Interview: 2017 California DE Grant Trueman Readying for Recruiting Rush in January

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

While many college football programs have the outward appearance of having their 2017 recruiting class under control, the reality is nothing is set in stone until the ink goes dry on all the letters of intent come National Signing Day. At any moment in time, a recruit can decommit opening up a door for another player to a school he had no idea was even interested. Come January, all recruits will have a last minute rush to wrap up officials before making their final decision on where they will play their college ball. One of the many bracing for the madness is defensive end Grant Trueman.

Trueman has spent his high school career making a difference on the field for Chino Hills High School. The Huskies have posted a 16-8 record over the last two seasons with Trueman primarily playing defensive end but also lining up at tight end and even at kicker. The 6-3, 250 pound, defender made great strides during his senior season upping his stat line to 87 total tackles with 14 sacks in 2016 after coming up with 65 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles a year ago.

All the hard work on the field has been noticed by local media, opposing high school coaches, and college recruiters. Trueman has a list of 2015 postseason honors that includes first team All-CIF Defense, first team All-Inland Valley, first team All-League, and second team All-State. The 2016 honors have not been posted yet. Offers have come in from Cornell, Columbia, Stetson, Valparaiso, and University of San Diego with interest coming from Colorado and a host of Big Sky programs.

Trueman’s athletic accomplishments and contributions have not been limited to the football field. Although he considers himself a next level football player, Trueman also plays basketball for Chino Hills. The Huskies’ basketball team is 9-0 ranked No. 6 in the nation after running through the competition a year ago posting a 35-0 record ranked the No. 1 team in the country by season’s end.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Trueman covering his senior season and recruiting options.

Interview

Grant, how did your senior season go overall?

“It was good. It was hard. We had a new coach this year (Chris Stevens). We had to learn a whole new system. It turned out better than expected. We lost a lot of seniors from last year at key positions like running back, wide receiver, and quarterback. It worked out better even though we had an early first round playoff lost.”

The Huskies played against some really good teams this year. Which team was the hardest for you personally to go up against?

“For me personally, probably Rancho Cucamonga.”

What was it about Rancho Cucamonga that made that game so tough?

“Their running back (Jaylon Redd – Oregon commit) was faster than everyone on the field. It was hard keeping up with them.”

How did you get better from that challenge?

“Learning better angles to attack a faster guy. You have to take a better angle to bring him down.”

How did your game grow in 2016 over the past couple of seasons?

“My biggest improvement was using my hands at defensive end. I was able to get a good extension with my hands and arms and my pass rush improved too.”

On your reel it looks like you have a touchdown reception but your stats don’t show that. How many catches did you end up with this season?

“I think that might be the one called back. By the end of the season we had a sophomore step up. I focused more on end and kicking.”

When you came in at tight end, where you more of a blocking tight end?

“Yes. Our running game was the focal point of our offense. With a tight end set, we were a power running team. In the red zone we had more size that the defensive back and linebackers we faced so we became more of a passing team then.”

You have the size to play tight end in college. Which position are most schools recruiting you to play?

“Defensive end.”

I saw that you were invited to play in the Nokaoi Senior Bowl, how did that come about?

“They followed me on Twitter and sent me the invitation. I’m not sure how they got my name.”

Are you going to play in the game?

“I think that one cost money. I’m hoping to play in the Inland Empire vs. Orange County All-Star game.”

What is the focus of your off-season workouts preparing for your freshman season in football?

“My speed, that is what I am mainly working on. My explosion off the ball and first step.”

Do you remember your weight room numbers from the summer?

“Yes. My bench was 280, squat 405, and my power clean was 245.”

You’re on a road trip with the basketball team, how is your basketball season going so far?

“It is going good so far. We are undefeated.”

*Just beat Clark (Las Vegas) 91-87 on Friday and Bishop O’Dowd 87-77 on Saturday.

Which position are you playing for the Huskies?

“I’m a small forward.”

What is your game?

“I’m a small forward. I like to shoot, rebound, and play defense.”

Let’s switch over to football and recruiting. Which schools have extended offers to you so far?

“San Diego, Cornell, Columbia, Stetson, and Valparaiso.”

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

“I’m getting a lot of Big Sky interest from schools like UC-Davis, Northern Arizona, Montana, and from Colorado out of the Pac-12.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I took one to Columbia before the season started. I’ve also been to San Diego a few times, UC-Davis once, and NAU (Northern Arizona) once.”

Do you have any visited planned upcoming?

“I’m taking visits in January. I am for sure going to San Diego. Depending on which other schools may offer, I will base everything off that going forward.”

What is your overall GPA?

“3.7.”

What is the best score you have received on the ACT or SAT?

“On the SAT I got an 1150.”

Grant, thanks for your time today. Good luck on the recruiting trail and with your basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Trueman family; Grant Trueman on the field.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 9 Grant Trueman between snaps.

Photo credit: alamy.com; Grant Trueman on the hardwood.