Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arizona RB Stevie Rocker Covers Recruiting and Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
So it seems, the only thing that can slow the roll of standout Canyon Del Oro running back Stevie Rocker is an ankle sprain. During the 2018 season, Rocker tore it up for 1,163 yards on the ground off 130 totes with 12 scores posted on the board. He rounded out his all-purpose talents against Arizona 4A squads with five receptions for 182 yards crossing the goal line three more times. Right before the start of the 2019 season, Rocker experienced a high ankle sprain that kept him on the sidelines for five games. Still, the 6-0, 190-pound, play-maker worked his way back rushing for 371 yards with a touchdown and secured five passes for 40 more yards.
With four offers from Arizona, BYU, Cal, and Nevada to choose from, the three-star recruit has hit the offseason hard working on his speed and agility preparing for a summer college camp circuit and his senior season. To talk about it all, Rocker sat down for an RNG first-look interview.
Interview
Stevie, you put up big numbers during the 2018 season coming out of the backfield for the Dorados. How did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“We did pretty good. On my end, it was not the way I wanted coming off my injury. I did not get what I wanted, but we did well. But we did not go as far as we wanted.”
What offensive set were you guys running?
“We ran different sets, a pistol, out of the gun, and an empty set.”
How did the OC get the ball into your hands?
“We kind of had two different looks. I got it in different ways, through a read-option or they would straight give me the ball. Our quarterback played running back his freshman year. I saw it as we had two running backs on the field at all times. We were a read-option offense. He kept it or not, either way we were getting positive yards. In the passing game, I was running flares and wheel routes. If we went to an empty set, I was doing shorter routes or the long ball every now and again.”
How did your overall game improve last year?
“My confidence was getting better. With the injury, I was thrown into a situation. I had to figure out my role through the first five games of the season. That made me focus. I was a better leader on and off the field. I was learning how to help people. That role helped me focus and stay on task. I stayed focus and knew what was going on.”
I like that. Is there a part of your game that might get overlooked?
“Sometimes it is my route running. Playing running back, most coaches do not know I can catch it or that I can play receiver. In 7v7, I am playing receiver. In 7v7, there is no running back or if there is, they don’t use them. I play receiver then, that gets my catching ability up to speed. We don’t throw the ball that much in games, coaches may not see that.”
Speed is a big part of your game. What is the fastest 40-yard time you’ve posted?
“A 4.5.”
We have you at running back and some at receiver, of course, but are there any other roles you may take on in 2020?
“I think they might throw me in at corner.”
With all that you will be doing, what are you working on this offseason?
“Getting my explosion back. I am getting that back. I am working off exploding off my ankle. I am doing a lot of ankle stuff for better mobility and flexibility. I am doing a lot of cleans, squats, and lunges. I am getting stronger. I am working on my take off so I do not hesitate because of my foot.”
During this time, what has been your daily routine to stay in shape?
“Usually on Monday and Wednesday my trainer comes over. On Tuesday and Thursday, I work on agility. I do field workouts working on my footwork, catching, and work on my craft. On Friday, I do one of the two.”
If all returns to normal this summer, are there any camps you may attend?
“Right now, I am looking at Northwestern and I have a camp invite from Columbia. I will probably take more visits too this summer. I am planning on visiting Fresno State, Notre Dame in July, and to my offer schools. I will hit the Cali (California) schools and hit Washington too.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Washington, Utah, Fresno State, Notre Dame, Washington State, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Oregon State.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Four.”
Which schools have you visited over the last few months?
“I’ve been to the schools that offered. U-of-A (Arizona), I went to all their home games and I went to one game at Washington. I went to a Cal game and to one of their Junior Days about a month before the quarantine. Last summer, I went to a USC camp.”
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned some planned visits mixed with some of the camps you may compete at this summer. Are there any other planned visits you may take?
“Yes. I was supposed to take a visit to Boise State, but that was cancelled because of the virus. I may go there soon. The Boise visit may be ahead of the other ones. West Virginia was trying to set me up for one, but the quarantine happened.”
Last question for you, my virus buster. What have you been doing during the quarantine to entertain yourself?
“Actually, I started painting. I never did it before. I like to draw, but I never went onto the canvas. A friend told me about it. We did it, and I liked it. In my room, I have a wall of my art. I made a Kobe (Bryant) one.”
Stevie, that’s cool that you are growing and adding more skills to your life. Thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts until we speak again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Rocker family; Stevie Rocker at Cal and USC