Interview: 3-Star 2021 LB Mitchell Leppke Preparing to Control the Box for San Joaquin Memorial
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2020 high school football season gets going in California this January, three-star Class of 2021 defender Mitchell Leppke will be giving the fans and college coaches in the stands a different look, but with similar results. Leppke played end in El Diamante High School’s four-man front last season coming off the edge for 23 tackles, 20 solo, and 10 sacks with two fumble recoveries earning first team All-West Yosemite League. This season Leppke will be working at inside linebacker in San Joaquin Memorial’s 3-4 base defense.
As the offseason has brought changes on the field for Leppke, he has forced change of his own putting 242 pounds on his 6-2 frame. The change in physique and new position has aided in interest coming in from Florida State, San Jose State, Weber State, Idaho, various JUCOs, Taber (NAIA), San Francisco City College, Fresno City, Nevada, Fresno State, and Valparaiso.
In an RNG first-look, Leppke fills us in on the changes in schemes and positions along with his offseason workouts.
Interview
Mitchell, two big things pop on your film from the 2019 season, your pursuit to the ball and the pain you bring at the point of attack. When you wrapped your junior year, what were some of the other strengths to your game?
Our defensive line coach taught me speed to power. The thing I wanted to do is get off fast, and beat my opponent. I was a big bull rusher, but I had to learn through the offseason that you have to use moves against the experienced guys. After my junior season, I learned I needed to use more technique.
What defensive front were you executing with the Miners?
Four-down linemen and three in the back.
What were your responsibilities at end?
My coaches wanted me to contain the edge, nothing gets outside. I made sure to do my best.
Once you entered into the offseason, what did you focus on with your technique as a defender?
From working in camps, at the camps they would teach skill moves, spin moves, fakes, and watching their hips. If they attack go inside on them, things like that. I focused on weight lifting too. Last year I was at 200 pounds. I was not big enough to be a defensive end so I muscled up this offseason. My coach offered me to play linebacker, I told him I would do whatever. I bulked up and then took some weight off and gained speed.
Over the offseason you transferred schools, when did you get to San Joaquin Memorial?
It was over the summer, in June.
What roles are you taking on with the Panthers during the 2020 season?
They have me at linebacker, at middle backer. I might play some at tight end too this season.
What style of defense are you guys executing?
A 3-4, which is different for me.
A minute ago, you mentioned you focused on weightlifting this offseason. Going deeper, how have you worked to add more power to your game?
On Monday, that is chest day and shoulders, triceps, and dumbbell flies. Tuesday is back day and Wednesday is squat day. On Thursday I rest and on Friday I do endurance training and I break on the weekend. Every couple of weeks I go into heavy lifts to see where I am at.
Did you get to max out during any of your heavy lift sessions?
The last time I maxed out was in June. My bench then was 285, sure I am over 300 now. I did 315 for 12 reps which comes out to 441 on my squat. I want to see what I can do on power clean, I feel that I am around 260.
What are some of the drills you’ve been doing to increase your burst and speed?
A lot of hip workouts. I go to trainers for help. They are getting me loose. They say I am tight and need to get more flexible. I work with resistance bands when running and when I am doing change of direction drills.
When do the Panthers get going in fall camp?
We are doing it now but COVID is messing things up. Next week will be like summer ball for us doing conditioning. In June, we were doing circuits, then COVID messed everything up. We stopped and started again three weeks ago going over plays and all the small stuff.
What would you like to accomplish over the fall and winter months leading up to the start of the season in January?
I want to get better at play recognition, drop down to 235 to get faster and more agile, and increase my maxes.
Mitchell, I appreciate you taking time today to update us on your offseason workouts. Keep up the hard work this fall and winter.
Thank you.
Photo credits: Pierre-Pierre Productions/Leppke family; Mitchell Leppke