Interview with Grinding 2020 California OL/DT Julian Polendo

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

It is one thing to be domineering on the gridiron due to size, it is a whole other thing to take the field with the mindset that somebody’s butt is about to get whooped. For simplicity’s sake, that is what Julian Polendo does on the field for Palm Springs High School on Friday nights.

All things seem to be coming together for Polendo. He has the frame at 6-6, 320, he is adding the strength, and has the desire working hard on his technique throughout the offseason. With all of that comes that vile streak deep down inside offensive linemen are suppose to play with going against defensive linemen and linebackers. College coaches are starting to see it after Polendo earned first team All-Desert League and first team All-Desert Sun. Trouble for some coaches, do we play him on offense or use that spirit on defense?

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Polendo covering his game on the field, recruiting, and offseason workouts.

Interview

Julian, you have that needed nasty streak in you at the snap of the ball. What is your mindset at right tackle on every play?

“Every play my mindset is to dominate the person in front of me. I take it personal that they are trying to stop me from feeding my family.”

I like that. You plant guys left and right, did you track pancake and/or knockdown blocks last season?

“I tracked some but not all the games. I know it was pretty high.”

If you had to guess what would you say the number was in total or your average per game?

“I’d say my average was about three a game. I’m not sure.”

I am going on the record to say it was more than that. You are being modest. You do a good job of staying low for a big man off the snap, what are some of the other strengths to your game?

“One thing, that you spoke of already, is my mean streak. Another is my mindset. I’m not all there with strength yet, but if you are in front of me, I will dominate you each play. My speed is another strength. I work out with my running backs a lot pushing myself to get faster.”

I see that. You have some wheels on you when you pull. How did your pass blocking improve in 2018?

“My pass blocking improved a lot last season. I stayed patient. I knew what I was doing. I was playing calm and I had confidence in my game.”

You also lined up at defensive tackle during your junior campaign, how did that go for you?

“A lot of the times the goal for me was to kill the center, that lead to me making plays. I had more power on my get off, and I am still working on it. I showed improvement in my hips as well.”

Which side of the ball do you like playing best?

“Mostly offense but I like to play defense more because of my mean streak. I get to go after the running back and make the tackle.”

Curve ball question. If Julian the defensive lineman went against Julian the offensive lineman, who wins the battle?

(Laughs) “The offensive lineman wins the battle.”

You have mentioned a few things, but what all are you working on this offseason?

“This offseason I am working on foot-speed, my side-to-side movement, and my conditioning. My goal is to lose 10 to 15 pounds and get my strength up.”

You mentioned working on your strength, have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?

“I have on squat and power clean. My squat is 465 and my clean is 285.”

Nice. I saw you at the Under Armour camp, how did that go for you?

“The Under Armour Camp went well. I learned a lot. I played against good players and they had a really good environment. Going to these camps shows me what I need to work on with my game.”

Are there any upcoming camps you may attend?

“I am going to the Polynesian Combine in a couple of weeks.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from UCLA, USC, Colorado, Washington State, Fresno State, and San Jose State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I went to four UCLA games last season and I went to one of their practices about a week ago.”

Overall, how have the UCLA visits gone?

“The UCLA visits have gone well. I like the way Chip Kelly (head coach) is doing things at UCLA. They have talked about the plan for me, they are still looking at me on offense and defense. They are high-tempo over there and they are getting after it.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes. I am planning on visiting Fresno State next month and I will go back to UCLA next month as well.”

Julian, it was great learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Julian Polendo at an Under Armour camp