Q&A with TCU defensive back Rafael Priest from Dallas Madison High School

by Todd E. Jones of of College Football Top Ten

Rafael Priest is a Senior Cornerback from Dallas’ Madison High School. He is a three-year starter for the TCU Horned Frogs. TCU is the only team with two starting cornerbacks in the past three years. Alone with Priest, Nick Sanders has started cornerback for the Frogs the past three years. The two have combined to start a total of 78 games for the Horned Frogs.

I had a chance to visit with Rafael at TCU Media Day where he answered a few questions. This is a chance for fans to get to know a little bit more about the Dallas native.

Q & A with Rafael Priest

Where did you attend high school?

Dallas Madison

What position did you play on your high school football team?

Receiver and corner, and my sophomore year I actually played safety.

How is football different at the college level than high school?

The speed of the game changes. You probably were the fastest guy on your team in high school, but now, everyone is just about the same speed. You know, the speed of the game is different.

How are college academics different from high school?

It’s more in detail. It’s on you. No one is pushing you to do anything. Basically, you make your mind up that you want to do this, the teacher is not going to remind you to do this, and no one is going to tell you to turn in the work. So, it’s basically preparation and want-to.

What is your favorite movie?

I actually like The Matrix. When that movie came out, the special effects was crazy. I really like The Matrix.

What is playing on your iPod?

I like R&B. I’m a real big R&B guy, so I like a lot of slow songs. There is this new artist that just came out, Jeremiah. I like him.

What do you like most about playing for Coach Patterson?

His intensity. He’s very intense. He wants everything right. He wants no failure on any part of the defense, so I really like that.

What advice would you give a high school football player who wants to play college football?

What I always tell high school players when I talk to some schools is get the academics first. First and foremost. You can be the best player on the field, but you can’t go anywhere without the academics. So, first and foremost, get your academics, your grades, your SAT, your ACT and then put in the work on the football field. That will come, if you are a good player, that [the talent and athletics] will come. But, you have to put in the academics side first; that’s what most kids don’t understand.

What person do you consider most inspirational?

My mother. I’ve seen her struggle all her life and still be able to help me out in college and teach me the right things to do. She’s a big inspiration to me.

Who is the most inspirational member of your football team?

I have to say Jerry [Hughes]. He’s an All-American, he’s got all this publicity, but to me he’s a good guy, well spoken, and does the right things.

When you are playing EA Sports NCAA Football, what team do you choose?

I’m not really a big gamer, but when I do play, of course, I play with us [TCU].

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