Interview: 3-Star 2020 OL Frank Poso Updates Recruiting and Upcoming Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The California teams that may have gotten a win in on Branham High School during the 2018 season might not be so lucky this year. The Bruins were a young team taking their lumps but showed a lot of grit, especially on offense, averaging 21 points per game giving promise to a big 2019 campaign. The offense was tilted towards the run averaging 230 yards a game with an emerging passing attack that moved the ball downfield at a clip of 122 per outing. The anchor up front allowing for success no matter the play call was Class of 2020 offensive lineman Frank Poso.
Big guys in the high school ranks can dominate on size alone, but Poso is more than a 6-5, 315-pound, knockdown specialist. He uses technique, strength, and a nasty streak to dominate the opposition ready to plant anyone not wearing the correct jersey on the gridiron. His play on the field garnered postseason honors in the form of League Offensive Line MVP, second team All-Area, and first team All-CCS. Showing his versatility and team-first mindset, he also moonlighted at defensive tackle coming up with 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, and forced a fumble.
The notoriety of Poso’s play is growing. An offer has been dropped by Nevada with other Mountain West and Pac-12 schools showing serious interest. In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of California’s top 2020 offensive linemen covering his growing skills and rising recruiting prospects.
Interview
Frank, when you lock onto a defender you are rolling him downfield against his will. That action takes a mindset. What is your mindset before the snap on each play?
“My mindset is to dominate the man in front of me, but I show respect after the play by helping him up. But, the goal is to destroy, help up, destroy, and then help up.”
I saw that on your reel and liked it. What type of offense do the Bruins run?
“We run a spread offense in a one-back set. We have a new coaching staff, after our coach left after my sophomore year. We have a really good running back (Cameron Rynhard) and we’ve now got a promising sophomore quarterback (Nick Bandanza), he is looking good.”
Which plays or which type of plays are some of your favorites to execute?
“I love pass blocking. The fun plays are pulling and doing sweeps with the tight end blocking down. I can get after the outside linebacker. I love pulling and meeting my guy at the next level.”
As a right tackle, how did your game improve during the 2018 season?
“Our head coach is an offensive line guy. He helped me with my fundamentals. During my sophomore year, I was just a big dude overpowering guys. After working with my coach, my hands and stance got a lot better. I was better at shocking defenders off the snap and just better overall with my fundamentals. I was more fundamentally sound taking my game to the next level.”
What are the strengths to your game as a pass protector?
“My strengths are beating my man to spot. I have a quick step back which allows me to beat faster defensive ends. I am more technical than most defensive ends. I feel that I am smarter than most of the guys I am going up against. I know how to read them and what they are going to do which makes it easier for me.”
And what about as a run blocker?
“My leverage is a strength. I have good leverage, and when I have leverage with my size and strength, I can move the pile. I can run them downfield and open big holes for my running backs. I can also get below some of the smaller ends and tackles working them over with leverage.”
You also play some defensive tackle, how did that go for you during your junior season?
“It is fun. I love showing my aggressive side on defense. I know college coaches love it. I’m not trying to play college as a defensive tackle, but I love it. I love to be there for my team. I love getting that stop on fourth down, getting the sack or tackle for a loss. Playing both ways, you can do more for your team. It is a fun feeling making plays on defense.”
What are you working on this offseason as an offensive lineman?
“I am working on technique. I plan on going to a lot of camps this offseason to learn as much as I can. I am also working on my strength training so I can get stronger and faster. I am cutting down about 15 pounds this offseason to make my game faster. Faster is better at the next level.”
Have you maxed out this offseason?
“Not yet. I am still in basketball now but I am lifting four times a week. We are in the playoffs now with basketball.”
You mentioned camps a minute ago, are you going to any national camps and/or combines this spring?
“Yes. I have been invited to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland.”
Nice. Going into recruiting. You have the offer from Nevada, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from a lot of Pac-12 schools. Washington State has come by my school, Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, and USC. I am also receiving interest from Mountain West schools in Fresno State and San Jose State.”
Have you had a chance to unofficially visit any schools yet?
“Yes. I visited Fresno STate during the season for a game, I also went to Cal for a game, and I visited San Jose State.”
Nice. How did the Fresno State visit go?
“The crowd was crazy. I love their intensity. I love the small-town feel there. At the games, the whole city is there. They have an awesome environment for the games.”
What about Cal, how did that go?
“Cal was really fun. They have great facilities. I saw all the new stuff to help players rehab after workouts, that was amazing. They have amazing facilities.”
And San Jose State, how did that go?
“That went well. I love the coaches. I think they have a great idea on where the program is going and how to get where they want to go. San Jose State is a backyard school, I love checking in with them to see how they are doing.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take this offseason?
“Yes. In April, I am going on a road trip for spring break visiting Nevada and the USC and UCLA (11-12th).”
Last question. What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my physicality. They like my want to destroy the guy in front of me. They like my nasty side. They are seeing that nasty side in me and liking it.”
Frank, I appreciate your time today and wish you success on your upcoming camps and unofficial visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Poso family; Frank Poso at Cal and Fresno State