Missouri Football: Interview with Blue Springs South 2021 DE Aden Birdwell
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Blue Springs South had a down season in 2019 as the Jaguars finished just 3-8. But one of the bright spots on the field was the play of junior defensive end Aden Birdwell, who racked up an astonishing 93 total tackles including 12 for a loss, seven quarterback hurries, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. After the season, this rising star won numerous individual honors.
The 6’4”, 245-pound, tackling machine has tremendous speed and athleticism to break through an offensive line and disrupt plays in the backfield. Birdwell also possesses great footwork and strength which he uses to be a force on the line of scrimmage.
The class of 2021 recruit currently holds two college offers including one from the Naval Academy and is already receiving interest from numerous other college programs including Army and Pittsburg State. Birdwell is not only making his mark on the gridiron but also in the classroom where he currently holds a 3.74 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with the Blue Springs South star to discuss his junior season and get an update on his recruiting season.
Interview
Aden, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“Last season I’d say I had a good season. I made a lot of progress from the previous year but there were still so many things I could’ve fixed and done better to really be great.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“My most memorable moment had to have been our pick-six during our Park Hill South game. That helped turn the game around, but returning to a sideline with an insane amount of energy and excitement will easily leave a mark every year.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the field would definitely be my speed and length while I’m in the trenches up close and personal.”
Did you receive any individual honors last season?
“Last year I received second team All-Conference and first team All-District.”
What kind of challenges did you face last year?
“The challenges I had last year would probably be starting the season with a new head coach and a couple other coaches.”
How did you overcome this adjustment?
“I overcame that challenge by trying bond and build relationships with the coaches over the summer and also by studying extra hard and focusing on the new plays and play style that comes with them.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during the offseason?
“Right now, my schedule is alternating every day between working out and running. But it is going to change soon once summer camp starts.”
What are you working on the most with your game this offseason?
“The thing I’m working on the most is staying low. It’s something that just needs to happen no matter what side of the line you’re playing on.”
What do you like most about playing defensive end?
“My favorite thing about playing defensive end is being able to go out on the field play after play and hit somebody; plain and simple.”
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“I wouldn’t say I model my game off of him but Chris Jones is definitely who I look up to. I am trying to be in his position and have success in the NFL.”
Do you have any college offers?
“I have college offers from the Naval Academy and Graceland University.”
What other schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Schools that are showing interest in me are Yale, Washburn, Army, Dartmouth, Cornell, Northwest Missouri, Central Missouri, Pittsburg State, North Dakota, South Dakota, plus a few more that I can’t remember right now.”
Have you been to any college camps or visits?
“No, I haven’t due to Coronavirus.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I also throw shot put and discus on the track team.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“My favorite subject in school would probably be science or math, because they just come easy to me.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“Really, all the coaches I’ve made relationships with and some who still keep in touch with me today really have had a huge impact in my career. They motivate me, keep me going, and help me see all the opportunities that could be waiting for me if I get down to business and do it.”
What do you like most about playing at Blue Springs South?
“The thing I like most about playing here at Blue Springs South would be all the great players and coaches that attend here. They’re all very hardworking for what they want and everyone there is able to bond and get really close so we can go there every day and everyone’s just part of one giant family.”
What are your goals for your senior season?
“The goal for my early senior season is in the first game we play. Win or lose, I want it to be one of the best if not the best game we play and truly earn our win, or don’t let our opponent get away without us putting in everything we have.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“My favorite quote by far is “You can’t fix stupid” – Coach Klein.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Blue Springs South DE Aden Birdwell