Interview: 4-Star 2021 Arizona DE/TE Quintin Somerville Talks Breakthrough Season and Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

No surprise that yet another Saguaro High School football player displays next level talent capturing the imagination of college coaches, and for good reason because what Quintin Somerville did during the 2018 season was quite impressive. The 6-3, 225-pound, Class of 2021 athlete started the season primarily as a blocking tight end but about seven weeks into the season started earning more playing time at defensive end becoming a two-way standout. He finished the season with 44 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, five sacks, and eight quarterback hurries in about half a season’s worth of work aiding in the Sabercats sixth consecutive Arizona state championship.

After Somerville’s display of talents, he is now ranked as a four-star recruit with offers on the table from Memphis, Arizona State, and Arizona with top powerhouse teams showing interest. To learn about it all, I sat down with Somerville for a fun one-on-one interview.

Interview

Quintin, you were one of those rare cats that got playing time as a freshman for a high-achieving high school football team last year. How did the snaps in 2017 help you have the big year you had in 2018?

“Getting into those games helped my confidence level. My heart was beating out of my chest last year in those games. We also played Liberty last year, that was my third game. Playing in that game gave me that feel of how it will be playing these big games.”

Was there a point in the season when everything started clicking for you, where you started feeling like a grizzled veteran out there?

“Yes. In Week 7 of the season, I started getting that feeling. I had played tight end the majority of the season. They put me back on defense, I snapped back into it right away. It was a turning point in the season for me. I was a lot better than I thought. I could do more than I thought I was capable of doing.”

Are you going to play both ways next year?

“Yes.”

Another year of experience and physical maturity had to make a big difference for you this year. How do you feel that your understanding of the game grew during your sophomore year?

“Cutting up the game, breaking it down to little parts helped. Understanding everything I need to look for – how fast the linemen turn their shoulders, how they have their weight down, all that knowledge grew. My coaches helped us in the film room and on the white board. Having coaches that played at the next level helps. They know what we need to do.”

How did your overall game improve as a defensive end last year?

“I think I can be even more versatile. My defensive end skills improved because of my blocking skills at tight end. I learned how everyone would block certain approaches, I know what to do to get around. Having the best offensive line coach in the state, I learned it all.”

What about as a tight end, how did that part of your game improve?

“I started from the ground up building my abilities. Blocking to start off instead of just running routes has helped out a lot. It has helped me out a lot as a defensive end as well.”

Which position do you like playing best?

“Definitely defensive end. I love rushing the QB, I have been doing that since I was little.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on my speed and my catching ability to round out my game. If I get those things down, I can do anything coach asks me to do on the field.”

College coaches have responded to your growing talents with offers. Which school was the first to offer?

“Memphis, during my freshman year.”

What was it like for you receiving that offer?

“I was completely shaking. It was incredible. The best day of my high school career so far.”

Which other schools have offered?

“Arizona and Arizona State.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“Oregon, USC, Michigan, Stanford, and the majority of the Pac-12.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“Yes. I have been to UA (Arizona) and ASU (Arizona State) during the season and I went to Memphis and Ole Miss over the summer.”

How did the Arizona visit go?

“It was incredible. The coaches took me into their office to show me how I would fit into their system. It felt like a family there.”

And what about ASU, how did that visit go?

“That was incredible as well. My brother is an assistant coach at ASU. All the coaches showed me love. I know a lot of the players, they all showed a lot of love as well when I am there.”

Do you have any planned visits you may take this spring?

“A trip to Stanford, that will happen, and we are planning on going to Oklahoma in March.”

Quintin, it was great learning more about you sophomore season and recruiting today. Thank you for your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Somerville family; Quintin Somerville at Arizona (2018)