Interview: California 2018 OLB Camron Pitcher No Longer Under the Radar after Under Armour Camp

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In-Article Photo Credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: RaymondJoycePho

Some college football staffs like to throw out the notion to their fans that they scour the country looking for top talent leaving no stone unturned. There are a lot of big recruiting stones easy to find at one of the top powerhouse football programs in the country yet somehow college coaches seem to be overlooking next level prospects at Centennial High School. One Corona area recruit no longer flying under the radar after a big performance at the Under Armour All-American camp on Sunday is Class of 2018 linebacker Camron Pitcher Jr.

Pitcher may not be a recruiting trail name… yet, but is certainly a known commodity in California circles. The 6-0, 216 pound, linebacker was key enforcer for the Huskies defense in 2016 coming up with a rough stat line of 105 total stops, 18 tackles for a loss, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. For his efforts, Pitcher helped the Huskies to an 11-2 record with an end of season MaxPreps’ No. 3 national ranking being named All-State, All-CIF, and All-Area.

The skill set that was on display throughout the season for the outside linebacker was showcased against some of the top players in the region on Sunday. In game action, Pitcher is that fierce backer that can blitz the edge blowing up a left tackle to get the sack or put pressure on the quarterback for an errant pass. He is tough against the run fighting off blockers to make the tackle and can drop back into coverage or pick up a tight end or slot in passing situations.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California to get his thoughts on how the camp went and an update on his off-season goals.

Interview

Camron, you showed off your athleticism out there today. What are some of the strengths to your game as an outside linebacker?

“My lateral quickness. Instead of being tied to the box I’m able to go sideline to sideline to chase down plays and drop back into coverage.”

What are you working on in the off-season?

“I’m working on getting bigger and stronger. I’m trying to put on some more weight. I want to get bigger so I am able to handle some D-I lineman.”

 

How did your on the field game translate today at the Under Armour Camp?

“I’d say my physical ability translated. I was able to stay with the receivers. I was jamming the guys on the line and staying with them. My football IQ translated, knowing where to be on the field during our zone defense.”

What did you learn at the camp that will help you during your senior season?

“Somethings I learned, staying square while back pedaling and my lateral turn. A focus with the eyes on the ball and then bursting on the ball to make the play.”

How did the camp go for you overall?

“The camp went well. It definitely went well. I had some good plays and some mistakes but the coaches were there to help me fix my mistakes.”

What upcoming camps are you planning on attending?

“I’m going to the Nike Opening. With college camps, I’m still deciding. I am thinking about going to a Stanford camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Stanford, Cal, UCLA, and most of the Ivy League schools.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have an offer from Cornell.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“Last spring I went to Cal for one of their camps and I have been to Stanford.”

Do you have any planned visits for the spring or summer?

“None yet. I’m still organizing the schedule for my visits.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 4.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I take the SAT in three weeks and the ACT a month after that.”

Are you participating in any spring sports?

“I’m Winner Circle Athletics 7v7 team and a 7v7 team with Centennial. The rest of the off-season is speed training and lifting weights.”

What is the best 40-yard time you’ve put down?

“4.6.”

What are your weight room max totals?

“My squat is 420, my bench is 255, and my power clean is 265.”

Camron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your camp season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Billy Tucker/Under Armour Camp Series; No. 24 Camron Pitcher Jr.