Interview: 3-Star 2021 OL Anthony Rosas has Dominated to 11 D-I Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Merely sharing that Anthony Rosas was a first team All-League performer for Sierra Vista High School during his junior season tells very little about just how much he dominated the competition in 2019. The 6-4, 285-pound, right tackle was beastly with his run and pass blocking flipping defenders like a line chef at The Waffle House making pancakes. Rosas’ play was so impressive he has earned 11 scholarship offers to date ranging from the Pac-12 to the SEC and ACC. By his own words, his impressive ways on the field are only just beginning.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s most coveted offensive linemen in the 2021 class getting into the trenches with him on his blocking style with an overview on his recruiting process.

Interview

Anthony, you had a showcase season on the field in 2019 on offense getting after it. How do you feel the season went for you personally?

“To be honest, it started low and skyrocketed up once the season started going. Experience and extra work got it going, and all the coaches were pushing and supporting me. This season (2020) will be nothing compared to last season. I will show out.”

Even though you are a big guy, you can move. You get out on screens and the coaches have you pulling from your right tackle spot. Does that speed come naturally or do you practice speed and run sprints?

“I wasn’t that fast when the season started. My coaches worked with me. I bought into what we were doing. I caught up with the game speed. Instead of thinking about it, I just went.”

What blocking schemes do the linemen run with the Dons?

“We would run the ball and pass – really simple honestly. Our aggressiveness made us look so good. People thought we were doing something different but we were just being aggressive.”

How did your game improve as a run and pass blocker during your junior season?

“My get off improved a lot. I practiced explosion, my kick step and my power step improved. I would get that pancake right away. My kick-step and my pop are good. Even on pass blocking, I would pancake them.”

That was my next question. Did you track pancakes and/or knockdowns this season?

“We were going to count them, but it was happening too fast. I have four minutes and 30 seconds of mostly pancake blocks on my reel.”

True. If you had to guess, about how many were you getting?

“I’d say at least seven pancakes per game. If I am laying on them, it counts, otherwise they can get up and still make a play.”

In which game did you turn in your best performance during the 2019 season?

“In the first round of the playoffs against Riverside Prep. In my opinion, it was go-time. My mentality was to kill the guy in front of me. It was life or death for our season. I got close to 10 pancakes. I was bullying that guy.”

The coaches have used you here and there at times on defense, during the 2020 season will you get more time in on the other side of the ball?

“Yes. I will be playing defense during my senior year.”

At which position?

“Defensive tackle. In a 50-front, I will play some nose guard.”

Heading into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?

“USC, UCLA, Arizona, and Oregon State are showing interest.”

How many offers are you holding?

“I have 11 offers.”

Rosas’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Kansas, Maryland, Miami, Penn State, Washington State, and William & Mary

From the start of the season to now, did you take any unofficial visits?

“I went on an unofficial to Arizona State in the fall.”

How did the ASU visit go?

“It was a good experience. That was my first visit. I liked it a lot. I want to visit as many schools as possible. I really liked ASU; they are my baseline for future visits. They have set the standard for me.”

Which schools are you planning on visiting coming up?

“On Jan. 25, I am going to Colorado’s Junior Day. This spring I will be going on more visits. I am planning on visiting Washington State and some east coast schools like Miami, Florida, and Florida State.”

National camps and combines are starting. Are you taking the skills to any upcoming camps?

“Yes. I am going to a Rivals camp on March 5 and the Under Armour All-American Camp in Los Angeles on Feb. 9.”

Last question, what will be the focus of your offseason workouts?

“I will work on keeping my speed and aggressiveness. I am running and doing jump rope to work on speed and mobility. I want to gain more muscle. I want to be up to 300 by the start of the season and with speed.”

Anthony, thanks for your time today and good luck at all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Rosas family; No. 75 Anthony Rosas