Interview: California 4-Star OLB Reggie Hughes is That Player Coordinators Hate to Play Against

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

At some point in seemingly every game during the 2016 an opposing head coach and/or offensive coordinator threw their hands up in dismay watching Calabasas outside linebacker Reggie Hughes blow up another hopeful play planned in futility. The painful news for southern California high school coaches, Hughes has another year left of mayhem and destruction ahead.

Division 5 teams had no answers for Hughes’ athleticism and playmaking abilities last season. The 6-2, 212 pound, backer played his part beautifully racking up 69 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, 23 quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble in 15 games. The force off the edge helped push the Coyotes to a 14-1 season that included a run to a CIF title game.

Hughes mixed his game up to keep tackles off-balanced using speed and bull rush moves constantly attacking the outside shoulder only for a quick move inside for another checkmate. College coaches are liking Hughes’ potential with five schools offering so far; UCLA, Washington State, Boston College, Oregon State, and Nebraska. Interest is building and with the camp season kicking off, one can expect those offer totals to double as long as Hughes remains open to the process.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Los Angeles area four-star talent (Scout) covering his junior season, off-season plans, and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Reggie, you had a fantastic season with Calabasas manning the outside linebacker position. What were some of the things you feel you did well during your junior season?

“I feel like I did well being explosive off the edge on the blitz pressuring the quarterback and getting sacks.”

Watching your film, it is easy to tell you like to mix it up with your moves.

“I do. I mix my combos up from a swim move, outside move, and a power move. I will go at a tackle two to three times with a bull rush and then get him off-balance with a speed move.”

Did you receive any post-season honors?

“I received multiple All-American honors and invites to All-American events. I was first team All-CIF and All-Conference too.”

What are you working on this off-season for your senior year?

“Right now I’m doing 7v7 and track. Later on in the summer I will start defensive line camps to work on my hand movement and some linebacker camps.”

Are you staying at outside linebacker or playing multiple roles on defense in 2017?

“I’m stay at outside linebacker but I might play some other roles. It is not clear yet.”

Will we see you on offense at all next year?

“I don’t know. It is up to the coaches. If I do, I may be at running back or tight end. Right now it is just defense.”

Have you maxed out this off-season yet?

“No, not since the season has been over. We’ve been doing light weight lifting and training. Light weight with multiple reps. Last year my bench was 285 and my squat was over 300.”

What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve posted?

“A 4.60 at the Nike Opening last year.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Right now I have interest from Washington, Hawaii, UConn, Louisville, and Boise State.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have five.”

Are there any schools in contact with you a little more than the others?

“Right now the Pac-12 schools are in more contact with me than the others. Nebraska too.”

Do you have any planned visits?

“I’m going to Oregon State on March 18 and Washington State on April 22.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 2.9. I want to finish the second semester strong. I have three A’s, one B, and one C right now.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, not yet.”

You mentioned track earlier, which events are you participating in this year?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, and 4×4.”

What is your goal in the 100?

“My goal in the 100 is a 10.6.”

That would be fantastic. Last question. What is your proudest achievement so far on the football field?

“My proudest achievement so far are my sack totals. I’m hoping to get 25 sacks this season.”

Reggie, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: acorncapture.com; No. 23 Reggie Hughes pressures another quarterback.

Photo credit: acorncapture.com; No. 23 Reggie Hughes sacks another quarterback.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 23 does a swim move past the left tackle.