One to Watch Interview: 2018 Oklahoma SS Christian Gaines Preps for Big Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Santa Fe High School always seems to produce talented football players, especially in the secondary, Calvin Bundage and Charles Gaines quickly comes to mind. Another Wolves talent rising up the ranks, with a familiar name, who is ringing bells in the run and passing game is Christian Gaines.
Gaines had a solid junior season coming along quickly during his first season starting at the varsity level helping Santa Fe post an 8-3 record. The 5-11, 165 pound, defender came up with 39 total stops, 33 solo, while tallying three passes broken up and three interceptions with one being a pick-six. Gaines got his chance to shine with Bundage and older brother Charles off playing college ball.
A deeper look into Gaines’ abilities, he is a big hitter ready to lower a shoulder on a running back and wrap up on a ball carrier he has the angle on. He has a knack for being around the ball and breaking up pass plays with timely hits. He is very athletic, proven beyond his highlight reel, having won an Oklahoma state title in the high jump as a sophomore.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the under the radar recruits in the state of Oklahoma gaining insight on Gaines’ junior season and his off-season goals.
Interview
Christian, 2016 was your first year playing safety at the varsity level, how did it go?
“It went very well. Last season was a learning experience.”
What did you learn?
“I learned that I need to get quicker, faster, and I have to understand offenses better.”
How did your game get better as the season went along?
“I got smarter. I learned my craft better by being in different situations on the field.”
What was the pick-six like for you when it was happening?
“I didn’t know it was happening until it was done. It was exciting. I heard the crowd cheering. Everyone was cheering me on. It was great.”
How long did it take to sink in that you have just scored your first varsity touchdown on a returned interception?
(Laughs) “Not that long.”
What is your mentality on each snap as a safety?
“My mentality is to be physical, know what is going on, and do not let anything get behind me.”
How did you prepare for each game in 2016?
“I prayed and I listen to music all day. I tried to stay focused on what would happen later that night. During the week to prepare, I watch game film and focus on their best player. I studied how their best players get off the line and what they did on the field.”
Will you stay at safety for your senior year or will you move to another position?
“I will stay at strong safety. I’m sure I will get time in at free safety and some at wide receiver.”
What areas of your game are you going to work on during the off-season?
“I’m going to work on getting better at covering and getting faster.”
I know it is early but, do you have any plans to attend any college camps yet?
“I’ve been invited to attend a camp at Columbia. I might go there. I will more than likely go to some exposure camps too.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“2.9.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“I am taking the ACT in February.”
Are you playing any other sports for Santa Fe?
“Track.”
Which events?
“The high jump. My coaches want me to do the long jump this year. I won state last year in the high jump.”
What did you clear?
“Six-foot four-inches.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Are you playing on a 7v7 team this spring and summer?
“We have a 7v7 team with our school.”
Last question. What is your favorite part about playing football?
“Being around my teammates. I love the confidence of going into every game with a chance to win.”
Christian, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season.
“Thank you.”
Click the link to see Christian Gaines’ Hudl reel.
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Photo credits: newsok.com; No. 2 Christian Gaines