Interview: 3-Star 2021 LB Will Schweitzer Covers Pac-12 Visits and Recruiting Process
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When scouting high school football players, there is a mix between current production and potential at the next level that goes into the overall equation. For Class of 2021 linebacker/tight end Will Schweitzer, he already has the production on the field and his upside can only seemingly be stopped by himself. All adds up to a current three-star recruiting status and seven offers for the Los Gatos High School standout.
During the 2018 California high school football season, Schweitzer balled out for the Wildcats coming up with 88 tackles, 12 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, 15 quarterback hurries and picked up a fumble, but did all that playing defensive end. With his size and speed, many college programs were dropping offers seeing him as a next level outside linebacker. Projecting him there now is a lot easier seeing Schweitzer lineup at Mike for the Wildcats this season. In stats through the teams’ 6-1 start, their middle linebacker has cracked down on 63 plays, 11 solo with three tackles for a loss, five quarterback hurries, and has picked off two.
The future is truly bright for Schweitzer and he gives collegiate defensive coordinators a feel for a two-for-one kind of player. At 6-5, 210-pounds, Schweitzer can play any number of positions in college with all depending on how he fills out his frame. All that he brings to the field has prompted Arizona State, California, Duke, Nebraska, Oregon State, San Jose State, and Washington State to put an offer down.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s top backers in the 2021 class for an update on his season with insight on his recruiting action.
Interview
Will, the Wildcats are off to a great season with a 6-1 record. What is working for you guys leading to all the victories?
“Our offensive line play has been awesome. Everything has been clicking for us as a team. We are a family. We have had that before, but never like this year. Our coaching staff is awesome.”
The defense has been very tough holding teams to 15 points per game on average. Which defensive scheme are you guys running?
“We’ve changed things up. This year we are in a base 4-4.”
Where are you lining up within the scheme and what roles or responsibilities do you have?
“I’m playing inside linebacker this year. My responsibility in the scheme is to be a sideline-to-sideline player every play.”
With the work put into your game, where are you seeing the biggest improvements this season?
“My linebacker play is showing the biggest improvement. In seasons before, I was playing defensive end but being recruited as outside linebacker. After this year, I am confident on how I can play in space. My rushing the pass ability has really improved. I am reading my keys, and improving on that. Our linebacker coach played at Oregon. He is helping me out reading guards and with my overall knowledge on the way defense is played. I know every spot on the field now playing middle linebacker.”
What are the overall strengths to your game?
“I feel like I am rushing the passer well. Like I said, I am a sideline-to-sideline player. I go 100 percent on every play. I don’t take a play off.”
On offense, what is your role for the team?
“I am playing tight end. My role is to catch passes when they come my way and to block for our running backs. Our running game is awesome this season with our line.”
Which game has been your best this year?
“This season, there has been few. The Milpitas and Leland were probably my best. In both games I had picks that were big on momentum for our team. We won those games, and that is the goal.”
As you show your talents at linebacker, which schools are showing interest?
“Washington, Stanford, UCLA, Oregon, Northwestern, Notre Dame, San Diego State, Nevada, and Arizona are all showing interest.”
How many offers have been extended your way?
“I have seven offers.”
Have you taken any recent visits?
“Yes, sir. I have been to Cal a few times, they are a local school, and Arizona State. I am going back to Cal this weekend for the Oregon State game.”
In general, how have the Cal visits gone?
“I love Cal. The coaches, they treat me so well. I know that I can trust them. They have a great staff there. The team is playing well, and their linebacker, Evan Weaver, he is great. I am pumped up about being recruited by the Bears.”
If you will, tell me how the ASU visit went?
“I really liked ASU. There is a different vibe, not better or worse than Cal. I really liked it. I was there for the Colorado game. I watched film with them, and saw everything. I got a good feel for the environment there.”
Upcoming, are there any planned visits?
“I am definitely going to Washington; I went there last spring. Oregon, that is 100 percent going to happen and I plan on visiting Duke. I have nothing else planned right now. I am taking a good amount of visit this spring.”
Closing out on this. You guys smoked Santa Clara (54-0) in the last game, what kind of game will Fremont (1-5) give the team on Friday?
“It is not about what they will give us, it is about what we give them. We will come out firing on all cylinders, it should not be a close game.”
Will, I appreciate your time today and hope the Cal visit goes well for you this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Schweitzer family; Will Schweitzer at Washington and Arizona State