Interview: 2019 New Jersey DL Bryce Blaikie has the Raw Tools with Upside
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the fun things with scouting and covering college football recruiting is coming across gems that are raw but filled with upside. Big, raw, strong, and full of upside are a few of the ways to describe Class of 2019 Colt Neck High School defensive lineman Bryce Blaikie. Playing defensive tackle and nose guard at 6-4, 260, Blaikie was still able to push around opposing New Jersey linemen coming up with 50 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, one sack, one QB hurry, and one forced fumble during the Cougars 3-7 2018 campaign. Despite showing effort, determination, promise and potential during his senior year, Blaikie is still a relative unknown on the recruiting trail.
With several junior colleges exploring options with Blaikie, I sat down with one of the overlooked talents in New Jersey’s 2019 class covering his senior year and recruiting prospects.
Interview
Blake, looking back, what are you most proud of with your play on the field in 2018?
“Decking kids, getting stops, and causing chaos in the backfield. I like creating chaos.”
You were all over the opposition’s backfield creating chaos last season, funny you used the same word I had for you. How do you feel you took your game to another level last season?
“My technique has gotten better. I got better with my hands, I got better at shedding blocks and splitting double-teams, and filling gaps. My tackling improved. I know the game better, I got better at recognizing plays.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game as a defensive lineman?
“My physical strength, my aggressiveness, my hands, and I am good at collapsing the pocket. They put me at nose to create chaos. I create problems for linemen.”
Which game last season was your personal best?
“I would say the Marlboro game.”
Why is that one your best?
“I helped my team win (20-14 OT). I blocked a field goal. I put the lineman into the kicker and got my hand on it. I got some key tackles for a loss in that game as well.”
When you last maxed out in the weight room, what were you throwing around?
“I haven’t maxed out lately because of wrestling, but on my last max out session my squat was 405, my deadlift was 405, and I benched 225 pounds for 10 reps.”
Nice. I know recruiting is still ongoing for you. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
I am receiving a lot of interest from junior colleges and Liberty.”
Which schools have offered you?
“I have a lot of JUCO offers from schools like ASA Miami – PWO, Hocking College – PWO, ASA New York, Ellsworth JUCO, New Jersey Warriors, Erie JUCO, and Nassau JUCO.”
Last question. For college coaches still looking to fill a spot in their defensive trenches, what do you feel sets you apart from other Class of 2019 recruits?
“My dedication. I am a believer in myself. I feel I can beat any offensive lineman. I have no fear in the trenches and I know I can get the job done.”
Bryce, thanks for your time today and good luck with your wrestling season and on the recruiting trail.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Richard Pre Hart Sr.; Bryce Blaikie tackle
Photo credit: Blaikie family; Bryce Blaikie at a Temple camp