Interview: College Programs are Finding 3-Star 2021 Bakersfield DE Zach Buckey

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the brains and brawn couple with athleticism in an ideal frame at defensive end, you get Zach Buckey. The 6-5, 250-pound, defender worked his way to All-Area and All-League honors in 2019 with Garces Memorial after ending 40 plays with 25 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. Word got out on the Bakersfield area three-star recruit with four offers dropped and three more over the last two days. Given his technical skill and strength, along with high achievements in the classroom with a 4.5 cumulative GPA and a 28 scored on the ACT, those offers will continue to pile up.

In an RNG first-look, Buckey sat down for a fun one-on-one covering his play at end and growing recruiting options.

Interview

Zach, you play the end position like it was meant to be played. You are a run stopper and one to collapse the pocket with great aggression. How long have you been playing that position?

“About one-and-a-half to two years.”

It looks like the Rams used a lot of different schemes during the 2019 season depending on the team played? What were some of the fronts executed and in which ways were the coaches utilizing your talents?

“I would play 7-, 5-, and 3-tech. I could be move around to play anywhere on the line. It was fun to play.”

Your get off and use of hands make you a nightmare for offensive tackles, what are some of the other key traits to your game?

“I like playing the chess game against offensive tackles. I like to figure out what move he will he do and keep him guessing. I like getting in their head. I like thinking how they will think and countering what they will do. That is one of my strengths as an end.”

With your moves; you get into the chest of the tackle in a hurry, what are some of the moves you use to get into the backfield?

“I love the spin move. I’m not close to executing a Dwight Freeney (Colts) spin move, but I’m working on it. I love the counter spin more and the good old fashion bull-rush.”

Are you working on any new moves?

“Yes. I am trying to work on a club-rip. That gives the offensive lineman less time to get hands on you. I am also working on my counter moves, going out and back in, and a jab.”

Last season you got some time in at tight end. How were you used on offense in 2019?

“On short yardage downs.”

In the weight room, what maxes are you throwing around?

“405 on bench and 530 on squat.”

Wow. That is impressive. What are you working on this offseason with your game on defense?

“This offseason I am working on becoming a better run player. My pass rush is good, but I am making strides to become a more complete player.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“Cal, Stanford, Washington, and Fresno State.”

How many offers do you have?

“Four.”

*Buckey was offered by Army, Princeton, and Colorado State after this interview

Buckney’s Offer Sheet (7): Army, Colorado State, Dartmouth, Pennsylvania, Princeton, San Jose State, and Wyoming

From the start of last season up to this spring, have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits?

“We took a game day visit to Stanford and a regular visit to Cal-Davis in March.”

How did the Stanford trip go?

“It went well. I really like the staff and atmosphere there.”

And Cal-Davis, tell me about that trip.

“I loved it. I like the area and the coaching staff. Coach Hawkins is a great coach.

When the opportunities open back up, which schools are you planning on visiting?

“I’m planning to visit Washington in June on an unofficial and Cal.”

Zach, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your spring workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: George Ayonayon; Zach Buckey

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