Interview: Big Season Ahead on Both Sides of the Ball for 2019 Lineman Shan Sachdeva

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Who knows where Shan Sachdeva’s collegiate position will be, but at the high school level he is that versatile player all coaches love capable of playing just about any position asked of him in the trenches, and on both sides of the ball. Regardless of his next level role, the time and experience garnered on the lines in high school will pay big dividends in college.

Sachdeva is that talent up front capable of just about anything with a lot of upside left to his game. At 6-5, 240-pounds, he has lined up at tight end as a sophomore and at tackle during the 2017 season, and flipped the script on defense taking on the big uglies at end, tackle, and nose guard. Through a four-game stretch on defense in 2017 with Stockdale, Sachdeva had an estimated stat line of 30 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and two sacks.

College interest remains regional for Sachdeva, for now, with teams like UNLV, Montana, Sacramento State, California-Davis, and Cal-Poly checking in on him. In a RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the under the radar Bakersfield (CA) product to learn more about his overall game and offseason workouts.

Interview

Shan, you played up and down the defensive line last season. Be it at tackle, nose guard, or end, which position do you like mixing it up at best?

“Defensive end.”

That type of experience at each position had to help your game grow tremendously, from Game 1 to the last game of the season for you, how did your skills as a defensive lineman improve?

“At the start of the season I was more of a speed rusher. During the season at nose guard, I used my hands better, shot out faster, and learn how to push-pull better.”

What type of scheme do the Mustangs execute?

“We change it up. We have a hybrid defense, some games we are in a 3-4 and some we are in a 4-3.”

Does the defensive coordinator have you guys read than react or do you guys do more stunts and planned gap assignments?

“More stunts and gap assignments. It depends on the team we are playing; during the game we make adjustments to the offense.”

You got some snaps in at tackle as well last season, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“Playing offensive tackle, you learn how to use your hands better. The footwork at tackle helps me as a defensive tackle. It will all help me be better prepared for this year.”

Where all will you line up on the field during your senior year?

“Offensive tackle and defensive tackle. On defense, I will start at defensive tackle and then move to end. On offense, I will only be at tackle.”

Which areas of your game on defense are focused on improving this offseason?

“Shooting off lower, my use of hands and better hand placement, new moves, and getting faster off the ball.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“I attended two on Saturday; Sacramento State and a UC-Davis camp. I have also camped at a Redlands camp and the Blue and Grey All-American Combine.”

How did the two camps on Saturday go?

“They went well. During the one-on-ones, I was showing my speed rush, my get off, and how I can use my hands to get to the backfield.”

Do you have any upcoming camps planned?

“I am planning on going to a Cal-Poly camp and maybe one more, maybe the Nevada camp.”

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

“Plenty; Utah, Cal-Poly, Courtland, UC-Davis, Sacramento State, Montana, UNLV… a lot; I can’t remember them all right now.”

Is there a school that you have not listed that is showing recruiting interest?

“Nevada.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“A 3.2.”

What do you want to major in once in college?

“Automotive engineering or electrical engineering.”

What are your personal goals for the rest of the summer?

“I want to get faster, improve my 40, get stronger – build strength in my legs and get my arms stronger.”

What are you weight room maxes?

“My squat is at 535, my bench is 265, and my clean is 240.”

What do you want to accomplish by the end of your senior season?

“We are going for a title. I want to break all school records this year; I want 15 to 20 sacks and 80-plus tackles.”

Shan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Sachdeva family; Shan Sachdeva at UNLV