Interview: Rising 2019 Washington DT/OL Khalif Spry Updates Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When talking about football players, the word athlete and competitor gets thrown around a lot. Sometimes it is fitting, other times it is just lip-service. With Class of 2019 Peninsula High School offensive and defensive lineman Khalif Spry, both athlete and competitor fits, and not just for his accomplishments on the field. The 6-3, 275-pound, big man also runs track – the 100 meters! College programs throughout the northwest are starting to find Spry with an interest list that includes Oregon State, Central Washington, Utah State, Eastern Washington, and Washington State among others.
With a few camps under his belt and ahead of a big senior season, I sat down with the guard/defensive tackle combo for a one-on-one to learn more about his game and recruiting process.
Interview
Khalif, you were a mauler in the trenches during your junior year. Playing that way is a mindset, what is your motivation on the field?
“My motivation is to stay low and attack the hip and drive’em back. I look to take the defenders back to the second level. I come into games aggressive and get hyped so we can score touchdowns and win games.”
Your get off is strong and your pad level looks good, what else do you do well with your run blocking?
“This year, I have been working on my hand-placement. My punch and my footwork are strengths.”
What are the strengths of your game as a pass blocker?
“I am a pretty good pass blocker. My pass blocking came on later in the season. As the season went along, I knew stunts and blitzes – I was calling out backers. My kick step is well balanced. We do an attack set for a first step and pop the guy before backing up and setting.”
You got dirty on the other side of the ball at defensive tackle, how did your season go on defense?
“It went well. Later in the season I started to get more tackles and had a better understanding of the schemes and stunts. I worked hard on learning our schemes and improving my overall game. I am thankful for the coaches for their help.”
Which position do you like playing the most?
“I really like both positions a lot. I cannot pick between the two. Guard might be where I will be in the future, but tackle is fun to play. I get to show colleges I can play other positions if needed.”
What have you been working on with your game on offense this offseason?
“This year I have been in the weight room a lot working on my strength. I have been working on my first step and my get off – that has improved a lot, my hand-placement, and my pad level. I’ve done a lot of work on my core strength.”
What about on defense, what have you been working on?
“On defense, I am working on my swim, my rips, and my first step in attacking the man. After watching film from our camps, those parts of my game have improved.”
Have you maxed out this offseason in the weight room?
“I have. My power clean is about 265 for three reps – we do three rep maxes instead of one rep. My squat is at 405 for three and my bench press is 255 for three reps.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“I went to the Northwest showcase in June and a Linfield camp. Hopefully, I am going to the Trench Camp in Oregon coming up.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Utah State, Portland State, Central Washington, George Fox (Oregon), and Oregon State are showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits in 2018?
“Yes. I went to Utah State – I went to their spring game. I have also visited Eastern Washington, Portland State, and Washington State.”
Do you play any other sports for Peninsula?
“Yes. I ran track?
“Which events?
“The shot and the 100.”
You ran the 100? That is impressive. What was your best time?
“My best time in the 100 was 13.3.”
How did spring practices with Peninsula go overall?
“Oh man. They were great. We got down and dirty, we got to work. We start our day doing warm-ups, then break apart for individual position work, and then come together to use our individual session. It shows. It has been great.”
Is there a game on the schedule you are already hyped to play?
“I am always hyped for Fish Bowl against Gig Harbor. Another one is Skyline; that is the game I am excited to play. I am ready for our opener.”
What personal goals have you set for your senior year?
“My senior year I want to help the team get a ring. I want to do everything in my power to push us as far as we can go.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: Spry family; Khalif Spry at EWU (April 2018)