Interview: 3-Star 2023 WR Tiger Bachmeier Tore Apart California Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
On the gridiron it is all about making plays, and that is all Tiger Bachmeier did throughout the 2020 season this spring. Taking on California squads, the 6-2, 185-pound, receiver showed why he is a three-star recruit projected as a Power Five player.
During Murrieta Valley’s five-game season, Bachmeier took apart opposing secondaries hauling in 33 passes for 600 yards with six scores posted on the board. For college coaches wanting affirmation on his athletic skills, he took back eight kicks for 280 yards with another touchdown notched and flipped the field playing corner the last two games of the season coming up with 18 tackles, nine solo, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Three offers are down and college football programs across the nation are about to learn all about Bachmeier with an intense college camp circuit planned.
Interview
Tiger, for what was given within the five-game schedule, you made the most of your opportunities impacting the game in all three phases. Looking back, are you pleased with the performance you turned in during the 2020 season?
Definitely. There are a lot of things I am really happy about. The growth from the offseason paid off, and I will keep grinding. The biggest thing was getting the film and being able to see my techniques translating into my game. Even my running form, watching that and seeing how it has changed. Those were personal highlights for me and knowing the growth that I can have which will help me stay determined.
On offense, the releases, speed, yards after the catch, hand strength, you were displaying it all. What other traits to your game as a receiver did you showcase this spring?
Separation in routes, a lot of DBs were playing off because of my speed. I was open by three or four yards. Another was my ability to stop on a dime; I caught a lot of comebacks and hitches this season. Looking at my film, defensive backs were still backpedaling when I was going for the ball. I caught a few seam routes going past the DB. I was getting into the DB’s cushion and breaking from there. My stride length improved. I caught a number of fade balls to the outside and over my shoulder pushing out from the DB.
Going up for the catch and coming down with it was another trait I showcased. Something I pride myself in is going up for the ball and coming down with it. Against Heritage, I was thrown into the safety on a 15-yard gain. I jumped up, brought it in and was hit pretty good in the chest area but held onto the ball.
Running my routes to get other guys open was something else I showcased. I was running my routes a certain way to get my guys open rubbing off a defensive back or a linebacker. I was getting inside on a safety to get his eyes off other routes. That will reward me getting the ball later on.
My effort when blocking. Our running back, DJ Watts, is a hard driving running back. There were a lot of plays with three guys on him and he would slip out of it. I knew I had to stay on my blocks to help him get more yards.
The sets the Nighthawks ran on offense varied. What were some of the formations you guys ran and what were some of the routes executed out of the scheme?
We had a two-by and three-by, a lot of times we had a wingback. We kept him on the line, but he’d go out for routes. In our two by set, we’d but with him at the wing. We also came out with two wideouts on the same side. When we did that, I would go inside at the slot matching up against a safety or a linebacker. I caught two touchdowns in that formation on seams. We have a good screen game too but we didn’t get to showcase it too much.
They were dropping eight, which opened up our run game. When they dropped, we ran shorter routes but took our shots deep when we could. We also ran bunches, which were connected to the offensive linemen. I was connected in the box, blocking the outside linebacker and working up to Mike or the safety.
You also got time in on defense this season. Where all were you lining up in the secondary?
I knew the entire defense, so I was able to play safety and corner. For the most part I was at corner. We played a match up game against Vista (Murrieta). I was working with the defense all offseason ready to go in when needed. In our first three games, they did not need me. In Week 4, they told me they were putting me in. By the second or third quarter I was taking 100 percent snaps on both sides. In that game was in on special teams too.
What coverages were you guys running?
We were in man; we didn’t get passed on too much. In our last game, I think they had one reception. They ran a lot, so I stepped up and made tackles and got a forced fumble.
With the offseason now ongoing for you, what are you working on with your skills as a receiver?
Footwork, that is always a big thing, and my releases. That translates at the line, top of the route, and with sideline catches. Having body control is big. I am always working on my speed. I am doing track right now.
I am always working on my catching. Every day, 200 times a day, I am catching passes throwing it up or playing catch with my brother. This offseason I am lifting aiming to be more explosive off cuts. I am analyzing my route running and talking with my coaches to see where I can get that edge. I am learning how DB leverage effects my routes.
I am working out with the Dante Pettis, he’s with the 49ers. Having NFL talent around me, learning from them is making a big impact. My older brother Hank (Boise State) is keeping me in the loop with the scientific ways to get better.
You just mentioned running track, which events are you competing in this spring?
Last week, I ran the 100, I am signed up for that again this week, and the 4×1. We should win our league in the 4×1 relays. I am also pole vaulting. I have pole vaulted on and off the last few years. I am doing well there.
Back to football. Getting ready for more work on the defensive side of the ball this fall, what all are you working on there?
My hips, that translates both ways. Like on curl routes, or to turn to run with a receiver, they go hand in hand. I am working on my technique, my backpedal, and footwork. This offseason I am also working over at Winners Circle. There is a lot to learn. Playing 7v7, I will get some time in at DB too. I will keep perfecting that craft.
Which team are you playing 7v7 with this spring?
Premium LA. Steve Clarkson is the coach. We have a tournament coming up at Oceanside.
Looking to this summer, are there any college camps you may attend?
Notre Dame, I was invited to that for June. My Winners Circle coach has signed on at BYU; I am going to a camp there in June. Those are the two I am signed up for now. I am also going to a Rivals camp that is coming up.
Let’s talk recruiting interest. Which schools are tracking you but have not offered yet?
Notre Dame, a bunch of their coaches are following me, and UCLA. I am doing a shoot at UCLA this weekend. Cal is interested in me. Stanford coaches are following me as well as Auburn. When their Boise State staff went there, they’ve kept in contact. Boise State, still have their offer there.
How many offers do you have?
Three: Arizona State, Boise State, and Pittsburgh.
Are there any visits you may take or would like to take this summer?
USC, that’d be a nice visit. Arizona is also close. With my 7v7 team, we are planning on going to Nashville and we are planning Florida too. We will be traveling a lot and taking a lot of visit. We are waiting on that visit schedule depending on the different tournaments.
Tiger, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and Premium success with the upcoming tournaments and with all the planned visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Bachmeier family; Tiger Bachmeier