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower combined.
Q: What did you like most about Coach Saban?
A: I like that he was real. At first, I didn't know. Everyone talks about how hard he is. Then you get to know him, and he's a real cool guy. He cares about football and talks to you about football, but he talks to about just life and general and schoolwork and all that.
Q: What are your goals for when you get to Alabama?
A: I just want to get on the field and produce. You know? Just get out there and do something for the team.
Q: Now that you're committed, have you taken on the role of a recruiter?
A: Oh yeah, I'm trying to get a couple of guys in there, but with these guys, you never know. So I just try, and if they don't respond back, they don't respond back. I just keep going and trying.
Q: If you're recruiting someone to Alabama, what do you say to him?
A: Shoot, it's the best place in the world. You get great fans. You have great food all around. And you have great people down there. And you know, I hope they like females because there are some great looking ones down there. I just hope all that will work with them, too.
Q: How's the recruiting process been for you?
A: It has been fun. I haven't taken my five visits, but I plan on using those. I'm committed to 'Bama, I just want to see what else everyone has. I still think I'm gonna visit UCLA, and I might go up to Clemson for a visit.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
A: In the pros, I'd probably have to say Ray Lewis. He's just a great leader, and always goes out there ready to play. He's a great athlete. And he's always doing that he has to do.
Q: What would be your dream job, other than playing in the NFL?
A: I just want to be successful. I don't want to have to beg and borrow and stuff. I just want to be a success and have my own stuff. I can't beg, I don't like that.
Q: What do you like to do after playing a football game?
A: I just like to go and eat something. Then I'll just go back to bed.
Q: What is your favorite type of music to listen to before a game?
A: Man, whatever is playing really. I don't really have a favorite. I like a lot of older music. Like 70s, 80s, 90s. I listen to rap and R&B. I listen to Lil Boosie's 'Betrayed' before every game.
Q: You enjoy singing, what is your favorite type of music to sing?
A: Well, I mostly just sing in the shower, but I like to sing some of everything: Keith Sweat, The Temptations, Black Street, a little of everything
Q: What is the last movie you saw in the theater?
A: I guess 'Final 5,' but it wasn't good. My favorite movie of all time is 'Lion King' though.
Q: What's your favorite television show?
A: I don't really have time for much TV, but I guess I like old stuff. I like the Disney Channel. (laughs)