Summit High School two-way star too much for the opposition
Exclusive interview with TE/DE Cam McCormick
College coaches looking for a tight end that can take a dump pass 60-yards for a touchdown, a tight end with hands like a wide receiver, or a tight end with breakaway speed, meet Summit High School’s Cam McCormick.
Maybe a college coach is looking for a pass rushing defensive end that shoots off the line like former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney head hunting a quarterback in the pocket getting to point “A” with a mean streak, meet Summit High School’s Cam McCormick.
The trouble some lucky college head coach will have is breaking up the fight between his offensive and defensive coordinators over which side of the ball McCormick will play at the next level.
The Bend, Oregon area native has the size, speed, and frame to excel wherever coaches may put him but the 6-foot 5-inch, 225 pound, budding star may have mitts too good to put on the defensive side of the ball in college.
Storm head coach Joe Padilla made sure to work his tight end into the offense feeding him 35 receptions for 491 yards with eight touchdowns in 2014.
In an exclusive interview McCormick covered recruiting, the 2014 season, and his goals for his senior season in 2015.
Cam, how did Summit High School’s 2014 season go?
“I feel like the season went well even though we went out in the first round of the playoffs (Marist 41-29). We improved from the year before finishing 7-3 this season.”
What improvements did the team make as a unit?
“We were more dedicated to improving and spent more time in the weight room. We were stronger and more physical than most the other teams we faced.”
What were the strengths of the team this year?
“Overall we were good at everything. At times we would miss an assignment but most of the time we were sound.”
How does the Storm look heading into 2015?
“If everybody does what they are supposed to I think we will be very good.”
You mentioned the team improved greatly from 2013 to 2014, what does the team need to do in the offseason to be even better in 2015?
“We need to keep working on little things, like snap count, poise, playing with intensity, and getting in the weight room to get bigger.”
What are your strengths on the field?
“At tight end my size, my speed, and my hands are my strengths. I can catch a pass even if it’s not directly near me. I’ll layout for a pass and I’m willing to go across the middle and take a hit if I have to. I think I’m strong at run blocking too.
“Playing defensive end I think I have an advantage with my speed. We have a good defensive line coach. He works with us to help us get past our man and shed blocks. I had a lot of quarterback hurries on the season. I work on getting close, getting in the quarterbacks’ face. I do my job out there, contain or pass rush.”
What are your goals for the 2015 football season?
“For the team I just want everyone to see when the effort is put in the results will come for our senior year.”
What about for you personally in terms of your stat line?
“I’d like to have 12 touchdowns and 530 yards receiving.”
What are your plans in the offseason to improve your game?
“Keep working in the weight room, practice, compete in track, and play basketball.”
What events do you participate in with track?
“I made state in long jump, 4×1, and I run 100m.”
What is your best time in the 100m?
“11.35.”
How is basketball going for you?
“We just started, last game I had 9 points, 1 steal, and 12 rebounds.”
What schools are recruiting you right now?
“I have offers from Arizona and Boise State. Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, and Washington State are all showing interest.”
Any favorites right now?
“No.”
Is there a NFL player you model your game after?
“Our tight end coach is Kevin Boss. He sends me his old clips to watch. He helps me improve my game.”
For those of you who may not remember, Kevin Boss was a fifth round pick of the New York Giants in 2007 out of Western Oregon who eventually took over for Jeremy Shockey.
Boss won a Super Bowl with the Giants as part of the 2007-2008 team that played the undefeated New England Patriots in Glendale, Arizona (24-14). Boss also played for the Oakland Raiders (2011) and the Kansas City Chiefs (2012).
Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?
“My mom has had the biggest impact on my football career. She’s pushed me a lot to get me to where I am becoming. She’s always there for me when I have to get up early in the morning. She’s always making sure I stay on top of my school work too.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“Being able to play with the team and how close we’ve become, they’re like a second family. I like going out hitting people and scoring touchdowns too.”
When Cam comes out of high school he will be as well instructed as any other player in the nation. Not only is his position coach on offense a former NFL player but his defensive coordinator is Neil Elshire, a former University of Oregon defensive end that played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1981 to 1986.
If the list of name droppers is not impressive enough, his offensive coordinator is former Washington State standout and No. 1 overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft, Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe is also a Super Bowl winner getting his ring with the New England Patriots after beating the St. Louis Rams 20-17 in 2002 and was a Super Bowl runner-up in 1996 losing to the Green Bay Packers 35-21.
McCormick’s skills have already been well received instate earning First-Team All-Conference as a sophomore and being named a First-Team All-State tight end and a Second-Team All-State defensive end/linebacker in 2014.
Another year of tutelage on the Summit High School practice field under former NFL players, another year in the weight room, another year of physical maturity, and another year of being driven to succeed will help make McCormick one of the more sought after tight ends in the nation for the 2016 recruiting class.
Photo credit: Mike Albright; No. 84 Cam McCormick heads in for a touchdown.
Photo credit: Mike Albright: Cam looks for running room on the outside.