Getting to know new BYU commit, ATH Preston Rex (Class of 2020)

Preston Rex is the most recent commitment to the BYU football program (Class of 2020), announcing his commitment last week via Twitter:

OFFICIALLY COMMITTED. ⚪️? @BYUfootball @kalanifsitake @CoachPHadley pic.twitter.com/KMqWFo9gv5

— Preston Rex (@preston_rex1) May 30, 2019

Rex preps at San Clemente High School, where as a junior he was a two way starter at wide receiver and defensive back.  He caught 35 passes for 361 yards (10.3 avg) and four touchdowns, returned 13 punts for 96 yards and one touchdown, and had 43 tackles (22 solo), four interceptions (returned 75 yards), two passes defended, one fumble forced, and two fumbles recovered.  He was named to the All South Coast League first-team.

Rex is rated 3-stars by 247Sports. He holds scholarship offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, and Pennsylvania. He was also recruited by Utah State and a number of PAC 12 programs. His brother Isaac is a current member of the BYU football team, and his father Byron played for the Cougars in the 90s.  He is being recruited as an athlete and could play safety or slot receiver.

I caught up with Rex to ask him about his recruiting.

BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?

Rex:  It’s the best place for me, as an LDS players, to grow athletically, intellectually, and spiritually. It feels like home. I’ve been a fan my whole life, and it’s been my dream to play football there since a young age. My Dad, Byron, played TE at BYU in the early 90’s and my older brother, Isaac, who just returned from his mission in Samoa, will be playing this fall.

BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?

Rex:  Penn, Army, Navy, Air Force, Yale, Utah State, San Jose State, Northwestern, and Vanderbilt.

BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?

Rex:  Movie: Black Panther; Restaurant: Raising Cane’s; Cereal: Honeycombs; Food: Chicken Katsu / poke bowls

BYU Insider: What is one of your greatest accomplishment in sports?

Rex:  Being a freshman on my varsity football team at San Clemente High School and winning the State Championship in 2016.

BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Rex:  “Embrace the Suck” – Billie Joe Hobert, my former Pop Warner Coach. Meaning, not every play is going to go your way, you won’t win every game.  Turnovers, interceptions and bad calls are all a part of the game so don’t be defeated by them. Embrace the opportunities to improve. It’s all part of the process. Also some simple and effective advice: “Shooters shoot.” – Coach Hadley

BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?

Rex:  Two current safeties that I want to emulate my game after are Marquise Blair from Utah and Deshon Elliot on the Ravens. I like their physicality and ball skills.

If you have any additional information or insight about this recruit, please include it in the comment section below.