Interview: Versatile 2019 California DB Ryan Rosser Talks Lawndale Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Very few high school teams have a versatile defender like Ryan Rosser. The Class of 2019 recruit is a jack-of-all-trades in the secondary for Lawndale High School capable of stopping the run and the pass as a corner, safety – free or strong, a walk-down safety, and as a nickelback. The high production on defense has helped his Cardinals squad to an 8-2 record gearing up for a playoff run starting on Friday against Dos Pueblos.

Stats posted for Rosser through seven games has the 5-10, 180-pound, defender with 40 tackles, 29 solo, two tackles for a loss and one scoop-and-score. He has also contributed to the Cardinals’ offense scoring two touchdowns in the regular season finale.

After transferring from Carson, college football scouts are just starting to find Rosser again. Interest is coming in for the 3.2 GPA student with Colorado, Harvard, and Army, among others, taking a deeper look. In a RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Rosser to learn more about his game and growing recruiting prospects.

Interview

Ryan, the Cardinals rolled through Ocean League action with a perfect record. What was working so well for the team on both sides of the ball to reel off five consecutive wins?

“I feel like we practiced hard and we were focused. We had attention to detail. Our running game was a strength for us. I feel like we can win a championship. Our defense, that is the strongest side of the ball. We set the tone on defense, that shows in games.”

I have to ask you about the fumble recovery for a touchdown. When trying to pick up the ball, even though it lasted about a second, the slip of the ball before securing it, that had to feel like it took forever. What was going through your mind during the play?

(Laughs) “Yeah. I could not see the ball at first, but I finally picked it up and ran. I was thinking ‘I gotta go, I want the touchdown.’ The game was close at that point. It felt good to help get the win with the fumble recovery for a touchdown.”

The defense was strong throughout the season only allowing 15 points per game on average, what is the mindset on that side of the ball when you guys are on the field?

“Our mindset is simple, to not let them score. We think our offense will not score, even though we know that they will, and use that as motivation.”

As a senior, how did you step up your leadership this season?

“It was a new team for me this year. At first it took time before I got comfortable with everyone and becoming an Alpha male. I have been helping our young guys on the team making sure they are paying attention because you never know when someone might go down and we may need them. They are crucial to our success so I offer my guidance.”

I feel that you are a unique player with your abilities on the field as a hybrid defender capable of playing corner, nickel, free and/or strong safety. How would you or do you describe your skills and abilities to college coaches?

“I am high-tempo on the field and I never shy away from contact. I will give up my body to make sure they do not score or get a first down.”

Overall with your game, how did you step it up and showcase your abilities on defense?

“I can play in the open-field and I am good in the box. I have speed that gives me advantage in the box. I played nickelback, corner, and safety this , I have been reading my keys and attacking the run fast. Playing all the different positions has boosted my football IQ. I know what to do at all positions in the secondary now.”

Which game was your best this season?

“It may not have been our strongest opponent, but the Crenshaw game was my best. The week before I did not play as well as I wanted. I came out strong against Crenshaw. I had 13 tackles. I did well after I prepared hard for the game. I was proud of myself.”

You guys had a 55-6 statement win against Hawthorne to finish the regular season, how will that momentum help carry-over into the first round against Dos Pueblos (6-4)?

“It will help us. Hawthorn tried their best to beat us. Our offense is looking stronger and stronger. We have more confidence going into the playoffs, that will help us win.”

The Chargers are a heavy run team, how does that matchup work against Lawndale?

“The interior of our defense is strong. We have strong defensive linemen and linebackers. We work on stopping the run every week in practice. We are good at that.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from Colorado, Northern Arizona, Arizona, Harvard, Davidson, Holy Cross, Princeton, and Army

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I took visits to Wisconsin and Notre Dame with my 7v7 team (B2G).”

Ryan, I appreciate your time today and good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Rosser family; No. 4 Ryan Rosser