Interview: 2021 California RB/SS Androw Nesem is Having a Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
What should have been big news fall of 2020 is now being quietly passed over along the recruiting trail, and that is the senior season Androw Nesem is putting up this spring. After playing safety and fullback for Reseda High School as a junior, the Class of 2021 recruit has reemerged as a seemingly new player knocking the snot out of running backs while leaving defenders in his rearview mirror playing tailback for the Regents.
Being a standout soccer player with collegiate offers, California high school athletes were in a difficult spot forced to choose just one sport this school year; for the Regents’ coaching staff, Nesem choose wisely. The 6-0, 190-pound, athlete has ripped up Valley Mission teams rushing nine times for 197 yards with six touchdowns and has put an end to 13 plays all in just two games.
It is crazy to think what Nesem may accomplish during this truncated season and even more impressive to think what he could have done with a full senior year. As is, he is fighting for the attention of college coaches as one of those players who has skills but is being missed by next level scouts.
Interview
Androw, the Regents have started the season 2-0 coming off a big 32-8 win over San Fernando. Overall, how is the team looking heading into Friday’s game against Sylmar?
We are looking great. We’ve been practicing hard and we hold each other accountable on every play and on both sides of the ball. Our coaches take pride in what we do. On defense our goal is to get the ball back to our offense. We did a good job with that against San Fernando. They love to run the ball, they have strong running backs, but we were ready. We take pride in what we do and we love what we do.
In the win against the Tigers, you had some big runs and big hits. How do you feel about your performance last time out?
It could have been way better. I could have made more plays. There is more work to be done. As soon as a game is over, I want that film to see what I could have done better. My coaches try not to push me too much with more carries on offense, but I know I could have done more. I try to set the tone on defense. At home, we are not going to get ran over. We take pride on defense; I love the contact.
Lining up at running back, how are the coaches getting the ball to you this season?
My coaches call me in on like a third and short plays. They get me into the game to make big plays. I am a big part of the defense at strong safety and I punt and I am on special teams on kickoff and kick return. When they hand the ball off, I am not trying to get five yards but I am trying to score. I’m always in my coaches’ ear to get more carries during the game.
When I do get the ball, my coaches try to get me in space. Our offensive linemen are doing a great job this season blocking. They are athletic and pulling. My coaches want to get me out on the edge to use my speed. But they are not afraid to get me in on inside zone and power sweeps, or power stretch plays. They know how physical I am. If we need a few yards for a first down, they put me in.
As mentioned, you are a hard runner and you have that breakaway speed with a crease to the second level. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game out of the backfield?
Blocking, that is a big part of what I do. I can improve, but I have the size to block. I am good at picking up blitzes. It is not fun, but you have to do it playing running back. There are not too many plays where they leak me out, but I can catch well.
On defense you are getting time at safety, where all are you lining up on that side of the ball and what roles or responsibilities are you taking on this season?
I’m at the Regent position, that is the strong safety spot in our defense. My responsibility is to stop the run, stay in coverage, and take the one zone. In Cover 3, I make sure it is not a run, then I come down and blow everything up taking on blocks and shedding them. Strong safety is a physical position.
My role against the pass is to get in my zone and read the receiver. Route recognition is a big part of our defense. We want to play the ball and play deep. I haven’t gotten a pick yet, but I am looking forward to it.
How are you seeing your talents on defense grow this spring?
On defense, my aggressiveness has grown and I am more aware. I understand plays better after seeing everything last year. My will to make plays has improved. I have improved on my tackling and wrapping up. Taking on multiple blockers has improved and I am not afraid to take hits and give them. I am playing my zone better and driving on these receivers.
The team has two games left visiting Canoga Park after meeting up with Sylmar. For the remainder of the season, what do you want to accomplish?
As a team we want to win league and make a statement. Coming off the San Fernando game, we want to finish strong. We are coming to play our game and win. It feels good after knocking off San Fernando.
Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
3.9.
Nice. What other sports do you play?
Soccer, I am a goalkeeper. I am equally good at soccer. That helps me on the field. I adapt very well and I can learn positions fast. After transferring last year to Reseda and starting, I had to adapt. Goalkeeper is a physical position too. With soccer I have a lot of recruiting interest and offers, but I enjoy playing football. Football, this is a path I want to go down.
With soccer, how many offers do you have?
I have three. But football is my passion. I enjoy doing it day in and day out.
Androw, that’s a great note to end on today. I appreciate your time, and wishing you and the team success the rest of the way this season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Nesem family; Androw Nesem