With music bumping in the background and buckets filled with sand and rocks on each side of the barbell, Red Bank High School junior BJ Ragland began the first of two daily workouts in his backyard Wednesday morning.
One of the area’s top college football recruits for the 2021 recruiting cycle, Ragland is among the many people who have been forced to make adjustments to their everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ragland had hopes of being a state track and field champion this year in the shot put, and that goal remains as long as there is the possibility of the TSSAA’s annual Spring Fling taking place. But with schools and gyms closed, the 6-foot-3, 285-pound standout student-athlete is using his unexpected extra time at home to improve on his core strength, flexibility and footwork.
“I am challenging myself to get 1% better every day,” said Ragland, whose power and quickness have helped him provide massive blocks for the football Lions, who went 32-6 over the past three seasons and reached the Class 3A state quarterfinals last November.
“Sometimes you have to make something out of nothing,” Ragland added. “The work you put in when no one is watching is what can really help you accomplish your dreams in the long run.”