Houston got in early on Baton Rouge (LA) University High running back Derrick Graham. The Cougars are one of only two offers for the talented Louisiana product. Virginia is the other school on his short offer list.
"Things have been a little slow but okay," Graham said of the recruiting process.
Thoughts on the UH Offer
"Really honored and blessed first of all and it shows that hard work does payoff."
"Coach Dawson saw my film and some of my recent workout videos and liked them. We spoke about how I got the name Rodeo”, my family, and little bit about Houston. And he really liked what he saw and decided to offer me."
In regards to that nickname, Graham's peers called him that due to his love of horses and participation in team roping events.
"A couple of years ago before it all started, I was on the way to look at horses and stopped by a Walmart to get something and they had a little football sign up out front. The guy I now know as Coach Dan asked me if I wanted to play and that they would let me bring my horses to the field. I said cool, so when I started playing is when the name started and that’s what everybody came to know me by ever since. My love for riding horses, team roping, and doing football has called for the name 'Rodeo' stick with me."
It's still very early and Graham says his recruitment is wide open, that no teams have really emerged as leaders yet. With Houston being a recent offer, if they push they could jump out to an early lead.
Graham has yet to visit any campuses, but has two visits in mind once on-campus visits are given the okay by the NCAA.
"I know Houston and Virginia for sure will be my first two visits. But, the schools that show the most interest in me, would be the ones I would want to visit."
On What He's Looking For
"First and foremost my major (Physical Therapy or Veterinary Medicine). For football a program that utilizes all phases of the game from the running back position (running,catching,blocking). Playing safety would also be a possibility."
For a 2022 prospect it's still very early in the process. Graham has no timetable on his decision but did say the earliest he would likely commit would be toward the end of his junior year.
Highlights
