Interview: Big Freshman Season has 2022 RB Floyd Chalk IV Drawing Top Recruiting Interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
More and more underclassmen are getting opportunities to showcase their stuff earlier in their career on the gridiron. The ‘young ones’ are not disappointing fans with their work either. The list is growing in California of freshmen that have popped onto the scene after sensational varsity seasons, and Class of 2022 running back Floyd Chalk IV is one of them.
Chalk took southern California competition by surprise in 2018 rushing for 658 yards with three touchdowns scored. The 5-9, 177-pound, growing back showed he could carry the load against talent three- and four years older with 108 totes on the year. Working in Bishop Alemany’s offense under the direction of head coach Casey Clausen has its advantages. Floyd enters his sophomore season with an offer from Penn State and interest coming in from other Power 5 programs like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Stanford.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising stars coming out of the backfield covering his offseason training and 7v7 action with Formula for Speed while getting an update on his early recruiting process.
Interview
Floyd, your freshman season playing varsity football was impressive. When the season began, did you know you would be counted on as an impact player?
“Yes. My coaches told me that the freshmen games were not as important, but that I would be called up to varsity by the third game of the season.”
Was there a point in the season when everything started to click and slow down when you felt in a groove?
“Yes. Our game after Oaks (Christian). Our game against Downey (won 20-14). That is when everything started to click.”
Beyond your speed, your field vision is above the grade. What were some of the other skills to your game that allowed you to be so productive in 2018?
“My patience.”
Going back to your speed, what is the fastest-timed run you have posted?
“My fastest 40 time is a 4.5.”
How have you been working on your conditioning this spring and summer to help carry the load out of the backfield in 2019?
“I have been running mountains and working out my coaches.”
Which areas of your game have you been working on this offseason?
“I have been working on my routes and my blocking. I have been working on that a lot.”
Did you work with a personal trainer this offseason?
“Yes. I worked with the trainers at Formula for Speed.”
How has the extra training helped you with your game?
“It is helping me a lot. It has helped with my competition level, my speed, my agility, and my understanding of game.”
Did you also play 7v7 ball with Formula for Speed?
“Yes.”
How did those extra reps against varsity talent with Formula help push your skills forward beyond the training?
“It helped me stay in shape. 7v7 keeps football going all year. It has helped me a lot.”
Has your play on the field attracted recruiting interest?
“Yes. I am receiving interest from Alabama, Notre Dame, Cal, and Stanford. They have all sent me mail. I also have an offer from Penn State.”
Are you planning on visiting any programs this fall?
“Yes. During our season, we are playing in Arizona (vs. Higley). We are visiting the (Arizona) Wildcats then.”
That will be fun for all of you. Last question. What goals have you set for your 2019 campaign?
“My top goal is to get over five touchdowns and at least 800 yards rushing.”
Floyd, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Chalk family; Floyd Chalk IV at Alemany