Interview: 4-Star 2023 California LB Tre Edwards Talks All-American Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The future for high school running backs and quarterbacks in the San Diego area is bleak over the next three years with Tre Edwards on the field. The Class of 2023 linebacker wowed all during the 2019 season cutting down 110 ball carriers, 79 by himself, with four tackles for a loss, a sack, one pass breakup, and five interceptions with two pick-sixes. The varsity season turned in with Mater Dei Catholic earned Edwards first team MaxPreps All-American honors along with a first team All-Mesa League selection and four-star recruiting status. The productivity on the gridiron by the 6-2, 220-pound, head hunter has college coaching staffs lining up with nine offers dropped.
Covering his breakout freshman season and offseason workouts, Edwards stopped by the RNG Lab for a one-on-one conversation.
Interview
Tre, you did not play like a freshman last season lighting up California ball carriers with 110 stops. Getting those varsity snaps early, how did you see your game improve throughout the season from an underclassman to a guy dominating in the box?
At the beginning I had to adjust to the speed. Varsity football is much faster than youth ball. I was shaky at first but then everything started to flow.
What was the defensive set you guys were running?
Last year we ran a 4-4 most of the year.
There is a feel for the game you bring to the field as an inside linebacker, a natural instinct for the game. An impossible question, but where does that come from within you?
I’m not sure about that one. I’ve been playing the game my whole life, it is natural.
When you went into the offseason, what did you focus on with your skills as a linebacker?
This offseason I have worked on footwork and lateral quickness. I am also doing DB work to help my movements and my hips. I had slow hips last year.
What are some of the workouts you’ve been doing to add more strength to your talents?
I have a personal trainer, I met with him every day. My trainer has me doing squats, bench, cleans, and deadlifts; all that.
During your freshman season you got some time in at running back in the Crusaders’ offense. With Aiden Calvert graduated, will we see more of you carrying the rock this season?
Yes, I probably will. I should see some carries this season, more than last year.
What are some of the play calls that get the rock into the running backs’ hands within the scheme?
Mainly inside and outside zone plays.
Are you taking on any new roles and/or responsibilities on defense during your sophomore season?
I don’t think so. I have not talked to my coach about it yet, but I am sure it is the same as last year.
Which areas of your game have you continued to focus on this fall as the season nears?
Mainly my speed. I feel like I need to get faster. I have focused on improving shedding blocks and my man coverage skills one-on-one.
Your recruiting has blown up, how many offers are you holding?
Nine.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Arkansas and San Diego State.
Edward’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon State, San Diego State, UNLV, and USC
Which programs are showing interest?
Washington, we have a good connection. That’s all that I can think of right now.
When visits are allowed again, are there any schools you’d like to see in-person?
I want to visit Cal, San Diego State, but I have been there multiple times, it is down the street from me, and Oregon State.
Tre, thanks for your time today and keep up all the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Athletic Culture/Edwards family; Tre Edwards