Interview: Big 3-Star 2021 OT Rolan Fullwood is Taking Advantage of Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Rolan Fullwood checks all the physical characteristics college football offensive line coaches seek in players wanted on the roster, and gets after it on the defensive line. At 6-6, 310-pounds, the three-star Lawndale High School prospect passes the eyeball test using his size to clear open holes in the run game and demolishes hopeful pass rushers where they stand. With quick feet, good strength, and tremendous upside, the skills to Fullwood’s game at right tackle have brought in offers from Fresno State, Kansas, Nevada, San Diego State, UNLV, and USC thus far.
In an RNG first-look interview, Fullwood updates us on his spring workouts and college football recruiting options.
Interview
Rolan, you spent the 2019 season planting California defenders in the ground play after play at right tackle for Lawndale. Did you dominate the competition the way you wanted last season?
“I feel like I could have done better but I did what I had to do.”
How did your abilities as a pass blocker improve last year?
“Last year, I improved a lot and this year will be way better. From my sophomore to junior year, I improved a lot but there is always room for improvement. I got more pancakes last season, even on pass blocking. During my sophomore year most of them were with run blocking.”
Did you track your pancake and/or knockdown blocks?
“Yes, but not in all the games. I missed a couple of games, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.”
Guessing, how many per game were you getting?
“Per game, shoot, at least eight to 10. I have more film to add with pancakes and defensive plays. Come to the game, it is live, you will see how many pancakes I get.”
For as tall as you are, and going against players a couple of inches shorter, your pad level, especially on run plays is very good. What were some of the other traits to your game that were strengths last season?
“I love run blocking, I love when we run the ball, that is when I turn up, and I like hitting people. I like the second level pancakes too. This year we will have a real good year, I feel a championship for us. We will win league for sure.”
As mentioned, you got some snaps in on defense last season eating up dudes going the other way, are you doing more of that this year?
“Yes. This year I will be playing both ways, probably the whole game. Last year I played a couple of games both ways the entire game.”
Are you staying at right tackle for your senior season?
“I might stay at right tackle. If I move, it will be to left tackle.”
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on with your game on offense?
“Honestly, a lot of footwork, I am trying to get my feet faster. I want to have feet like a corner or receiver. I want to be quick and light on my feet, and as fast as I can be.”
What have you been doing to add strength to your game this spring?
“I bench every other day, I squat five sets, do curls, and I switch it up. Some days all arms, or all legs, and then I mix it up with arms and legs.”
Have you had a chance to max out this offseason?
“I haven’t maxed since January. The last time I maxed, I got 305 on bench. For squats, our bar only holds four plates; I can hit that eight to 10 times. I have not maxed on squats.”
Once the season kicks off, what do you want to showcase of your game to the fans and college coaches?
“I want them to witness the energy of my game.”
Let’s dive into recruiting. Which schools are talking to you or are in some form of contact with you?
“Colorado, Hawaii, Boise State, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Arizona State – they talked to me last week.”
How many offers do you have?
“Six.”
Before visits were shut down, did you get any in going back to the 2019 season?
“The only visit I took was last year in November, I went to Oregon. I have been to USC twice.”
How did the visit to Oregon go?
“It was cool. They took me on a tour and I got to see a game.”
Do you have any planned visits for this summer or fall?
“I’m not sure yet, but I will most definitely go to Fresno State. The virus cancelled it, but I was supposed to go to Boise State in April.”
Rolan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer preparing for the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Fullwood family; Rolan Fullwood at USC