Interview: Win Over IMG Academy was a Showcase Game for 2019 OLB Steele Dubar
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Mater Dei High School has the rare opportunity to go back-to-back as national high school football champs. Over the last 20 years, only a few teams have been able to put together a run like this, teams like De La Salle (Concord), Southlake (Carroll), Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey), and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). Thanks to guys like Class of 2019 linebacker Steele Dubar, the Monarchs are well on their way to bringing home another trophy.
The Monarchs lost graduating talents like five-star quarterback J.T. Daniel and five-star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to USC, four-star linemen Tommy Brown to Alabama and Chris Murray to UCLA and four-star receiver Nikko Remigio to Cal off the 15-0 2017 California and national championship squad yet the team is still undefeated on the field of play with wins over national powerhouses Bishop Gorman (42-0) and IMG Academy (28-24); one forfeit loss to Bishop Amat off a 42-14 win over the transcripts of a foreign exchange student’s transcripts. The Monarchs are now the No. 1 team in the land after their nationally televised home win over IMG and the national broadcast is paying off for Dubar.
Playing in big games is nothing new for Dubar. Mater Dei laced them up against the likes of Bishop Gorman, Bergen Catholic, Long Beach Poly, Mission Viejo, St. John Bosco twice, and De La Salle a year ago. Through the tough teams, the 6-0, 200-pound, outside backer racked up 45 tackles, 31 solo, with 11.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and defended three passes on a senior laden roster. Dubar is shining during his senior season with 27 tackles, 22 solo, seven tackles for a loss, and three sacks while only playing the first half of most games.
With an offer on the table from Nevada, the interest list is growing to include Boise State, Hawaii, Utah State, and Colorado among others thanks to high-profile nationally broadcasted games. With big games left on the schedule against the likes of Servite, JSerra Catholic, Orange Lutheran, and St. John Bosco before rolling into the playoffs, Dubar has multiple opportunities to turn the interested into confirmed offers.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Dubar for a quick update on his senior season while covering the IMG victory and his recruiting prospects.
Interview
Steele, there are so many things to cover but I am excited to ask you about the IMG Academy showdown. How did that game go for you personally?
“It went great. That was a show out game for me. I finally got a big showing with a nation audience, and I balled out. I am super happy about that.”
In a big game like that in front of a national audience with college coaches watching, which areas of your game were you able to showcase?
“I showcased my tackling. IMG has some big dudes at running back to bring down. When the game was over, I felt accomplished with my play and our win. It felt good to beat them. That was a very fun game to play.”
For college coaches that may not be familiar with your game, which areas of your game are strengths but you were not able to display against IMG?
“Some of my strengths that might have been missed, I showed my heart in the game. I went 100 percent on every play. I didn’t get to show out my hitting against IMG. I usually get to hit dudes hard and make a bigger impact that are not 6-2, 230.”
I can only imagine, but what was the atmosphere was like in the locker room after taking down IMG?
“It was great. Everyone was happy, and I was thrilled. Our coaches were hyped even Coach (Bruce) Rollinson was ecstatic. That was awesome.”
Before the IMG game, which game has been your best this season and why do you consider that to be the best?
“I thought I did well against Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). I had six or seven tackles, they were ranked in the Top 12 then. When we play any ranked teams, I always step up my game.”
Did you receive any feedback from college coaches after the big win, if so, what were coaches telling you?
“I received from a few messages from coaches and a few new college coaches following me. Most of the messages were ‘great game, send me your transcripts, what is your GPA and test scores’; that kind of stuff.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Hawaii, Boise State, Colorado, Southern Utah, Utah State, and Sacramento State are showing interest in me.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am taking some visits during the season but later in the season. I don’t have any set right now. I am just focused on the season.”
The Monarchs turn to Trinity League action this week with Servite, what kind of game are you expecting from the Friars on Friday?
“They are a big rival. I am expecting a hard-nosed, hard-hitting game for the first half until we take the game away.”
You were on the team last year when the Monarchs made a magical run capturing a California and national title, how does the 2018 team compare to last year and what do you guys have to do to go back-to-back?
“I don’t think you can compare the two teams. We are better at different aspects this over last year and vice versa. Bryce Young is a good quarterback. Our defense has different good spots than last year, but we are the same in a lot of aspects. I think we can make a run this year and go back-to-back.”
Steele, I appreciate your time today and good luck on Friday against Servite.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 44 Steele Dubar