Interview: San Diego DE Sebastian McQuigg Expanding Game to OL During Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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The frame is there as a next level talent in the trenches, and rising Class of 2021 prospect Sebastian McQuigg is trying to make it happen. His junior run was his first ever playing defensive end finishing the season with 22 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, and one fumble recovery. When Patrick Henry High School puts on the pads come Friday nights for the 2020 season, McQuigg will be expanding his role on the team playing tight end and/or offensive tackle as well as starting on defense.

The extra time this offseason has been taken advantage of by the San Diego area product working his way from 6-5, 215, to now tipping the scales at 250. The hard work on both sides of the line and at various camps along the west coast is drawing interest from Washington State, Utah, UCLA, Army, Cal-Poly, and Pennsylvania.

In an RNG first-look interview, McQuigg stopped by the Lab updating his transformation and workouts this offseason.

Interview

Sebastian, how did the 2019 season go for you on the field?

My 2019 season, it was my first year playing defensive end. It wasn’t my best, but it was a good starter year. I was new to the position and I did the best I could. I started the first two games but did not play as much for the next four games and then I started the last three and into the playoffs. It was a great learning experience, I definitely added to my skillset as a defensive end. I learned a lot.

Lining up at defensive end, what scheme were you guys running last season?

It was a 4-3, we had two linebackers behind the line and a Sam running to the strongside.

Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?

My strengths, I knew what I was supposed to. For me, it was execution. I had to work on that. I knew my responsibilities and my role was to contain the edge or pierce the B gap.

Did you get any snaps on offense?

No.

Are you playing in the offensive trenches this season? If so, at which position?

This will be my first season playing tight end. It all depends on what the team needs, right now I am leaning towards playing offensive tackle. I know I will play at tight end and that I will be used as a blocking asset this upcoming season.

Where all might we see you on the field in 2020?

This season I am doing everything; starting defense and offense, and most likely I will be on special teams as well. I plan to be on the field the entire time. I am very excited.

Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on with your game on defense?

On defense, I have been going to a lot of Giant Skillz and Nico Trenches showcases. We went to Utah to compete, that was my first ever defensive lineman camp. We performed well. I’ve been training with the only defensive line trainer in San Diego. We started about a months-and-a-half ago. Going to those camps and showcases and training on the weekends has helped me with my game on defense.

What technique work have you been doing?

From my junior year film, coaches said I needed to work on my get-off. I have been working on that a lot along with my hand-fighting and my moves. Last season, it was a lot of bull rushing and half-ass swim moves. I have also been working on a double swipe, but I don’t want to give it all away. My strength and quickness, I’ve been working on it all.

What about for your role(s) on offense?

For offense, I have been working a lot at tackle and tight end. At tackle, this will be my first year ever playing on the offensive line since second grade. I am back to learning all the basics, everything I need to know to start off as an average tackle. Coaches are telling me that I can be a Division-I offensive lineman. My offensive line coach at Patrick Henry, she’s legit, Coach Chambers, I have been working with her a lot. At tight end, going to AAU practices is helping me. I play tight end with them. I am always working on my run blocking for our offense. Whatever my coaches tell me to do, I do. Playing tight end or tackle, at both positions I will be used as a run and pass blocker.

Last season, what were you weighing on the field?

Last season I weighed 215, now I weigh 250. That is a 35-pound difference. I have worked hard, and it took a while to get up to 240 and now to 250. I am very proud that I have done that. That is how much work I have put into my offseason to get to where I am now.

Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?

My cumulative is a 3.6. I had a 4.2 for my junior year.

Are you playing any other varsity sports?

Yes, I play rugby.

Sebastian, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success on both sides of the ball as you prepare for the upcoming season.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: McQuigg family; Sebastian McQuigg