It’s hard to shy away from the fact that Gonzaga running back Tyree Randolph has been one of the best players for the Purple Eagles, and one of the top offensive players in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference over the last three seasons.
As his senior season draws closer to the end, Randolph looked back at his experience playing on the varsity level since his freshman year.
“It has been a good experience,” Randolph said. “I have played varsity football since freshman year. I’m blessed to have success on the varsity level these last three years.”
The WCAC have seen its fair share of talented running backs. Players like former DeMatha running back Lorenzo Harrison, four-star Anthony McFarland, and Good Counsel Mohamed Ibrahim have been problems for defenses over the years.
Just like them, Randolph is no joke. He has racked up 3,717 rushing yards and more than 40 touchdowns since 2014. In his second season with the Purple Eagles, Randolph tallied 903 yards. Arguably his best season was in 2015 when he ran for 1,823 yards and 23 touchdowns.
One thing that makes the senior running back special is his ability to compete and be the best he can be despite being 5-foot-7.
“Me as a player basically I am a baller who loves to compete,” Randolph said. “Regardless of my size or small stature, I’m going to ball and be the best player Tyree Randolph can be.”
Randolph has played in plenty of big and meaningful games. But the one game he will always remember is the one against DeMatha last year when Gonzaga defeated the Stags 24-14 on ESPN.
“Beating Dematha last year on ESPN,” Randolph said recalling his favorite moment at Gonzaga. “It was my first time beating DeMatha.”
Randolph played a huge role it the victory as he rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 34 attempts. He really showed the entire nation the type of player he is.
Randolph doesn’t have a special NFL or college football player he looks up to, but he is motivated by a couple of pro and college athletes.
“No NFL or college player I maybe look up to,” He said. “But definitely someone like Jacquizz Rodgers and Christian McCaffrey motivates me.”
Rodgers currently is the running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while McCaffrey is an all-purpose back for the Stanford Cardinals.
Randolph picked up his first college offer from the University of Syracuse back in January. He recalled that day as a special moment and he was blessed and thankful for the offer.
Randolph is still an uncommitted player, and he calls the recruiting process an up and down experience.
“Recruiting process has its ups and downs,” Randolph said. “I have heard from some other schools.”
After the Syracuse offer, Randolph picked up another scholarship offer from Howard University. Expect more to swing his way by the end of the season.
Gonzaga (5-1) dropped the first game of the 2016 season to McDonogh on Sept. 27. Since that game, the Purple Eagles have won five straight. Randolph has rushed for 991 yards and 17 touchdowns on 150 attempts. He, and Gonzaga look to continue their success on the field as they take on DeMatha (7-0) on Saturday. The Purple Eagles are the only team to beat the Stags over the last two seasons.
“We have now won five in a row and have a big game against Dematha on Saturday,” Randolph said. “The reason for the team’s success is that we have really progressed and improved week by week as a team.”
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