Overlooked 2019 California LB Jake Medders is Stepping Up His Game for the Apaches

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Arcadia High School has the look and feel of a team on a mission. The Apaches are 3-2 on the season having gone up a few classifications to take on the likes of Cathedral and Hart while limiting teams in wins to an average of 18 points per game. The tough guy in the box and one of the leaders of the Apaches defense, yet again, ready to make a push through league action and into the playoffs is Class of 2019 linebacker Jake Medders.

During his junior season, Medders got after it on the field coming up with 105 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one recovery in an 8-4 campaign. With big leads in three walk-away wins limiting full game action in the second half, the 6-3, 215-pound, defender is still getting after it in 2018 with 37 total stops, 22 solo, eight tackles for a loss, and four sacks.

The play on the field is bringing in next level offers and D-I recruiting interest. As the season picks up intensity in California league play, expect the same to happen for Medders recruiting prospects as we move closer and closer to the early signing period.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized mid-season catch-up interview, I sat down with Medders for a one-on-one covering his season to date with an update on his recruiting.

*Click link for May 22, 2018, RNG interview with Jake Medders

Interview

Jake, entering your senior year, over the summer months and fall camp what all did you work on to improve your game?

“I worked on getting my weight up. After getting my weight and strength up, I worked on speed and my technique.”

After five games in the 2018 season, where are you seeing the biggest improvements?

“I am reading the ball better and showing up quicker. I am tackling with force unlike last year when I swung people to get them down sometimes.”

What defensive schemes are the Apaches running this year?

“We are running a 4-2; we have a lot of skill players this year on defense.”

Where are you lining up on defense and how are the coaches using you to stop the opposition?

“I’m lining over the center or guard. I am on the weakside in charge of stopping the run, cleaning everything up, hook drops, and underneath routes. I am blitzing more this season. I like that. It is fun.”

In the true DNA of every linebacker – loving to blitz. At this point in the season, what do you feel are your overall strengths as a linebacker?

“My strengths are my size and my reads. I am better at getting to the ball and shedding blocks this year which are strengths.”

Which game has been your best so far this year?

“It is a tie between Burbank and Hart. My stats are better from the Hart game. I had more tackles and two sacks against Hart. Burbank was a great game. We had not beaten them in seven years.”

What are you goals for the season?

“My goals are to break 100 tackles and be an elite defender. My team goals are to be league champs and get a ring this season.”

You guys get Hoover on Thursday, what kind of game are you expecting from them?

“We are expecting a pretty easy game. Hopefully our second-string will get a lot of reps. It is our homecoming game, it should be fun.”

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

“I am being looked at by Sacramento State, University of San Diego, UNLV, New Mexico and Azusa Pacific.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have a few NAIA and D-II offers. I have one D-II offer from Dixie State.”

That’s great. Have you taken any visits lately?

“I have taken two unofficial visits to Dixie State and Azusa Pacific. In May, I went to UNLV for a vist.”

How did those visits go in general?

“They went well. Dixie state is a nice school in a very nice area. I liked UNLV.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“After season I will start taking more visits. For now, I am focused on league and getting a ring.”

Understood. Jake, great catching up with you today. Good luck with the homecoming game on Thursday.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Medders family; Jake Medders at UNLV