California 2018 RB TJ Pledger Working to be Best in Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When scouting next level recruits, all sorts of factors come into play especially going position by position. Overall one looks for ability, productivity, and future potential – has said player maxed out or is there still opportunity to grow to be even better? For Chaminade High School’s Class of 2018 running back TJ Pledger, he is aces across the board.

Pledger has already made a name for himself in the Los Angeles area as one of the best in his class. He broke onto the scene as a freshman rushing for 822 yards off 125 carries sporting a 6.6 yard per carry average with 11 touchdowns through 10 games. He even pulled in 15 receptions for 179 yards. Pledger topped his 2014 season coming up with 1,331 yards off 191 carries, a 6.9 yard per carry average, with 26 touchdowns. Evolving as an all-purpose kind of back, Pledger pulled in 33 passes for 381 yards with another score.

The Eagles future is bright over the next two seasons with the 5’9”, 185 pound, talent carrying the pigskin. Local and national attention has already started coming his way earning first team All-Mission League while being named to various “Super Sophomore” teams including earning MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors and being labeled a four-star recruit (consensus).

The other national honors coming his way are in the form of scholarship offers. To date, 15 schools have let Pledger know they want him at their school in 2017. The schools hoping to be in the running includes Cal, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Arizona, Washington, Tennessee, Penn State, BYU, Arizona State, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Washington State, USC, and UCLA.

I sat down with the budding West Hills star to get his thoughts on his play during the 2015 season, got a rundown on Pledger’s offseason workouts, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

TJ, you have game changing speed and can cut on a dime with one step and back to full-speed. Do you practice making those types of cuts for the game or does that just come natural to you?

“Yeah, I practice my cuts. I do a lot of footwork drills with my trainer, but some of it is natural. I’m there in the moment, I feel it, and make the cut. I’ve been blessed.”

Which game last year was your best game and why do you consider that your best game?

“My best game was our very first game against St. Bonaventure (Ventura). I had over 200 yards and five touchdowns (won 32-30). That game helped us with playoff seeding at the end of the year – we needed that.”

You have elite speed. Have you put that elite speed to the test running track?

“No. I have not ran track since I’ve been in high school. Next year I am planning on running track.”

You have two years of varsity experience under your belt. What are some of the thing you think you do well as a running back at this point in your career?

“I definitely think I have great vision. I can see the holes opening up. I run hard play to play. I run hard even though I may not be the biggest guy but I play bigger than my size. I catch a lot of defenders off guard with my power. I’m an athlete and a player – I leave it all on the field.”

For your position and for your age group, you catch the ball really well out of the backfield using your hands not your body. Do you do a lot of catching drills to work on that part of your game?

“I’m able to work out with my quarterback a lot. I have natural hands but the work I do with our quarterback helps a lot in the game. I’m running a lot of routes in the offseason and playing in 7×7 tournaments (Pro Way) has helped.”

You mentioned running routes this offseason, what else are you working on for the 2016 schedule?

“As of right now, I’m working on routes, catching the ball, and getting faster. I might play some defense next year so I am working on that. I’m working on the little things like my blocking to show I am versatile and more than just a runner.”

You mentioned playing some defense next year, where all might we see you line up in 2016?

“You’ll see me a lot more on special teams this year. We have a young team so I may have to play more to fill some spots. I will play safety this year a little bit and in the nickel. Wherever my team needs me, I will play. The more film I have the better it is for the colleges.”

I don’t think that will be a problem for you.

(Laughs)

It is early but have you set goals for the 2016 season yet?

“I have not set any personal goals, but for the team, we all want to go to state. This year I am just focused on the team and sending the seniors out the right way. Personally, I just want to play the best I can and help in any way possible.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 15 offers.”

Of the schools that have offered, which programs are maybe pushing a little bit harder than the others to forge that bond with you?

“UCLA shows a lot of love. Arizona, Arizona State, and USC of course. Washington – they were my first offer.”

Which schools are showing a lot of interest but have not offered you yet?

“Michigan State came by the school to meet with me. Oregon State has come by to watch me practice. Those two schools are showing the most interest without extending an offer yet.”

Which schools have you taken unofficial visits to so far?

“Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, and USC.”

How did your visit to UCLA go?

“I have visited there a couple of times for practices and their spring game. UCLA has a good environment. They treat me well and show me a lot of interest. The more visits I take the bigger the relationship I have with Coach (Kennedy) Polamalu (offensive coordinator/running backs coach). “The Revolution” is not far from home. I can’t wait to see their new facilities next year.”

How did your trip to Arizona go for you?

“Arizona was great. The coaches offered me then. That was a blessing. Arizona was a great visit. I saw them practice which was cool. I toured the campus with my pass league teammates. Their facilities are nice, the coaches are down to earth, and everyone is very nice. They came down to see me this fall. I like what they have going on. We’ll see where the chips fall with Arizona.”

Do you have any unofficial visits lined up?

“Ohio State and Tennessee this summer and then I will wait until the season to take other visits. I want to see Washington play. I want to get out to Notre Dame too. There are a lot of places I want to go to.”

Transitioning away from recruiting. How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.0 GPA but I am working on getting that up.”

What is your favorite subject?

“My favorite subject is history.”

Is there a next level player you really like watching play your position?

“Most definitely Ezekiel Elliot (Ohio State – Dallas Cowboys). He runs hard, he’s very athletic, and he is a versatile running back. He can do it all. He plays with a lot of heart. You can tell how much he loves the game and how much he fights for his team. He is a great runner. I think he is a good player.”

Last question, what is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part about playing football is going out there and using my God given talent. It feels good that kids look up to me and adults admire my talents. I just love the game.”

TJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: dailynews.com; TJ Pledger scores a touchdown for Chaminade

Photo credit: Pledger family; TJ Pledger at Arizona.

Photo credit: Pledger family; TJ Pledger at UCLA.