Lamar sports information

BEAUMONT – Beaumont native and former Lamar standout Rodney Randle Jr. signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday afternoon. Randle signs the contract after posting strong marks at LU’s Pro Day last month.

“Receiving the phone call from the Chargers was a blessing,” said Randle. “There was some talk that I might get taken in the seventh round, but I’m blessed to sign a free agent contract. I’m very thankful to the Chargers for giving me this opportunity. To be honest, I wasn’t surprised when they called because they have stayed in contact with me and made me feel like they wanted me throughout this process.”

Originally from the former Ozen High School, Randle played in 41 games during his career earning 31 starts. Over the course of the past four years Randle recorded 170 tackles, including 119 solo stops. He was also credited with 21 pass breakups and picked off five interceptions during his career.

A two-time honorable mention All-Southland Conference selection, Randle made an immediate impact on the Cardinals roster by being a two-way threat. He returned 26 kicks for 635 yards and a touchdown. He ranked second in the conference averaging 24.4 yards per return and was one of only three players in the league to return a kick for a touchdown. Randle ended his career with 84 returns for 1,802 yards and a touchdown. He graduated just 18 shy of setting the school’s all-time record for return yards.

“I report to Carson, California, next Wednesday for mini-camp,” said Randle. “I remember being six years old and telling my dad that I wanted to play in the NFL, and he said ‘OK, let’s get to work.’ There were a lot of early mornings and it wasn’t always fun but he never quit on me. I’ve wanted this ever since then. I feel like I’ve always been a bit of an underdog and this is a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Randle will always be remembered for being the member of a senior class that helped turn the LU program around. After opening the season 1-4 and 0-3 in conference play, the Cardinals rattled off a six-game win streak, including wins against three nationally ranked teams to earn their first berth into the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

Amidst all the phone calls and congratulations Randle has received today, he also got one for an LU standout who also has a connection to the NFL – former All-American Brendan Langley.

“Brendan has been facetiming all week,” said Randle. “He reached out to me earlier today and congratulated me on signing with the Chargers.”