Interview: 2021 California OT Garrett DiGiorgio has Power 5 All Conference Potential

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The proverbial four-leaf clover on the recruiting trail is a true cornerstone offensive tackle that programs can build around to anchor their line for years to come. There are those that can play the position, but then there are others who hold court on the outside dominating everything that comes their way giving their quarterback a clean pocket and running backs room to roam. That rare lucky find for some college football program in the 2021 recruiting class is three-star Garrett DiGiorgio.

DiGiorgio is the five-tool offensive tackle checking off boxes left and right. He towers over others at 6-foot 7-inches and has a slender/muscular frame at 300 pounds capable of adding mass to the foundation. He has long arms and quick feet getting into the chest of defenders before they know what is happening and attacks the opposition with that needed nasty streak. His weight room numbers are off the chart, not only for his size and grade classification, but even for most college level tackles with a 315-pound bench max, 495 on squat, and a mind-blowing 305 on power clean. Furthermore, he is getting it done in the classroom carrying a 4.2 grade point average.

Teams throughout the Pac-12, Mountain West Conference, and Ivy League are beginning to target DiGiorgio, and for good reasons. Four offers have been extended from Fresno State, Oregon State, San Jose State, and UCLA with interest building in the Serrano High School (Phelan) standout.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s top 2021 offensive linemen for an in-depth football conversation.

Interview

Garrett, at the snap of the ball you were dominating opposing defensive linemen throughout the 2019 season, and not just because you are a big guy. What do you feel are some of the technically sound parts of your game as a run and pass blocker?

“I like to think I have really good footwork, but my size does help. I am strong for my class. I am the strongest at my school and I feel that I work the hardest. My footwork and bend, and my speed off the ball are the sound parts to my game.”

The coaches had you at both left and right tackle during the season. How did that versatility in the trenches help you improve your footwork?

“It helped. I’m good on my left stance, but my right is way stronger. Doing that helped showed my versatility. It helped me be able to play any position on the line and become a stronger player.”

We talked about the sound parts to your game, what were some of the main areas to your game that showed the most improvement last season?

“I got faster off the ball, my foot-speed improved, and my step got better. I have been playing basketball as well, that has helped me get faster. At 300 pounds, I move fast for my weight and size.”

Are you keeping the dual-role at offensive tackle next season, or will we see you lining up at other spots?

“I’m definitely playing tackle. My coach wants me to play at defensive end and defensive tackle this season. We might put a play in where I catch the ball; a play for fun.”

Are you excited about playing defense?

“Oh definitely. I love both sides. I love offense more. You don’t have to try as hard on defense, you just have to use your hands well.”

Which parts of your game are you working on the most this winter?

“This winter I am working on my strength and speed as well. I’m working to increase my speed off the ball, my step and my punch. I’m going to training a lot to become a better player.”

Strength is a big part of your game and ability to overpower defenders, what are your maxes in the weight room?

“My bench is 315, squat is 495 maybe more, and my power clean is 305.”

Holy cow, that is fantastic.

“Thank you.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“A lot of Ivy League and Pac-12 schools are showing interest. USC is talking to me, Oregon, and Colorado.”

How many offers do you have now?

“Four. I got another one today.”

Which program offered today?

“Oregon State.”

Congrats.

“Thank you.”

Have you started taking visits yet?

“Yes. I have been to San Jose State for a game.”

How did the San Jose State visit go?

“It went well. I enjoyed going on the field seeing the offensive linemen warmup. It was a good experience. The coaches were really nice to me, it was a really nice visit.”

Coming up, are you planning on any other visits?

“We are going to Oregon and Oregon State in March. I am also going to UCLA and most likely USC coming up.”

Garrett, it was great spending time with you today. Wishing you success with your workouts and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: @Kazilla_12; No. 64 Garrett DiGiorgio