Last season, Robert Priester, Robinson 2014 ATH did just about everything for the Knights. He rushed 15 times for 118 yards and 2 TDs. He caught 15 passes for 118 yards and 2 TDs. On defense, he totaled 31 solo tackles, 46 total tackles and 2 interceptions. He also ended the season with 165 kickoff return yards. His value to the team was and is evident. But this year, it’s a little different.
Priester is in a unique situation. Many prospects are labeled as “Senior Eval Kids.” This means, college coaches are going to want to evaluate prospects from their senior year and not just underclassmen seasons. They want to see how the prospects progress, mature and play as seniors. Priester will have his senior year cut short due to ineligibility. Not because he broke a rule. But because he will have exceeded the age limit. “Well, I will be participating in only four games of my senior career because eligibility will run out by Sept 25th.”
According to page 31 of the 2011-2012 FHSAA Handbook Robert will exceed the eligibility age limit after game four of the 2013 regular season. The hand book states:
9.6 AGE
9.6.1 Student May Participate at High School Level Until the Age of 19 Years 9 Months. A student may participate at the high school level until the day he/she reaches the age of 19 years 9 months if the student has not exceeded his/her four- year limit of eligibility. The student becomes permanently ineligible at the high school level on the day he/she reaches the age of 19 years 9 months.
Priester’s birthday is on Christmas day when he will turn 20. He said he started elementary school late and was also held back in the third grade. This has not discouraged the BHSN/BCP Ignite Showcase star, he is just taking it in stride, “I just look at it as I have no time to waste. No days to take off. They [coaches and teachers] are on top of my grades and I am going to take a couple classes over the summer online, try my best to leave early January.”
How has recruiting picked up since Ignite Showcase in Feb?
“Well the recruiting has been going great so far. It has picked up slowly since Ignite in early February but all that meant to me is keep grinding, work hard, stay on top of my grades and everything will come along. Early spring, the recruiting started picking up pace and I started getting looks, phone calls, emails and just great recognition. What surprised me the most what my first offer from Utah State, then came along Youngstown State. I was just speechless! Thanks to my coaches Scott DeCamp, Shawn Taylor and everyone else who is there supporting me.”
I asked Robert, Do you feel Showcases have helped with your recruiting? He responded, “Yes sir. I feel that has been a big part of my recruiting process.” Which even helped mold his summer goals. “I have many goals set for myself this summer such as be the best leader I can on and off the field, set examples for the younger underclassmen, put on more weight and most of all get bigger stronger and faster.”
If Priester hits the mark on his goals, he will become a very sought after prospect. His stock is rising as he has performed extremely well in a few influential showcases, his film in very convincing and his speed is excellent. To date he has received offers from Ball State, Utah State and Youngstown State with attention flying in from Kentucky, Georgia Southern, Ohio, Missouri, Northern Illinois, Toledo and even Miami.
All the attention has been well deserved and the 2014 Robinson Knight is enjoying it while it last. However, he did not do it by himself. He has had help getting to where he is, “I’m just thankful for everyone that supporting me also want to take the time out to thank Ricky Sailor (Unsigned prep 7on7 coach) for the love shown.”
Robinson will play Osceola for the fall classic and then take on Sickles for game one of the regular season.