Even on one of the most loaded high school teams in the country, Malik Roberson is managing to stand out.
Roberson plays running back for Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California. He plays alongside no fewer than a dozen Power 5 prospects, all of which rightfully deserve plenty of touches.
At times, that leaves Roberson on the outside looking in.
“My senior year has not been ideal, though it has been enjoyable. I share carries with two other running backs and an all-purpose quarterback, so when I get the ball, I do my job,” he said. “A lot of my senior year has been a waiting game that I’ve learned to capitalize on due to all the talent on our offense.”
Despite having to share the load — and despite battling nagging injuries on a regular basis — Roberson has emerged as a coveted prospect. The 2015 3-star recruit has received offers from Boston College, Arizona State, Oregon State, UCLA and others, and he said all of them are in constant contact while recruiting him.
Roberson doesn’t have a timetable set in place for when he’ll make a decision, and he’s not in any hurry to do so. He said he’s still open to any school, and he hasn’t even began planning official visits.
But there is one school that he’s eager to learn more about.
“I do wish to take an official visit to Boston College. I definitely have full interest in Boston College,” he said. “Coach (Kevin) Lempa has been an outstanding recruiter in terms of expressing their interest and plans for me.”
Part of those plans is using current player Sherman Alston as a blueprint for Roberson’s time in Chestnut Hill.
“The way they incorporate Sherman Alston’s speed shows me that they know how to put speed guys in open space,” Roberson said. “Boston College is slowly becoming an efficient spread offense. This West Coast touch on an East Coast powerhouse could easily be the key to their success.”
Roberson said that he also likes the education Boston College provides, and receiving a valuable degree is one of the top factors he’ll consider before choosing a college. He’s not hesitant about leaving the West for Massachusetts, either, as he said he’s open to taking his talents anywhere.
Roberson is an explosive and versatile player, which is one of the reasons he’s drawing so much recruiting interest. He could play a variety of positions at the next level, but he doesn’t have a preference where he lines up.
“I am a football player. I will do my best at any position on the field,” he said. “As long as I am on the field, I will still play my best game … to be versatile makes me a threat to all teams.”