Interview: 2018 Texas ATH Prudy Calderon Updates U.S. Army Combine Experience

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As college football teams look to wrap up their 2017 recruiting classes stockpiling top talent from across the country, a quick eye is given to the next group of hopefuls that will make a difference in wins, conference titles, and the ability to compete for a national title. The massive amount of talent across the country is separated on the field of play but even further divided at top camps where the best of the best square off against one another with the cream rising to the top. One Class of 2018 talent who shinned at the U.S. Army Combine sure to get a closer look by Division-I programs was all-around athlete Prudy Calderon.

San Marcos High School scratched and clawed their way to a 6-5 season in 2016. The Rattlers did not back down from anyone fighting for every yard gained and against every snap of the ball from their Texas opposition. Calderon proved to be a difference maker in all three phases of the game. Lightly used on offense but in a highly productive manner, the 6-0, 192 pound, playmaker rushed three times scoring the rock once and pulled in four passes for 92 yards with another score. On special teams he was all over the field taking in 13 kickoffs for 432 yards with a long of 93 yards and returned 11 punts for 177 yards with a long of 42 yards.

Where Calderon shinned was on defense manning the strong safety position stopping 92 plays, 30 solo, with three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Interest is already rolling in from college teams ahead of Calderon’s invitation to compete in the U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen. Teams showing early interest includes Kansas State, Houston, SMU, and Texas-San Antonio among others.

I sat down with Calderon for a one-on-one about his U.S. Army Combine experience while getting a quick update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Prudy, which positions did you line up at during the combine?

“At safety, but all the defensive backs were put together.”

How did the combine go for you?

“It was pretty good. I tested well. I did well in the vertical jump and 40. I got lots of reps. I had a solid camp and held my own.”

How did the one-on-ones go?

“We had a lot of reps, I think I went 15 to 16 times. I was constantly learning seeing all the different receivers. I had a couple of picks and some pass breakups. I missed one pick by jumping too early. I don’t think I gave up that many catches.”

You mentioned you tested well, what were your final numbers?

“My 40-yard dash was 4.7 (fastest ran at combine was 4.6), that was laser timed. My shuttle was 4.1, my vertical jump was 37.5, my broad jump was 10 feet, and my L-drill was 7.2.”

Impressive. How did you prepare for the combine?

“There was a lot of preparation. I was constantly working on my technique. I made sure to keep my hips loose. That is one of the most important things for defensive backs. I worked on my 40-yard dash too.”

What did you learn from your experience at the combine?

“There are great players from everywhere. You are the big dog in your district, but everyone there was a big dog from their district. It was cool going up against everyone.”

You mentioned keeping your hips loose and working on your 40, what else have you been working on this off-season?

“I’m going over to offense this season, so I have been working to get my craft down on that side of the ball.”

Which position will you be playing for the Rattlers next year?

“Quarterback.”

Are you excited about playing quarterback next season?

“It will be interesting. I played quarterback in eighth and ninth grade. We had another quarterback starting during my sophomore and junior seasons. I moved to safety then for a best fit with the team. Our quarterback graduated so I will make that switch back.”

You have had a lot of early interest, which schools have continued to show interest in you after the season?

“I’m going to a Junior Day at UTSA (Texas-San Antonio) in February. SMU has shown a lot of interest. I have been receiving letters from Colorado State, Oklahoma State, and Illinois.”

Have you started looking at any college camps for the summer or spring?

“Not yet. I will try to go to some of the bigger camps. I will go to Texas for sure. I’m looking at SMU and UTSA too. I will try to hit the schools that are looking at me then but I’m not sure yet where all I will go.”

Are you playing any spring sports coming up?

“I’m not playing baseball this year. I’m focusing on football. I will run track and powerlift this spring.”

Prudy, congrats on a great showing at the combine and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: San Marcos Record; No. 4 Prudy Calderon between snaps.

Photo credit: Calderon family; Prudy Calderon at the US Army Combine.