Riederer ready for Tulsa football
Holton (Kan.) linebacker Rob Riederer, Tulsa's first commitment in the 2012 class, says he is anxious to become a Golden Hurricane, and his recent official visit made that feeling even stronger. But first, he will be a part of the International Bowl as a member of the U.S. U-19 National Team.
"I went down to the trials in Atlanta, Georgia, in late May and was contacted about four weeks later telling me that I made the team," the 6-foot-1 and 200-pound athlete told InsideTulsaSports.com in November. "It is such an honor to be selected to represent our country against the rest of the world."
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The 2012 U.S. Under-19 National Team, assembled by USA Football, will compete Feb. 1 - National Signing Day - in the third annual International Bowl, formerly Team USA vs. The World.
The 2012 International Bowl will be played at The Palace at Round Rock in Austin, Texas. Aside from Riederer, Team USA consists of high school athletes committed to schools such as Oklahoma, Michigan, Stanford, Notre Dame, Texas, California, Florida State, Arkansas and others.
Riederer, whose father was a coach for the Chicago Bears, helped Holton to an 8-2 record this season. The Wildcats started off 7-0, but they unfortunately fell 28-12 in the first round of the playoffs to Rose Hill. Holton expected to make a deep playoff run after reaching the KSHSAA 4A state finals in the previous season.
"We ran into a tough team in Rose Hill and lost," said Riederer. "We made too many mistakes, but you have to give Rose Hill credit."
Riederer made 111 tackles from his linebacker spot as a senior. On offense, he rushed 95 times for 649 yards and six touchdowns.
While Tulsa was the only official scholarship offer for Riederer, he says many other schools contacted him to peak his interest.
"I had several other schools contact me after I had committed to show they were still interested, but I said I was firm and wasn't interested in any other schools," he said "I have just been training and getting ready for Tulsa."
Riederer made his official visit to Tulsa on January 20th.
"It went well," he explained. "It was great to see all the coaches and talk with Coach (Bill) Blankenship, Coach (Brent) Guy, Coach (Jess) Loepp and Coach (Scott) Downing as well as all of the other coaches.
"My host was Trent Martin, and he was a great host. He introduced me to all the players and had answers to all of my questions. The academic side of things also was very interesting, and I am so blessed to go to such a prestigious athletic and academic school."
Riederer spent time getting to know several current Tulsa players, as well as other recruits that were making an official visit.
"We ate with the players, and we went to a basketball game at the Union gym with Trent Martin, James Roberson and Victor Williams," he described. "We also checked out Trent Martin's dorm in Lafortune. He rooms with Brentom Todd."
"I have seen the facilities and campus before, but we got a more in-depth look at everything. I like the campus and facilities more every time I come to Tulsa."
All that is left for Riederer is to sign his letter-of-intent with Tulsa on Wednesday.
"I am so excited to be officially signed to Tulsa," said the No. 8 overall prospect in Kansas. "I have been committed to Tulsa for almost a year, and everyone on the team already makes you feel part of the team, so it will be great to get up to Tulsa and compete."