Interview: 2021 Centennial DB Calvin Pitcher Covers USC and UCLA Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Playing for perennial high school football powerhouse Centennial will attract a collegiate scouting squad, but it is up to the individual players suiting up for the Huskies to do something with that opportunity. For Class of 2021 safety Calvin Pitcher, he is making the most of it with a big junior campaign produced. The 6-1, 195-pound, defender, capable of playing strong and free safety, racked up 61 stops, 19 solo, with a tackle for a loss, a QB hurry, forced a fumble, and blocked a punt for a touchdown in 2019. The hard work on the field helped the Huskies to a 9-3 record and a No. 20 national ranking (MaxPreps) along with first team All-Big VIII League honors. As mentioned, getting it done on the field at Centennial draws a recruiting crowd, and that crowd is finding Pitcher in a hurry this winter.
After weekend visits to USC and UCLA, Pitcher sat down for a conversation covering his offseason workouts with an update on his booming recruiting interests.
Interview
Calvin, looking back on the 2019 season, when the season ended what were the strengths to your game as a defensive back?
“I played faster. My in-game speed was a strength and I was seeing everything; I was reacting to the ball faster. Growing from that, I will be a way better player this season. I need to maintain that game speed.”
We talked about your strengths, which areas showed the most improvement?
“My coverage showed the most improvement compared to before; my man and zone coverage. My play recognition improved and calling audibles if necessary.”
This offseason, what are you working on before your senior season?
“My speed and my strength. I’m speed training five times a week trying to get faster.”
Quick turn to recruiting. Which schools are now showing interest?
“USC is showing interest; I was there yesterday (Saturday) for a Junior Day. Oregon, they have been up to our school four times recently. I spoke to Chip Kelly (UCLA) on Friday at school; I visited there yesterday as well. Tons of schools are coming through Centennial this offseason: Boise State, Washington, Fresno State, and Sac State. I am hoping to build relationships with all of them.”
You visited USC and UCLA on Saturday. Starting with UCLA, tell me about the trip.
“It was great. Seeing their facilities and putting on the uniform, it was fantastic.”
And USC, how did that go?
“That was a great visit too. Clay Helton (head coach), he is an energetic coach. The visit was a good opportunity meeting their defensive coordinator, Coach (Johnny) Nansen.”
Are there any more visits coming up on the schedule?
“We are looking at Oregon and Sac State.”
Will you be competing at any national and/or local camps this spring?
“Yes. I will be competing at the Under Armour All-American Camp on Feb. 9.”
Calvin, thanks for the update. Good luck at the Under Armour Camp.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Pitcher family; Calvin Pitcher at UCLA