Interview: 2021 California SDE Mandela Tobin is A Big One to Watch
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
California is known for the quarterbacks and receivers they develop for the college game, and on defense the linebackers and defensive backs, but there is a surge going on throughout the state with the rise of versatile defensive ends. The corps coming up are learning how to shut down their side of the field sealing the edge, chasing down plays from the backside, and know how to put pressure on the quarterback. In a tough 2-8 season for San Diego’s Westview High School, there was a bright light on the field in No. 52 – Mandela Tobin. Full season stats for Tobin (6-3, 260) have not been released, but his estimated stat line is 50 to 60 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and four sacks.
With interest coming in from Mountain West and Pac-12 programs, I sat down with Tobin for a catch-up interview getting the inside scoop on how his game developed during his junior campaign.
Interview
Mandela, you are a warrior in the trenches for the Wolverines getting after it going up against guards and centers. Your strength shows going against the linemen, did you max out in the offseason? If so, what did you put up?
“Back in the spring, I did before the season. My bench has increased from 345 to 360 now and my squat was at 405 going light with a hamstring tweak.”
Nice. Your get-off is impressive helping you explode into the backfield. What are some of the other tricks to your trade allowing you to get into the backfield to make plays?
“I do a lot of calf workouts, which helps with my explosion. You can go slow or do fast reps. When I finish my lifts early, I do that. Timing the snap helps. I get that surge of energy into me before the snap, that gives me extra power in my get-off. Next season, I want it all the time. I want that surge of power all the time. My focus in games helps as well. If you are not focused, your get off will not be as good.”
Taking on double-teams playing on the inside at tackle is nothing new for you after this season. How did that part of your game grow allowing you to shed blocks and string out plays pushing linemen east and west if needed even as an end?
“This season, I did not get double-teamed as much. I played end after my first game, but at times my coaches moved me to defensive tackle to disrupt the inside play. I have been working really hard getting off the double-teams. In our last game against Mt. Carmel, I played tackle for most of the game to mess up their inside run.”
What moves were you using as an end to get into the backfield?
“I used my speed rush, the classic rip move, the club and rip, and I would fake to the outside and go inside. In the Granite Hills game, I went against a giant offensive tackle. He was 6-5, 300-pounds. I did really well against him; those moves were there. I tried push and pull this season some but I am not as experienced with that move so I did not use it as much. I will be working more on that this offseason.”
Where did you show the biggest improvements in your play this season?
“The biggest improvement was with my agility. It has improved a lot from last season. Last season I was stiff with everything I did even though I still made plays. During our summer practices, I was doing agility drills and my defensive line coach could see a massive improvement in me with my agility. I got faster, quicker, and my lateral movements were faster.”
If we put on game tape to watch your best game of the season, which one are we watching?
“I would say the first game of the season against Rancho Buena Vista.”
Why the Rancho game?
“I was wreaking havoc. They could not stop me. They were trying to chop block me. You can see it on my reel. I was dominating and overpowering them. I was stronger than them. I was upset about the chop blocks, I had been hurt by that before, but I took it as respect because they see me as a big problem.”
After the season you turned in which schools are showing interest?
“Boise State sent in a transcript request so did Northwestern. Arizona State, I am talking to them. They invited me out for a visit. That visit was excellent (Nov. 9). They have such an awesome fan base. USD (San Diego), they want me to come back as a senior. Their tight ends coach, Coach (Dorian) Keller, came to one of our games against Poway, (LB) Robbie Grier is being recruited by them. Stanford’s defensive coordinator has my info. He likes my film. He walked up to me at one of their camps this summer and said he liked what I did as a sophomore.”
Nice. You took a visit to ASU this fall, do you have any other visits planned?
“Hopefully in the spring I will start taking some again. If some of the schools that I am talking to now I would like me to visit I may. In the early spring is when I am looking to start taking visits again.”
Going into the offseason. What are you planning on doing with your workouts to push your game forward?
“This offseason I will work on my agility so I can become faster. I will work on my 40-time and get into the weight room to add extra power. I will also work on my pass rush moves. I will be working with a former NFL lineman on that this offseason. I am really excited.”
Do you watch film on other defensive linemen, if so, who are you watching and what are you seeking to learn?
“I do watch film on a couple of other high school recruits to learn more moves. I will watch the five- and four-stars and compare my film. With the NFL, when I watch them, I am focusing on the defensive line to see what they are doing. I have gone back to 2013 to the Senior Bowl in college football to watch their one-on-ones. I find it really interesting. Pass rushing is an art. It is beautiful to gaze upon and to learn. Chase Young (Ohio State), I think he has 13 sacks and he is not even close to the end of the season. Drake Jackson, he is a true freshman at USC, he is doing awesome. I am watching them and learning what they do so I can be at that level.”
Mandela, it was great getting time with you after your season for an update. Wishing you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Tobin family; Mandela Tobin with ASU head coach Herm Edwards (Nov. 2019)