Interview: 2020 Santa Margarita WR Chase Nenad Readies to Improve on Breakout Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Unless one was watching Chase Nenad every day in practice for Santa Margarita during his sophomore season, few would have guessed the rising receiver would have had the kind of year he produced in 2018. The 6-3, 200-pound, target upped his game from nine receptions for 120 yards with two scores in 2017 to a breakout year with 60 receptions for 802 yards with five trips to the end zone. He even returned two punts for 39 yards. That kind of campaign against Trinity League competition has brought a swarm of interest from Pac-12, Big 12, and ACC schools; expect the list grow, and quickly.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I got time in with one of the top rising prospects out of California’s toughest high school football division to find out more about his skill level and recruiting prospects.

Interview

Chase, you took Division-I California high school football by storm during your junior season having a breakout season. Going into the 2018 schedule, did you expect to have the type of year you produced?

“I was focused on my game and winning, not my stats. I was focused on being the best that I can be and trying to get better.”

Opportunities aside, what were some of the reasons you did as well as you did this past season?

“I think a big part of it is that I love football. I play with heart and I play for my family. I love the game, and worked hard on being bigger, faster, stronger.”

From scouting you, you play receiver like a tight end with your blocking and you run the ball like a linebacker ready to punish the defender, is that a fair description or is there more to your mindset and approach to your style of play?

“I think that is pretty spot on. I try to play physical and I take blocking serious. I have improved my speed. One of my goals this offseason is to get faster so I can run past them too.”

Which areas of your game improved the most?

“My football IQ, knowing what to do, and knowing the play book. My ability to read defenses and being more physical improved a lot. My blocking improved as well.”

Of all the big games the Eagles played in 2018, which game was your best and why do you consider that to be your best?

“My best game was against Orem (UT). I had 220 yards and three touchdowns. I got 100 receiving yards in another game, but Orem was my breakout game. I was focused. I had some good blocks in that game too.”

We talked about the areas of your game that improved the most, what do you feel are the strengths of your game as a receiver?

“My high football IQ, reading defenses, and I catch well – I have good hands and my route running. I am physical. I can throw a DB off me and get off jams.”

Which areas of your skillset will you work on throughout the offseason?

“This offseason I will work on getting stronger, my agility, and my speed. I will also improve on my hand battling at the line, route running, and working against man-to-man coverage.”

Which college programs have responded to the season you produced in 2018?

“I am receiving interest from Oklahoma, I had a UCLA game invite, an Oregon State game invite, Utah, Fresno State, and Duke. Oregon came to one of my games as well.”

You had the game day invites, did you get a chance to visit any schools this fall?

“Yes. I went to UCLA for the Stanford game.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“It was good. We went on the field pre-game to watch them warm up. One of my old QBs is there. We were about eight rows up on 45-yard line; that was sweet.”

Are you going to play any other varsity sports this winter or spring?

“Yes. I play baseball.”

Which positions?

“Outfield. I am a centerfielder.”

Chase, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: twitter.com; No. 11 Chase Nenad