The Memphis Tigers Continue Louisiana Recruiting Success By Picking Up Another Big Play Threat In Bogalusa's Raheem Roberts

by Jace LeJeune

The Memphis Tigers have become one of the rising top programs in the country and a big reason why has been their success in the recruiting ranks, especially going into one of the best football states, which is Louisiana. So far, the Tigers have three players from Louisiana currently committed in John Ehret High School linebacker Andrew Jones, Woodlawn High School safety Eric Randall, and Madison Prep Academy cornerback Tyrell Raby. The Tigers made it four commitments when Bogalusa High School star wide receiver Raheem Roberts. Approaching 6-4, 190 pounds with 4.47/40 speed, Roberts is an athletic specimen that chose the Tigers over the likes of Memphis, Indiana, Kansas State, Virginia, Houston, Louisiana Tech, Eastern Michigan, and New Mexico State.

"I have a good relationship with the coaches," Roberts said. "I talk to them almost everyday, and they were really recruiting a lot of Louisiana kids."

For Roberts, what played a part in the Bogalusa senior's decision has been the play of a fellow big receiver that is from Louisiana and that is Damonte Coxie (Tara/East St. John/Memphis).

"What also made me want to go there is that the star wide receiver over there is from Louisiana too in Damonte Coxie," Roberts said. "He had a really good year last year and should be a first or second round pick. They are also putting a lot of players in the NFL. I really enjoy watching those receivers play and overall what the team did last season."

Like Coxie, Roberts is a big target that has elite athleticism. Last season, the Bogalusa three star recruit not only was a threat in the passing game with 28 catches for 428 yards and seven touchdowns, but also had seven interceptions on the defensive side of the football as a cornerback. It is Roberts' ball skills on both sides of the football that make him a threat. Unlike a lot of playmakers that just want to play on the offensive side of the football, the two position playmaker does not care what side of the football that he is on in .

"I am just an athlete," Roberts said. "I could really go to to play defensive back. I had some s that wanted me to play defensive back. At first, I just wanted to play wide receiver, but now, it really doesn't matter. I could play defensive back if the coaches want me to."

According to Roberts, playing defense helps him see the field more and improve on his ball skills as a receiver. One thing is for sure and that is Roberts will play on both sides of the field for the Lumberjacks in 2020. Being the best playmaker on the team, Roberts has set a lot of goals for himself for the upcoming season.

"My goals are to have no drops, over 15 touchdowns, 1,000 receiving yards, and once again have over seven interceptions on defense," Roberts said. "I also want over 20 solo tackles, make 1st Team All-District at both wide receiver and defensive back again, All-District MVP, become district champions, and make it no less than the third round of the playoffs. I also want to keep a 3.5 GPA in the classroom all year."

In order to focus on those specific goals, the Memphis commit decided to make his decision before the start of his senior season.

"I just wanted to get the process over with," Roberts said. "Once I started talking to the Memphis coaches, I knew that it was the place for me and that I made the right decision."

Not only does Roberts excel on the football field, but the natural athlete excels in other-sports as well.

"I run track to stay in shape and get my speed up," Roberts said. "Basketball is another sport that will allow me to stay active during the offseason. I am actually going to be running track at Memphis."

Roberts is an outstanding track athlete as well winning the indoor state championship in the triple jump and will be a two sport athlete in . For Roberts, it is not unusual how he got his incredible athleticism.

"My whole family played," Roberts said. "My mom played basketball and she won a state championship. My dad went to and played baseball. My two uncles played football as well."

Although Roberts has accomplished a lot like the rest of his family members, he feels that he can only improve on his God given talents.

"I need to improve on my releases, but I can improve on a lot of things," Roberts said.

Just as Roberts has set himself high aspirations for his senior season, he has done the same for Memphis.

"Once I get to Memphis, I am going to work hard and become a freshman All-American," Roberts said. "I am going to make sure that I handle my business in the classroom and on the field so hopefully, I can become a guy that will go three years and out to the league."

Those are some lofty goals for Raheem Roberts, but for a guy that is known for making leaping catches over defenders, it should make plenty of sense why he is reaching for the stars.

Bogalusa High School WR and Memphis commit Raheem Roberts (Photo provided by Raheem Roberts)

Click link below to check out Raheem's junior highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9537294/5dcc5b08f327500c1c4c0fc8

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Jace is from Addis, LA but resides in Port Allen, LA. Jace attends Southeastern Louisiana University and is majoring in Communications. This is Jace’s fourth year as Associate Editor at Louisiana Football Magazine. He is also a graduate from Catholic High School in baton-rouge where he was the editor of the school newspaper the “Bearly Published.” While at CHS, Jace also announced their football, basketball, and baseball games for the Bruin Broadcast Network which is the Catholic High’s streaming website for their events. On weekends, Jace is the PA announcer for his middle school football games. At home, Jace enjoys time with his family and friends. Besides being a huge football fan, Jace is also an avid NHRA drag racing fan.