'He's got the gift. He's special': Alamo Heights HC Ron Rittimann on 5-star ATH Michael Terry III
San Antonio (Texas) Alamo Heights made it to third round of the UIL 5A Division II playoffs in 2023 thanks in large part to the efforts from On3 Industry Ranking 5-star Michael Terry III.
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Terry III did a little bit of everything for the Mules. On3’s personal life file says Terry III accounted for 1,588 offensive yards and 32 touchdowns, including 564 receiving yards and 995 yards on the ground. He also had 15 tackles and an interception in limited action on defense.
As the No. 28 prospect in the 2025 class continues to keep Texas, Oregon, and Nebraska near the top of his list in his recruitment, he’s also looking to lead Alamo Heights on a deep playoff run for head coach Ron Rittimann.
Following Alamo Heights’ scrimmage with San Antonio (Texas) Taft on Friday, IT caught up with Rittimann for the head coach’s perspective on the star Alamo City prospect.
What type of player is Michael Terry III in your program? Is he the type of player who not only understands his skill set but also fits into the program as a teammate and leader?
RR: Yeah, he fits all that. He got voted team captain by his teammates. He got voted onto the unity council. He’s a hard worker. He practices every day like he’s getting ready for the biggest game of his life. He’s getting more vocal in his leadership role. I mean, he’s checking every box right now. I couldn’t be more pleased with what he’s doing, and the fact that he’s got all that God-given talent doesn’t hurt either.
When talking about goals. He talked about getting past the fourth round. He didn’t talk about anything regarding him. How does that resonate in your program?
RR: That’s just how he is. He doesn’t care what position he plays. He doesn’t care what’s going on. As long as we’re being successful. He wants the team to be successful. He is all about it. When he tells you that, that’s just how he feels and that’s just how he’s been since I’ve known him. He’s special. He’s just special because I haven’t coached a lot of kids with that kind of talent. Usually they’re a little more selfish than he is. I don’t mean that in a negative way. His personality is ‘coach, we want the team to be the best it can be.’ I sure appreciate that about him.
On the field, what makes him unique compared to anyone you may have coached?
RR: The thing is he can line up at just about every position and be good at it. We’re still moving him around. The biggest thing is just trying to get him the ball in space. He’s one of those guys that when he grabs the ball, whether he takes the snap, you hand it to him, you throw it to him, you punt it to him, or you kick it to him, everybody’s got to hold their breath because it could be a score play every time he touches it. Not every athlete in high school has that kind of potential. Mike does. Even on defense, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have two or three pick-sixes or scoops and scores. He’s always around the ball. Always making big plays. He’s got the gift. He’s special.
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Terry is ranked as the No. 28 overall prospect, the No. 1 athlete, and the No. 8 player in Texas in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking.
