Interview: California 2018 LB Christian LaValle Showcased Skill Set at UA All American Camp

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are a handful of exposure camps conducted across the country where it truly pays to ball out. The Under Armour All-American Camp is one of the top events in the nation drawing some of the best talent throughout each region. When the invite only camp roster was released for the southern California event, there was no surprise to see Class of 2018 linebacker Christian LaValle on the list.

LaValle has been one of the top linebackers in California over the past two seasons helping Mission Viejo High School capture a state title in 2015 and make an 11-1 run last season. Their 6-0.5, 220 pound, linebacker has been a stat line filling machine registering 115 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery as a sophomore and 108 tackles, an estimated 15 tackles for a loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. The numbers speak volumes even with the Diablos’ starters on the sidelines for most of the second half of their blowout wins.

Interest is building for LaValle, and after his performance at the Under Armour All-American Camp that interest is further warranted. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with LaValle after the camp gaining his insight on his performance with a recruiting update.

Interview

Christian, you showed a lot of improvement with your game from your sophomore season to your junior campaign. What are some of the areas you felt improved the most?

“My game last year – it felt like night and day from the year before. I was faster, more explosive, bigger, and able to compete at a whole other level. At first, I was more of a run stopping linebacker. A whole other year knowing the defense helped. I was reading my keys superfast. My coach even told me to slow down reading my keys so I don’t over run plays. My hands were better and I was getting off blocks much better. I can’t wait to see where it goes next year. I was able to play loose and I knew the defense. I trusted my abilities and I was able to fly around and have fun.”

Where all will you be on the field during the 2017 season?

“I’m moving to outside linebacker next year. The coaches are going to blitz me off the edge and play me some at end. This will add a whole other dimension to my game. Everyone knows I can play middle linebacker. I have two years of film to prove it.”

What about on offense?

“I might be a third down running back and I could see some time at tight end. I will be all over the place.”

What is the focus of your off-season workouts?

“Right now I’m trying to get more explosive speed. I’m working on my strength too but mostly making sure I am getting faster and faster. I’m trying to make sure I am explosive enough to play at the next level.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room yet?

“Not yet. We are mostly doing stability work getting all of our little muscles strong before lifting big heavy weight. We will max out soon.”

What is your best guess estimate on your max totals?

“I have deadlifted 525. My squat, I’m not sure. I can rep 225 on bench 12 times. My power clean last year was 315.”

Nice. Okay, let’s get to the camp. How did the camp go for you?

“The camp went great. I had a really good day with the one-on-ones. I was only beat once or twice. The camp was solidifying for me. There were a lot of guys out there that have multiple offers. I felt like I was one of the top ones out there. The camp was solidifying for me that I can play at the next level. The camp made me feel good about myself and my abilities.”

What camps might you attend upcoming?

“I’m going to Stanford, Wake Forest, and I’m going to try to go to Boston College and maybe Cincinnati. I am going to the Nike Opening and a Rivals camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Yale is talking to me a lot. Boston College, Cincinnati, Wake Forest, and Stanford a little bit. Stanford wants me to get to their camp.”

Are you doing any off-season sports?

“I’m throwing the shot and discus.”

What is the goal in the shot and discus this year?

“The goal in the discus is 165-feet. Last year I hit 147. In the shot, I am hoping to get over 50.”

Christian, congratulations on a successful camp performance and good luck with all of the other camps coming up.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Billy Tucker/Under Armour Camp; No. 54 Chrisitan LaValle at Under Armour Camp.