Interview: 3-Star 2020 OL Drake Metcalf Updates Notre Dame and Arizona State Camps

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Just getting on the field for St. John Bosco’s football team is a big deal, starting as a sophomore on the offensive line is in another tier unto itself. During the 2017 season, Drake Metcalf held his own and then some with the Braves learning the nuances of playing in the trenches against Trinity League opposition. The Los Angeles area talent has taken his strong work ethic into the offseason applying his trade at national camps and combines and along the college camp circuit willing to throw down against anyone and everywhere. The 6-3, 270-pound, lineman has picked up three offers thus far, the first from Oregon, followed by Hawaii and Arizona State. He added to his interest list this summer with a difficult camp schedule shinning along the way.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with the three-star rated recruit for an update on his offseason workouts and camp circuit.

Interview

Drake, how are your offseason workouts going?

“They are going really well. We are coming together as team on field and in the weight room. I am getting a lot stronger and faster. I am trying to cut my 40 to a 4.9 this offseason. I have been working with our track coach to train for that. Right now, I am getting focused on the upcoming season.”

Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your skillset?

“My biggest growth this offseason has been with my hand-placement and footwork. I am working with Coach Chris Ward, he has a training program. I have been working with him on the weekends developing a stronger strike.”

Which areas of your game are focused on this summer before the season begins?

“I am focusing on my run blocking, I am doing well with pass sets right now. I am good with run blocking, but there is always room for improvement especially on reach or base blocks. On a team like ours, you have to run and pass block well. I am working on good strikes and moving the guy five yards down the line.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room recently?

“Yes, sir. I got 315 on bench a few weeks ago and my squat was 455.”

Where all did you lineup in the trenches during spring ball?

“I went into the spring thinking right tackle, but within two days they moved me to left tackle. I will be next to our senior guard on the left side.”

Did any college coaches come by Bosco to meet with you in-person this offseason or to watch you practice?

“Yeah. Lots of coaches came by this offseason. I was in contact with Florida, UCLA, UNLV, Boston College, Oregon – that was good to see those guys, they were my first offer. Some Arizona State coaches showed up as well.”

Have you been to any camps or combines since then?

“Yes, sir. I went to five camps in one week – UCLA, Washington, ASU, USC twice, and to a Notre camp.”

How did the Notre Dame camp go?

“It went really well. I won 23 of 24 reps. I played all positions on line at that camp. I was there with an angry mentality. I had it in mind to show my versatility and power. I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish.”

What about the ASU camp, how did that go?

“It went really well. They wanted to see me out there at their satellite camp. I got to meet Coach (Herm) Edwards (head coach) and Coach (Dave) Christensen (offensive line); they were eyeballing me throughout the camp. Coach Christensen and I hit it off. There were four offensive linemen given grey wristbands. They watched us intently. It was cool to work hands-on with the offensive line coach from ASU. I made sure to take reps at every position. At the end of the camp, we talked and then I was offered a full-ride scholarship later that day.”

Impressive. Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

How did the Washington camp go?

“I did well at the Washington camp. I was able to compete in front of Coach (Scott) Huff, I only lost two reps out of about 20 reps at that camp and I played all the positions there too. He wants me to stay in contact with me. I am super excited about that relationship being built.”

Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule or are you done for the season?

“I am done and getting ready for the regular season now.”

Where is your interest list at now?

“The biggest ones right now showing interest are Notre Dame, Washington, USC, and UCLA.”

I know you unofficially visited LSU back in February, have you visited any other schools since then?

“I have visited Oregon and I visited Notre Dame while at their camp.”

How did the Oregon visit go?

“I absolutely fell in love with the school. They showed me around the campus; they care about their players there. They really took care of us. They showed us what the life is like there. I enjoyed meeting with all the coaches. It was a great experience to see first-hand what Oregon is like with my family.”

Do you have any planned coming up?

“I am planning on visiting ASU in late July. During season, I will likely visit Oregon, ASU, Hawaii, and maybe Notre Dame. Oregon is a for-sure visit.”

Drake, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Drake Metcalf