Interview: 2019 Sacramento State RB Commit Xavier Ugorji Updates Season with Upland Preview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Seeing Rancho Verde High School in the California state championship game is nothing new. The Mustangs rode their high scoring offense to a 12-3 mark in 2017 before meeting up with Cajon deep in the playoffs. The offense then, much like this season, was a healthy mix of the passing of Brock White and the hard running of dynamic 2019 running back Xavier Ugorji. All that hard work and experience has led to a title run and perfect season for Rancho Verde with one last obstacle to climb.

Ugorji is one of those players who is truly fun to watch work his trade. During his junior season he carried the rock 133 times for 1,554 yards with 17 scores in 10 games played. Showing his all-purpose talents, he pulled down eight passes for 37 yards twice making it into the end zone. The hard work in the offseason has pushed the 5-9, 180-pound, scat-back to another level. The Mustangs are undefeated (13-0) with Ugorji covering 1,911 yards off 192 totes with 27 scores in stats posted through 12 games. He also has brought down three passes for 48 more yards with another touchdown posted on the board.

All that talent, speed, quickness, and ability to make defenders look silly will be put to great use in the coming years at Sacramento State. The Hornets added one of the more dynamic play-makers out of California’s 2019 class ready to make Big Sky defenders buckle at the knee with his electric moves.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Ugorji covering his senior campaign, recruiting, and received a preview of the No. 10 Mustangs Division-II championship game against No. 15 Upland.

Interview

Xavier, I’d like to start the interview talking about your speed and quickness. It looks like you developed your speed playing tag in a closet with a cheetah. How did you develop your open-field moves?

(Laughs) “I set the defender up and see the angles to take so I can figure out my move. I use my speed and quickness against defenders to make plays.”

Which game was your best this season?

“That is between Santiago and Tesoro.”

What did you do well in those games to make them your best?

“I caught passes out of the backfield and ran well. I ran well in our playoff game against Tesoro, I had a near 75-yard run. Every time I got the ball, I was getting seven or more yards against Santiago.”

What are your overall skills as a tailback?

“I feel like I am a good back. I have good vision, good reaction time, I am quick, and I am good at catching the ball out of the backfield.”

As mentioned, you are a receiving threat out of the backfield as well, how is that part of your game coming along?

“It is coming along well. I do like to run the ball more than catching, but I do like catching the ball. I can go one on one with the defender. I like that.”

The stats you’ve put up great numbers this season, getting close to 2,000 yards, which is pretty amazing. Have you even surprised yourself this year with the tremendous success you’ve had?

“Yes. With the offense we have, and all the new things brought to it. We have a whole new offensive line as well. It has been an amazing season.”

The Mustangs are undefeated this year what are the strengths to the team overall?

“Our No. 1 strength is our team speed. Our ambition and our motivation is a strength.”

You roll into the championship game on Saturday against Upland, what are you expecting from their defense?

“I don’t think their defense will blitz too much. I know they are up for this game. We feel our skill guys are better than their skill guys. I’m sure we will see a 30-front, not too many in the box. They may change it up on us as well.”

Where is the location of the championship game?

“It is at Rancho.”

Last couple of questions towards recruiting. You are a Sacramento State commit. When did you commit?

“I committed about a month after the offer, I was an August commitment (announced on Aug. 4).”

What led you to commit to Sacramento State?

“I love the coaches and the offense.”

When do you take your official visit to Sac State?

“My official visit is on Dec. 6.”

What has you excited about your official visit?

“I’m excited to meet all the coaches and all the players. I am excited to have a good weekend there.”

Xavier, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the Mustangs good luck against Upland.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Ugorji family; Xavier Ugorji at Sacramento State