Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Raekwon McMillan Chat

The Buckeyes brought in a solid group of LB's in the 2012 class, but they haven't signed any LB's in the 2013 class.  There's still a possibility at signing 2013 LB's, but the 2014 class of LB's is very strong.  The Buckeye coaches have been hot on the recruiting trail recently and already have made connections with a few solid prospects.  One of those prospects is Raekwon McMillan.

Photo courtesy of 247Sports
I had a chance to chat with the 2014 5* LB out of Hinesville, GA. At 6-3 235 lb., he has the size to be an elite LB.  He is high on the Buckeye's target list, but I wanted to take this time to find out a little more about him rather than just his recruitment. McMillan will be entering his Junior year of high school this year, so there's plenty of time for him to talk about that stuff. Here's what he had to say:

JM: Before we start, is there anything you'd like to say or ask?

RM: Over these past few months the Ohio State fan base has shown me the most love from any school...just a tad bit more than Georgia.

JM: When and why did you start playing football?

RM: I started playing football in the 5th grade.  My family members are huge football fans, so I was destined to play; but my mom always tells me I used to cry when I got hit...haha.

JM: Now you're out there making guys cry...haha.  What's your best memory of football at any age level?

RM: Breaking a 90 yard run in middle school for a touchdown, and then on kickoff, I forced a fumble.  I knocked the guy's helmet off and recovered the fumble for another touchdown...still got the film to that game.

JM: Wow. I know you're a hitter, but what's your favorite part of playing football?

RM: It brings all your feelings out of you.  Fear, intensity, passion, heart, mental game, anger...it's football, man.  Nothing can compare.

JM: What gets you pumped before games, and what gets you motivated in the offseason?

RM: I don't get pumped before the game.  I'm a laid back type and like to laugh.  Not being ranked the best linebacker in the nation is my motivation in the offseason.

JM: I'm loving these answers.  Have you thought about what you might want to study in college?

RM: Family consumer science/culinary arts...or engineering.

JM: Nice to have options.  I know it's a big question, but what are your academic and athletic goals through high school and college?

RM: I want to be named at the top of my class for GPA, and I want to finish my senior year with a playoff run.  I also want to be ranked in the top 5 players nationally.

JM: What positions have you played, and what positions do you want to play in the future?

RM: I've played running back and the wildcat quarterback on offense.  I play linebacker and end on defense.  I want to play linebacker from here on out.

JM: Last question, what's one thing you want Buckeye Nation to know about you?

RM: Scarlet and Grey would look good on me.


Raekwon McMillan (6'3 235 lbs.)
Hinesville, GA
Class of 14 ILB
247 Sports Profile
Rivals Profile

Raekwon McMillan is a powerful ILB.  You can see in his video why Buckeye staff and Buckeye Nation are high on him, but it doesn't stop there.  He's already pulling in great ratings from recruiting sites.  On top of being an excellent athlete, I've seen multiple people (and now experienced it too) talk about how well spoken he is.  McMillan is a great student athlete and will go as far as he wishes.  I think I speak for all of Buckeye Nation when I say that I hope the relationship between Ohio State and Raekwon McMillan continues to grow.

McMillan's Highlights (Freshman & Sophomore Years):

The Buckeye Board would like to thank Raekwon McMillan for taking part in this interview.  We look forward to hearing more from him in the future, and I'm sure he would love to hear from Buckeye Nation.

Follow me on Twitter @BuckeyeBoard and @BuckeyeBoardJM