One to Watch: Rising Texas 2018 Star SS/WR Prudy Calderon Talks Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When San Marcos High School entered the 2015 season, the coaching staff had to know they had something special on the roster in Prudy Calderon but just how special was left to be determined on the field. The Rattlers grinded through a tough Texas high school schedule posting an 8-4 record and the Class of 2018 talent did not disappoint.

By season’s end, Calderon ended up showcasing his emerging skills in all three phases of the game. On offense he had four receptions for 81 yards with a touchdown and on special teams he shined returning five punts for 51 yards and returned nine kickoffs for 361 yards with one taken back to the house.

The spot where the 6’0”, 188 pound, talent looked like a natural was at safety. Calderon adapted quickly to being the last line of defense coming up with 66 tackles, 23 solo, five passes defended, and even blocked a kick. For his efforts he was voted second team All-District on defense in District 27-5A – which speaks volumes for a sophomore in Texas.

Recruiting interest is starting to take off for Calderon with Houston, SMU, and Kansas State among the many taking a look. Interest and offers are sure to really take off over the summer with a big college camp schedule planned for Calderon.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Lone Star State to get an overview on his sophomore season, his offseason workouts, and insight on where all he may be camping this summer.

Interview

Prudy, you had a fantastic sophomore season. The lights seem to shine a little bit brighter in Texas on Friday nights than anywhere else. Do you feel any pressure going into your junior season about having a big year?

“No doubt but I want to have a better season than last year. I will be better than the previous year. I was somewhat small as a sophomore.”

What are you working on in the offseason for your junior year?

“I’m working day in and day out at our high school on my speed and strength. Something I’m doing as well is bonding with my teammates. I think having that bond is important. If you play as a team that benefits everyone.”

You really shinned playing safety for the Rattlers. What are some of your strengths on the field at safety?

“My athleticism, speed wise I’m good, and my strength – I am getting there. I’m working on my technique to become a better football player right now.”

What about at wide receiver? What are you strengths there?

“I feel like I have a good set of hands. I’m improving my speed. I’m fast but you can get faster. Better route running is a thing I can improve upon.”

Between wide receiver and safety, of the two positions which do you like best?

“I wouldn’t say I like one over the other. Everyone loves scoring touchdowns. Everyone likes to play offense. Playing defense is fun. The bond on our defense is cool. Getting turnovers is fun. Turnovers are rarer than touchdowns. Defense is exciting for me.”

You mentioned your speed. Have you ran a 40-yard dash this offseason?

“No. The last 40-yard dash I ran was a while ago. I’m running the 40 at the camps this summer.”

Have you set goals for the 2016 season yet?

“Like everyone’s, win a state championship. That is our goal as a team, win out and have fun along the way. Make this a time you don’t forget.”

Since you played in all three phases of the game last year, will your role expand with any of the phases this year?

“The coaches, right now, are trying to work me around and see where they can fit me in for a bigger role. Everything is up in the air. I might play some linebacker and quarterback this year. We’ll have to see come season time.”

Are they bringing you in at quarterback to run the Wildcat?

“We lost David Hamilton to graduation. They have me working behind the starter. They like the way I run with the ball but I have to get my passing down.”

How does the team look going into the 2016 season?

“This team looks very promising. We have a lot of talent on the team. We have to translate that to the football field. 2016 should be an interesting season.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“I’ve talked to Rice, Kansas, Tulsa, Angelo State, and UT (Texas) has been up to our school to talk to me. TLU – Bulldogs, they are a Division-III school, they’ve talked to me as well. Numerous schools showing a lot of interest.”

Which college camps are you planning on attending this summer?

“This summer going I’m going to UT, Texas Tech, OSU (Oklahoma State), Tulsa, and Baylor – I’m just trying to get the exposure.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned?

“No.”

What was your GPA last semester?

“I had a 3.7 or a 3.75.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“That would be – maybe chemistry. Kind of oddball but the stuff we do in there is neat to learn.”

Nothing oddball about it. Do you participate in any other sports for San Marcos other than football?

“Right now I’m playing baseball. We are deep in the playoffs. I’m also doing power lifting, running track, and that’s about it.”

That’s about it? You say it so casually.

(Laughs)

In baseball which position are you playing?

“Outfield – primarily centerfield because I can cover a lot of ground.”

How are things going inside the batter’s box?

“Football is my main sport, I feel like our coach has improved me a lot.”

Which events in track do you run?

“I was limited because of baseball but I did the 4×100 relays.”

What are you max levels in bench, squat, and power clean?

“My squat during season was 490. My dead lift was my best, I moved 565. My bench is 275.”

And you are just a sophomore – geez. Last question, what is your favorite part of playing football?

“The intensity and excitement of the game and the bond you make with your teammates and coches. I will never forget that. Football is just a great game all around.”

Prudy, thanks for your time today and good luck at all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: rattlernationathletics.com; Prudy Calderon dead-lifting.

Photo credit:  remembered vision sports; No. 32 Prudy Calderon breaks free.

Photo credit:  remembered vision sports; No. 32 Prudy Calderon knocks away a TD catch.