Interview: 4-Star 2020 DT Ricky Correia Working to be Tops in California

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Some may have guessed but few could have truly known how the 2017 season would have turned out for Ricky Correia in August of last year. The Class of 2020 defensive tackle turned in a dominating performance, all while playing ironman football. The foundation is set for Correia to not only be one of the best in his class in California, but his trajectory could be among the tops in the nation.

Fresno’s Edison High School worked through a 7-5 season seeing their rising star control games in the trenches. Stats posted through 10 games has Correia with 62 tackles, 31 solo, seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and one interception. The upside for the 6-4, 260 pound, big man has college coaches’ attention. Arizona has already extended an offer with Arizona State, Nevada, and Washington, among others, showing interest.

This offseason, Correia made the move from Edison to Central High School, the next level interest has followed. To learn more about Correia’s game and his growing list of college suitors, I sat down for a one-on-one exclusive interview with the California talent.

Interview

Ricky, when the 2017 season ended, which aspects of your game were going full-strength?

“I’d say I learned how to be a better player overall. Playing both sides of the ball and being one of the young guys out there, it was hard to adjust at first. But, I added new weapons to skillset last year. Being a run stopper is what I did that best last year.”

Between playing offense and defense, which do you like best?

“I like playing defense.”

Which game was your most challenging last season, and how did that challenge improve your abilities?

“I’d say going against Buchanan. They had about five All-League linemen on their team – they were all good. Going up against them, I learned better how to use my hands and get off blocks. Chasing Kendall Milton (4-star 2020 running back) around was tough. That game really helped me get my pad level down and use my technique.”

Which game was your best last season and why do you consider that your best game?

“I’d say Garces Memorial game. I got off blocks really well in that game. I was unblockable. I think I had seven tackles, two for a loss, and a pick.”

I wanted to ask you about the interception. For a defensive lineman to get a pick, that is rare. What was going through your mind when you ended up with the ball?

“I was trying to score the best I could. My teammates were happy for me and cheering. You’re right, that is a rare situation. It was a good feeling.”

Is there an area or two of your game you are wanting to fine-tune this spring and summer?

“I’m focused on getting off blocks, I want to work on that the most.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“I have, but only on squat. My squat max is 435.”

Nice. How many offers do you have now?

“I have one offer from Arizona.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving big interest from Nevada. I have talked to Arizona State, USC, and Washington so far.”

Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?

“I am planning on attending a USC camp. I am looking at a Washington camp and anything in California. I can go to get my name out there and compete against as many guys as I can.”

Are you going to compete at any national camps or combines this spring?

“Yes. I am going to the Under Armour camp on the 25th and I’ve been invited to the Nike Opening Regional in San Francisco.”

What goals have you set for yourself this offseason?

“I want to get bigger, stronger, and faster. I want to learn more about football.”

Is there a player at the college or NFL level you watch to learn more about the game?

“I watch Ndamukong Suh (Miami Dolphins), Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams), and I like to watch Tashon Smallwood (Arizona State).”

Ricky, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your upcoming camps and workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: sports academy; No. 77 Ricky Correia

Featured photo credit: twitter.com; No. 77 Ricky Correia hurdles a tackler