"It was a good visit," Ratledge said. "I like it more low key, but with people like Harrison (Bailey) because he is a good guy and a good player. I was up for the basketball game and coach Friend text me I should come over and hang out and I went over and just spent time with everyone." "Their determination to get stuff done," Ratledge said. "They have a lot of confidence in what they can do and I really like that." "They say they need one more cycle, our class and they think they will be there," Ratledge said. "All the coaches share that message."
Offensive line coach Will Friend was by Darlington earlier in the week to check on Ratledge as Tennessee tries to fend off Georgia and Alabama among others for his services. "I like his history and his background," Ratledge said. "Knowing he knows what he is talking about and help me progress to where I want to be."
"My technique," Ratledge said. "I feel like I always need to work on that. Some of the people I play against, I can manhandle because I'm stronger than them. When I get to a point that I'm going against someone that is as strong as me, I have to have better technique than them."
As for a decision, Ratledge plans on taking visits this spring and summer to continue building bonds with his top schools. He's looking for a place to call home. "I'd like to do it before my senior season," Ratledge said. "I'll look at it like, if I put football aside, where could I live for four years and be happy? That's the most important thing for me."
