Interview: 2017 Florida LB Chase Lasater Talks Football and Michigan Decommitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Adults looking at college football recruiting often have a myopic view of the process. The basics are fairly simple, said high school player shows ability and potential, college program offers, high school student accepts offer. Much like every other aspect of life, no life changing decision is ever simple or easy.

Fans for a respective fan base are often upset when a player decommits from their beloved school wondering how in the world this could happen. On Oct. 10, Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville) athlete Chase Lasater did the unthinkable for Big Blue Nation decommitting from Michigan after committing to the Wolverines on March 31. The connection with Michigan is not completely lost but might be best described as put on hold for now.

The question still remains, how did Lasater get to this point of uncertainty?

The recruiting swell for Lasater started after a breakout junior season helping the Conquerors to a Florida 3A state title stringing together a perfect 14-0 season. The 6-2, 228 pound, talent played on both sides of the ball smashing facemasks as a fullback and then flipping the field denting helmets at linebacker. Lasater was more the blocker than the runner toting the ball twice for seven yards with one score but filled the stat sheet with 43 stops, 10.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, five quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery.

A hardnosed fullback is hard to find in this day and age with more team employing a spread offense than a pro-style or I-formation set. Michigan was one of three schools to offer Lasater joining Troy and Charlotte. Anyone and everyone can understand Lasater’s decision at that time. Head coach Jim Harbaugh offers, how can one not accept? After all Harbaugh is without question one of the best college coaches out there showing he could build a winner at an afterthought University of San Diego posting three consecutive winning seasons there including back-to-back 11-win campaigns and then rebuilt Stanford into a collegiate powerhouse winning 12 games in 2010 before heading off to the NFL. Harbaugh’s NFL record was even more impressive compiling a 44-19 record over four seasons never posting a losing record making it to the NFC Championship Game 2011-13 taking the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012.

With the Michigan scholarship as protection, Lasater had off-season surgery over the spring on a torn labrum and is finally back to full health and in football shape. The Conquerors had a 22-game winning streak snapped this year with their do-everything talent missing time on the field. Lasater has played full games over the last two contests putting together five carries for 30 yards on offense and 14 tackles and two tackles for a loss on defense. The stat line is impressive for essentially two games worth of work and knowing that out of necessity Lasater has dropped down on the defensive line to fill sporting a team-first attitude.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Lasater to get the inside scoop on his senior season, his decommitment from Michigan, and his recruiting process to date.

Interview

Chase, how is your senior season going for you personally?

“Personally, I feel like I had a slow start coming off surgery not being able to be in shape all summer. Over the past two games I feel like I am performing the way I should at tailback, getting some good runs. I’m playing explosive football again. I can throw my shoulder into people.”

You play all over the field but primarily at fullback and linebacker, which position do you like better, fullback or linebacker?

“Actually I like tailback the best. We have so many tailbacks on our team so it is tough getting carries. Linebacker is what I want to play in college. If I have to, I will play fullback in college.”

How has your game improved during your senior season?

“This year I am learning the game better. I am reading linemen better. I’m better on my side to side lateral movements and my burst is better. My ball carrying is getting better too. I have always played physical.”

That was along the lines of my next question. You play with a high level of intensity that comes across loud and clear. How do you get up for each game and each play throughout a given game?

“I don’t know. I have always been like that since I was a little kid. I enjoy hitting. I like winning. I will find a way to beat them one way or another. I am a competitor.”

You missed a couple of games this season, what happened?

“I had labrum surgery. I was going to play spring football and not have surgery. After I committed to Michigan I decided to have surgery. Looking back, that was not ideal. I’m all healed up and good to go now. My shoulder is great.”

Is there a NFL player you model your game after?

“I love Luke Kuechly (Panthers). Growing up I really liked Ray Lewis (Ravens). Now that I drop down on the defensive line, I really like Lawrence Taylor (Giants). On offense I feel like I run like Mike Alstott (Buccaneers).”

The Conquerors are 4-2 coming off a championship season. How does the team look as you guys near the playoffs?

“We had a slow start. We had won 22-games straight. When we lost we got a wake-up call. We have been on point in practice working to get better. I think we will have another run to the state title game.”

Let’s switch over to recruiting. The big question, what brought about your decommitment from Michigan?

“From the beginning, when Harbaugh offers you in person, that is a lot of pressure. I feel like I committed too early. I always planned on playing defense in college.”

Have you made any official or unofficial visits this season?

“No, I’ve been resting up, doing my school work, and playing football.”

Do you have any visits planned?

“I may start planning some but I am not sure where to yet. Whoever likes me and wants me to visit, I’ll weigh it out and go visit.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I spoke to Georgia the day I decommitted – nothing solid, not an offer. I have spoken with Mississippi State. Appalachian State is showing interest. Minnesota messaged me on Wednesday. I have heard from Michigan State, Troy, and Cincinnati. Georgia, Georgia Southern, Pitt, TCU for a little bit, Ole Miss, and Kentucky has sent some mail.”

You play for Trinity but are homeschooled, how does that work?

“Most of the kids from Trinity are homeschooled. We do a virtual school online school. That way we can still play football there otherwise it is too expensive.”

What is your GPA?

“My GPA has never gone below a 3.2.”

You guys play Central (Fort Pierce) Friday night. What kind of challenge will that be for you and the team?

“They are a powerhouse team. We are 3A they are an 8A team. They are coming with 70 kids, we have 50. We will match up talent wise. They will have a lot of size with their linemen. I feel like we will pull through and beat them.”

Chase, thanks for your time today and good luck against Central.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Lasater family – Ms. Byrd; No. 27 Chase Lasater