Update Interview with 5-Star 2019 Washington State LS Commit Simon Samarzich

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For what Simon Samarzich does on the field for Upland High School, it does not get much better. Samarzich is the No. 2 rated long-snapper in the country providing a consistent service on the field on special teams allowing the Highlanders coaching staff no worries. In addition to snapping, Samarzich (6-0, 210) starts for his southern California squad at tight end contributing in the run and passing attack. After a junior season with 11 receptions for 169 yards with four touchdowns, he has already hauled in five for 70 yards aiding in the Highlanders 3-0 start and No. 10 ranking in California (MaxPreps).

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with the five-star long-snapper, who is committed to Washington State, to see how his season is going thus far with a preview of the Highlanders showdown on Friday night against No. 11 Mission Viejo.

*Click link for May 19, 2018, RNG video interview with Simon Samarzich

Interview

Simon, no surprise based on the amount of talent on the Highlanders’ squad to see you guys start off 3-0, what has been working well for the team on both sides of the ball so far?

“We lost a lot of seniors from last year, coming into the year we needed guys to step up. Our record shows our inexperience guys are stepping up and getting the job done.”

The stats show that you are back to your old ways helping the offense playing tight end, how is that going for you in the early part of the 2018 season?

“It is awesome. Getting the ball a little bit is always fun. I am having fun out there blocking and catching passes. Our running back, Cam Davis, is having a great year. Our offensive line… blocking with them and with Cam back there, it is a lot of fun running the ball this year.”

I know your focus is at long-snapper where you are a five-star, how is that going?

“It is awesome, really awesome. We have kicked a lot of PATs, which is always a good sign for the offense. Everything is going really well there.”

How are you on your snaps this year?

“I am perfect on snaps this year.”

Where are you seeing the improvements in your snapping from last year to this year?

“My speed. Getting bigger and stronger has helped. My body is maturing. The speed of the snap is improving as I am getting bigger. Getting bigger and stronger helps getting off blocks to go cover punts.”

The Highlanders have a Clash of the Titans kind of showdown on Friday at home against No. 11 ranked Mission Viejo (CA), what kind of game are you expecting from the Diablos?

“We are expecting a really good match. The lights shine brighter at 7:00 p.m. The game will be shown on TV. On both sides of the ball it will be an exciting game. They have speed on both sides of the ball, they have a good squad. It will come down to who can make the plays.”

You committed to Washington State on June 8, how is the relationship developing with the Cougars staff?

“Really awesome. Man, they write more letters than probably any school in America. It is encouraging. They are a big family up there. That is what I am looking for, a home away from home. I am really excited about that.”

When was the last time you went up there for a visit?

“I think it was a couple of weeks before they offered me this spring.”

When will you go next?

“We are working out date for me to come visit for my official. It will be after the football season. We are still working that out.”

When you visit, what will be your focus, to have fun, get to know the players and coaches better, or to learn more about the campus and the school?

“What is important, my mom has not been up there. The first time I went up there, my dad and I went. Getting my mom and my brother up there will be really important. I want them to see everything up there, so they feel good about me going to school there. I’d like to meet the rest of the coaching staff. I have met a lot of them but I’d like to meet all of them. I want to start meeting all the specialists and develop a relationship with them as well.”

Simon, thanks for your time today and good luck against Mission Viejo.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Dave Samarzich; No. 35 Simon Samarzich leads Upland onto the field