Interview: Rising 2021 Centennial SS Calvin Pitcher Talks Kansas Visit and Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Year after year, head coach Matt Logan produces one of the top high school football programs not only in California but in the nation. His Centennial High School squad went 12-1 in 2018 taking on eventual Arizona 6A state champs Chandler (won 35-13), went into the Trinity League to take on then Top 25 ranked Orange Lutheran (won 45-28), and defeated eventual Los Angeles City champs Narbonne (42-23) before stepping foot in Big VII league action. The playoff run went through a rematch with Orange Lutheran, Rancho Cucamonga, and eventual California and national champs Mater Dei. The in-practice challenges and game situation readiness has helped Class of 2021 free/strong safety Calvin Pitcher prepare for a role as a key contributor for the Huskies in 2019. That step up in responsibility, and playing for the Huskies, is bringing college attention around for Pitcher (6-1, 190) as the spring evaluation period starts to heat up.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Pitcher after a weekend visit to Kansas getting the inside scoop on the trip and received an update on his offseason grind.

*Click link for Feb. 12, 2019, RNG interview with Calvin Pitcher

Interview

Calvin, how are the offseason workouts coming along?

“They are going great. Being at Centennial, we lift every day and do speed training, and I lift at home. I am doing as much as I can to get ready for the season. I have gained 10 pounds already since January.”

Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your skillset with the offseason workouts?

“The experience from coming in as a freshman, that extra year, and playing with Ground Zero (7v7) is helping me with my technique. I am reading offenses better and I am playing more relaxed. My man coverage, with Ground Zero, is improving a lot.”

How is 7v7 ball going with Ground Zero?

“It has been good. It has been fun. The tournaments are fun to compete in and play against top competition.”

When is Centennial’s Spring Showcase?

“Our showcase is on May 9 (Thursday).”

With your speed training, have you run a 40-yard dash this offseason?

“I have. I ran a 4.58 in the 40 at school.”

Going into recruiting. Last time we spoke interest was picking up with UNLV and Colorado. Which new interest have you received?

“Kansas.”

Nice. I know you visited the Jayhawks over the weekend. How did the Kansas visit go?

“It was great. They have nice facilities and a brand-new indoor practice field. All the coaches were welcoming. I saw everything – the weight room and academic center. It was great.”

What all did you do?

“I saw a practice, they took my measurements, and I talked to a lot of coaches.”

What did you the coaches talk about with you?

“They talked about school, the upcoming season, and about how football has been going for me.”

What is your lasting impression from the visit?

“I can’t wait for the next one. I loved it out there. I loved the environment and the coaches at Kansas.”

Calvin, it was great catching up with you today. Congratulations on the successful visit to Kansas over the weekend and good luck with the upcoming showcase.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Pitcher family; Calvin Pitcher at Kansas