DITR – Raheem Vance

Raheem Vance is a 6’2″, 205 pound, class of 2024 quarterback for Olive Branch High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Vance is one of the most underrated players in the state of Mississippi, being ranked as the number 61 player in the state and the 123rd quarterback in the country, according to 247 sports, who also lists Vance as a 3-star prospect. Vance is a dual-threat quarterback, averaging around 156 yards per game through the air this season, as well as adding a couple hundred more on the ground. Last season, Vance threw 15 touchdowns against 5 interceptions, and this season, Vance has thrown 5 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. These numbers may not stick out too much, but Olive Branch is a run-heavy offense. Vance’s tape shows that he has a strong arm, perhaps his biggest attribute to his passing game. When rushing with the ball, Vance shows off his athleticism, with his biggest rushing highlight being a hurdle at the goal-line on a play in which he scored. His season has been headlined with an impressive 26/30 for 411 yard and 2 touchdown performance against Horn Lake, in which he also added 39 yards rushing. This performance broke the OBHS school record for single-game passing yards.

Vance has earned a 3.5 GPA in the classroom. He currently holds offers from Alabama State, Norfolk State, Stetson, Mississippi Valley State, Itawamba CC, Coahoma CC, and Holmes CC. He has visited some power-5 programs, such as Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State.

With his hard work and skills on the field, paired with his academic success, Vance will make a great addition to any quarterback room.

I recently had the chance to interview Vance:

Why and at what age did you start playing football?

“I’ve been around football my whole life so that’s why I started. My dad played Pro, my oldest brother played at Mississippi State with Dak Prescott, and my middle brother was an 3-star who played at Baylor under coach Matt Rhule . I didn’t want to play flag football because it wasn’t real football so I started actually playing at 7 years old.”

Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?

“I have always played QB ,but I played all around on defense from DE, S , OLB.”

What sets you apart from everyone else on the field? 

“What sets me apart is my energy and and my confidence, on and off the field, because I know I’ve worked for everything.”

What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?

“My favorite accomplishment was the broken record vs horn lake with 411 pass yards.”

What is your favorite memory of playing football so far?

“The game against Neshoba Central was my favorite memory because it was my first game in Olive Branch, and we won and I had 3 touchdowns.”

How do you balance athletics and academics?

“My family and friends play a big part in my academics and athletics . They instill in me that if you can’t be smart in the class, you can’t be smart on the field.”

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced was against Starkville my junior year; it was pouring rain.”

Is there a certain player you try to model your game after?

“I try to play like Johnny Manziel , Cam Newton, Trevone Boykin , and Justin Fields.”

How do you stay physically fit outside of football?

“My dad is my trainer and he doesn’t just let me sit around and be lazy, and that’s a good thing.”

What are you hoping to achieve this season?

“I am hoping to achieve a state championship this year.”

What is your end goal for your football career?

“My end goal is to leave a mark on the field and for people to remember me as a leader not just a regular player.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?

“The most important lesson I learned is Control what you can only control.”

How do you prepare for big games?

“Big games do not scare me; those are the games I look forward to, and just get a goodnight rest and hydrate before the game.”

What type of play style do you have?

“I’m a dual threat but I’m all about taking what the defense gives me.”

Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?

“My biggest role model is my dad because he stays on me and keeps me grounded and absolutely don’t let me get big headed.”

Be on the lookout for Raheem Vance and the Olive Branch High School Conquistadors as they continue their 2023 season!