Moving across town

Changing high schools can present all kinds of challenges for any high school athlete even if that change is in the same city. Such is the case for Memphis (Tenn.) native Will Redmond who made the move from Manasses High School to Memphis East High School this year.

"This spring I got a lot more confidence with my new teammates," said the 6-foot and 180-pound Redmond. "At first it was tough leaving my friends at Manasses and that is always hard. But the transition is great now and I have a good bond with my new teammates."

Last year Redmond posted some gaudy offensive numbers at Mannasses. He rushed for 1,862 yards and 11 touchdowns, passed for 866 yards and 11 more scores and even had a pair of touchdowns via kickoff returns. At East this spring, Redmond mainly focused at just two positions.

"Spring finished up great and I had a lot of offers come my way this spring," said Redmond. "I was at free safety and receiver and I ran a bit more with the offense. But schools are recruiting me as a defensive back, either at corner or safety or like a rover-type defensive back."

After a couple of new offers came his way, Redmond said a couple more schools may be close to adding to his list.

"I have offers from Mississippi State, Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Clemson, North Carolina, Arkansas State, Memphis and Western Kentucky," said Redmond. "And then Illinois said they were going to offer soon and so did Virginia. Then I also saw Alabama and Georgia Tech come by this spring and they have shown interest, too."

Of the group that has offered, Redmond talked briefly about his SEC offers from MSU and Vanderbilt.

"I like both Vanderbilt and Mississippi State, and actually like them both a lot," said Redmond. "Both showed early interest in me and both have things that stick out to me. Vanderbilt has a good coaching staff and good academics, too. Then I went to Mississippi State's junior day but we didn't get to see all of the facilities. They talked a lot about how much they care about academics and that is what makes them stand out to me. I am definitely going back there this summer for camp.

"I like the SEC and every conference that has offered me has good teams. But the SEC is probably the best and that is where the best players are at."

Speaking of camps, Redmond said his summer tour will be crucial to aiding his eventual collegiate decision.

"I am mainly going to camps at schools that offered me or ones that are close to offering me," said Redmond. "I will start up north and work my way down. I am not really looking at one or two particular teams so this summer I want to meet more coaches at these camps. I want to meet more coaches than just my recruiting coach at that school.

"After these camps, I will make a Top 5 and then decide after the summer is over with. I want to make my decision before school starts so I don't have to deal with recruiting during the season."

Redmond is also now teammates with a highly-recruited athlete at Memphis East High School - running back Brian Kimbrow. Early on, Redmond said the two wanted to attend the same college but now he said it just depends on what all happens.

"Obviously we would like to stay together," said Redmond. "But something may happen where we can't do that because one of us may find a better fit at a different school. So that is why we have stopped saying we were definitely going to the same school. If we like the same school and we both fit well then we could go to the same school."