Interview with 2019 OL Angel Flores, a Surefire Division I College Lineman

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

If high school football adopted the MMA rules of allowing one to “tap out”, safe to bet that offensive lineman Angel Flores would be among the nation’s leaders in tap outs forced on opposing defenders. The Dos Pueblos Senior High School talent is an ideal blend of size, strength, power, quickness, and is a good kind of nasty at the point of contact.

A lot of coaches at the high school and collegiate level use a first-off the bus methodology to play with the minds of the opposition and their fans. Flores is that guy. At 6-5, 350, he attracts attention even in street clothes but puts fear into the opposition once the pads are on and it is time to get down to business. Against Division 10 California competition, Flores worked his trade during his senior year earning three-star status forcing college scouts to venture out to Goleta to scout. The list of interest is wide-ranging and diverse spreading from USC, Washington, Arizona State, and Cal to Ohio and Iowa.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s more talented and overlooked Class of 2019 recruits to learn more about his game and recruiting process.

Interview

How did your game grow during your junior season?

“At the beginning of the season, I was on point. I was off to my best season ever and then I was hurt. I had knee surgery but when I came back, I came back tougher than ever. I came back in five weeks from knee surgery. I played in the second round of the playoffs on.”

I saw you at the Los Angeles Nike Opening doing drills. I did not see any ill effects of your injury. Are you back 100 percent now?

“Yes.”

How did the playoff run help improve your skillset?

“I felt like it was a great opportunity to play against other great athletes and ranked players to show what I can do.”

Which game was your best last year?

“My best game was the San Juan Hills game and against Valley View.”

What did you do well in those games to make them your best?

“The San Juan Hills game was our first game. I just felt right in that game. The Valley View game, that was my second week back from surgery. I felt good. I had multiple pancakes that game.”

Did you track your knockdowns and/or pancake blocks last season?

“No.”

If you had to guess, how many per game?

“I don’t know. At least four a game.”

With all the knockdowns and pancakes you have on your reel, and with all the pulling you do, I would guess even more. What do you consider your overall strengths as an offensive lineman?

“I feel like one of my main skills is run blocking. I have pretty good bend and a very good strike. I am athletic and I can double team off the back well.”

Where all will we see you on the field during your senior year?

“I am playing tackle this season and maybe some defensive tackle.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on my footwork, speed, agility, and lifting a lot of weights.”

I mentioned the Nike Regional, have you been to any other camps this offseason?

“I have been to the Nike camp and Rivals combine. I made it to the second day at the Rivals combine.”

At the LA Nike Regional, what did you do well?

“I felt like I did okay. I could have done better. It was a great experience playing against some of the top players in the state.”

Going to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“USC, Oregon State, Washington State, Fresno State, Utah, San Jose State, Ohio, Arizona State, UNLV, Iowa, Hawaii, Weber State, Washington, and Cal.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I have been to Arizona State, Wazzu (Washington State), and Cal-Poly.”

How did the Wazz visit go?

“It was a great experience even though it was kind of cold. I was there for a Junior Day visit. They have great facilities and a great staff.”

What about ASU, how did that visit go?

“It was a great experience. The campus is nice. ASU is a huge school.”

Are there any college camps you may attend this summer?

“I am planning on attending camps at USC, UCLA, Oregon, and maybe San Jose State and Fresno State.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?

“I signed up for that on Tuesday. I am taking my tests soon.”

Last few questions. What kind of player are you on the field, are you a talker or do you let your play do the talking?

“Both.”

What’s the funniest thing an opposing player has said to you during a game?

“I get the occasional big guy joke or dang, your huge, what grade are you in?”

What do you love about playing football?

“Playing high school football will teach you the ups and downs of life. It helps prepare you for all the adversity you will face the rest of your life. It makes you a better person.”

If you could tell a college coach about the kind of player you are for his teammates and coaches, what would you tell him?

“You’ve never seen a person this big move so well. I put my heart into football. It is my big shot.”

Angel, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for Angel Flores’ 2017 Hudl highlight reel

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