2021 Florida OT Walter Rosas is Attracting Top Interest Ahead of Atlantic Coast Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Florida 7A high school teams who may have gotten one in on Atlantic Coast High School in 2018, you may not be so lucky this season. The Stingrays fought through a 3-7 season a year ago, but that might as well have been a decade ago given what is going on with the Jacksonville squad this offseason. The Stingrays have a new head coach on the sidelines in Mike Montemayor, an influx of new talent, and all of those underclassmen who took their lumps are better this season for the experience. One of the young rising stars for AC is Class of 2021 right tackle Walter Rosas. Rosas is the prototypical collegiate sized lineman at 6-6 315-pounds, and has the power and evolving skillset to go with it. It all adds up to a bad year ahead for opposing defensive ends, tackles, and linebackers.

The 2019 season is a big one for Rosas and the Stingrays. The Stingrays are ready to make teams pay for the 2018 campaign and Rosas has a growing list of top collegiate teams throughout the southeast watching his growth on the field. To tie in all the interesting storylines, I sat down with Rosas for a quick one-on-one interview.

Interview

Walter, what were your thoughts on your performance in the Stingrays’ spring game?

“I think I did very well. I went against a five-star defensive end. I did a good job locking him up. I gave my QB time to throw the ball and we got a 21-0 “dub” (win).”

How is your game coming along at right tackle this summer?

“I feel like it is getting better with my kick-step and posting up on the inside – that is way better than last year. (QB) Ridge (Jacobs) will have fun this season.”

Which parts of your skills do you see as strengths in the trenches?

“My strengths are my kick-step. Because of my height, that is like five steps for a defensive end. My run blocking is a strength. I am getting off the ball faster this year. If you see a 6-6, 315-pound, lineman like me coming at you full-speed, there is some pressure coming with that.”

Agreed. We talked about a few things already, what else have you been working on with your run and pass-pro?

“I have been working on my speed, getting off the ball faster. That is the main thing. I have been working on footwork and shooting my hands.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to a UCF camp with Patrick Bryant (WR) and Ridge Jacobs (QB).”

What was the UCF camp experience like for you?

“It was fun. We did one-on-ones; I did well in that. The whole camp was seeing what we can do in drills, running, and one-on-ones.”

Which parts of your skills did you showcase?

“In the one-on-ones I showcased my kick-step.”

Entering into the 2019 season, which schools are showing interest?

“Virginia Tech, they are showing interest, UCF, and Miami. LSU is as well. They said they love my size.”

Did you visit any schools this offseason?

“Yes sir. I visited UCF, South Florida, and Southern Alabama.”

How did the UCF visit go?

“It was nice. I went the day before the camp. I loved their weight room. It is huge and amazing.”

And the USF visit, how did that go?

“It was good. USF is a nice school.”

Do you have any planned visits for this fall?

“I am trying to get to LSU and Miami – they have been showing interest in me since the ninth grade.”

Back to football. How are the Stingrays looking with an opening game on Friday against Flagler Palm Coast (8A)?

“I feel like our offensive line is looking good. We got a lot better this past week. We are ready to go. Our defense, our defensive line is amazing. They are getting stops. We will be good this Friday.”

What is the mindset of the team this week?

“We are ready to go out there and hit them in the mouth. We’ve been working hard this offseason.”

What kind of in-game matchup against the Bulldogs are you expecting?

“Their defensive end is fast and he loves to go around on the outside. He will try to go outside but I got him no matter where he goes.”

Walter, it was great covering ground with you on and off the field. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success this season.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Atlantic Coast High School and Rosas family; Walter Rosas in action and at a UCF camp