Interview: 2018 California ATH Chigozie Anusiem is Racking Up West Coast Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

 

There is a name on the football recruiting trail fans and college coaches alike need to remember – Chigozie Anusiem. Much like his name, the Class of 2018 California talent stands out from the rest.

The reason to remember Chigozie Anusiem’s name, pronounced Chig-o-z-a An-u-see-um, now is it will be a name used frequently come Saturdays in the near future. Over the past two seasons, Anusiem has proven to be a shutdown defender at safety and corner. During his sophomore season, he registered 59 tackles, 45 solo, had one pick, defended six passes, and forced one fumble. He followed that up with a 45-tackle campaign with nine passes turned away.

When the 2016 season rolled around, the Sonora High School coaching staff knew they could lay more responsibilities on his shoulders turning Anusiem into one of the top all-around athletes in the Golden State. In addition to shutting down opposing Division-5 offenses, Anusiem blistered the opposition for 546 yards off 21 receptions with six scores. If that was not enough, Anusiem also stole momentum and field position away from his competitors as an all-too dangerous kick and punt returner.

All the production on the field earned Anusiem second team All-League honors and team Offensive and Defensive Back Player of the Year honors. College coaches were also in awe of the talents and upside the 6-2, 175 pound, athlete displayed on the field leading to nine offers. The teams already hoping to add Anusiem to their roster in 2018 includes Army, Idaho, Eastern Washington, Hawaii, Montana, UNLV, Wyoming, and Washington State. Interest from Pac-12 and Mountain West schools continue to roll in with Cal, Oregon State, San Jose State, and Arizona all making their way to La Habra this spring to watch Anusiem in person.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2018 recruiting class covering his junior season, spring workouts, and growing recruiting interest.

Interview

Chigozie, tough question right out of the gate. The Raiders had a tough season last year (0-10). Easy to get down and not give maximum effort when all is not going well for any given team. How did you keep your motivation at such a high level throughout the 2016 season?

“I had goals I set before the season. Going in, I wanted to reach my goals. I wanted to be All-League and All-CIF. I kept my eyes on my goals.”

You played all over the field during your junior season lining up at receiver, safety, and corner. Of the three positions, which do you like playing the best?

“Corner.”

Which position are most teams recruiting you to play?

“Corner.”

How did your game improve from your sophomore to junior season as a receiver?

“My game got better throughout the season all-around. I got faster out of my breaks. On a post, I was taught the right way to run my routes. I was tough to stop on post routes. I got more aggressive with my game as the season went along.”

Same question but at corner.

“My game got better because of my speed. I can read quarterbacks well. That helped me a lot on the field.”

What were some of the technical parts of your game you worked to improve upon throughout the 2016 season as a cornerback?

“My feet got better. The whole off-season I worked on my footwork. I got more aggressive with my press last year.”

Which parts of your game are you working on this off-season?

“I’m working more on off-man coverage. I like to press. I’m working on readying hips. At receiver, I’m working on having crisp routes.”

Have you attended any other exposure camps so far this spring?

“I went to the Los Angeles Nike Opening Regional.”

How did that go for you?

“It went well. My 40 time was not what I expected (4.6). I can run faster than that, but it was a good experience.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“Just on bench. My bench is 225.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes.”

With which team?

“E.A.T.”

How is 7v7 action helping your game?

“It is helping a lot. I am going against better competition than I faced during the season. I’m going up against wide receivers from all over – tall, short, fast. I am getting better with my feet and my eyes.”

How have spring practices gone for the Raiders?

“Our spring practices have been good. We have a lot of young guys but they are getting into the system now. Everything is going really well.”

Not that there isn’t too much more you could possibly do on the gridiron than what you already do, but will your role change at all next season? Anything new we will see you do during your senior year?

“Everything will pretty much be the same thing. I’m returning kicks, all the same stuff on offense and defense. I’ll have a lot on my plate.”

I was curious to see if the coaches put together some plays for you at running back or as a Wildcat QB.

“Not at running back but I will get some snaps in the Wildcat.”

Have any college coaches come by Sonora to watch you practice this spring?

“Yes. Arizona, Cal, UNLV, Oregon State, and San Jose State have been at our practices this spring.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you beyond the schools you just mentioned?

“Cal, UCLA, and USC is showing a little more attention now.”

How many offers do you have now?

“Nine.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“UNLV, UCLA, and USC.”

Are you attending any college camps this summer?

“I’m attending camps at USC and UCLA. Those are the ones I have set for now. I am planning on going to more.”

Do you have any unofficial summer visits planned?

“I’m going to Arizona and Cal. Those are the only ones set for now. I will talk with my parents to see if I can visit more this summer.”

Are you playing any other sports?

“Track.”

Which events do you run?

“The 100, 200, and 4×1 relay.”

Which is your best event?

“The 100.”

What is your personal best in the 100?

“10.74.”

Nice. Switching to the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“Two weeks ago I took the SAT. I do not know my score yet.”

Since you are such a busy guy, what do you do for fun when you are not doing sports related activities?

“I play 2K mostly.”

Are you good?

“I don’t lose at 2K.”

I like that. Chigozie, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of the upcoming camps and visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: E.A.T.; No. 2 Chigozie Anusiem returns a kick (2016).

Photo credit: E.A.T.; No. 2 Chigozie Anusiem shakes off a defender (2016).