Interview: 2018 OL Sebastian Sainterling Emerging as another Top Recruit for St. Thomas Aquinas

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is no debate that the state of Florida is one of the top areas in the country for high school football. Year after year the Sunshine State replenishes the college ranks with future All-Conference and All-American talents. One of the powerhouse teams in Florida supplying top Division-I programs with impact players is St. Thomas Aquinas.

The Raiders are once again one of the top teams in the state posting an 8-2 record so far this season after downing Palm Beach Lakes 35-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. MaxPreps ranks St. Thomas Aquinas the No. 5 team in Florida ahead of their second round game against Dwyer. The prospect of making a deep run into the playoffs winning a 7A state title is nothing new for the Raiders.

Over the past two seasons, St. Thomas Aquinas has been one team no one has wanted to play. In 2014, the Raiders went 15-1 beating Osceloa 31-0 for top honors. Same story in 2015 seeing the Raiders run their record to 13-1 ending as MaxPreps’ No. 21 team in the nation. One new player helping the Raiders accomplish familiar goals is Sebastian Sainterling.

Sainterling has been a key contributor at the varsity level since his freshman season in 2014. He received starters’ minutes in 2014 splitting time with upperclassmen while with Hallandale High School earning MaxPreps Freshman first team All-American honors. In 2015, Sainterling was a starter from Game 1 becoming an anchor up front for the Chargers. During his two seasons with the Chargers, Hallandale posted a 20-5 record. While with Hallandale he lined up at tackle, guard, and center.

After a transfer in the off-season, Sainterling has proven to be a valuable piece to the Raiders’ offense for the Fort Lauderdale squad. The road grading lineman is back at it again this year helping the offense gain over 2,000 yards on the ground and another 1,700-plus in the passing attack.

With the Raiders staring down yet another state title, I caught up with the 6-3, 350 pound, lineman covering his junior campaign and his recruitment to date.

Interview

Sebastian, you’ve been receiving playing time since your freshman year. Did you start as a freshman?

“Sort of. I played in the majority of the games from start to finish. Our head coach (Roger Harriott) is very heady on seniority. During crunch time, I got minutes.”

You started as a sophomore. Where all did you line up along the line?

“I started all our games my sophomore year. Coach had me playing every position on the o-line; center, guard, and tackle.”

Which position do you like best?

“I like to play guard. Trapping and pulling and all of that is very exciting.”

How have you gotten better on the field as a lineman this year?

“Man, honestly my game has improved so much technique wise. I don’t have to think about what I am doing with my steps. It is second nature to me. My pass set, at first out of my stance I never kept my feet chopping and hands moving. I do that now. Everything has gotten easier for me on the field.”

The Raiders won their opening round game over Palm Beach Lakes 35-0. How did the game go for you?

“It went very well.”

Enough said, I get it. What kind of challenge does Dwyer bring to the field against the Raiders?

“Honestly they don’t bring a challenge. We are physical up front. Anything they have we can defeat it.”

What kind of match-up do you have against Dwyer’s defensive linemen and linebackers on Friday?

“They are a very physical game. On the edge they are fast and strong in the middle. It will be a physical game in general.”

Is there any pressure on the team being the No. 5 ranked squad (MaxPreps) in the state? Do you or the team feel that pressure?

“No, no pressure at all.”

Who is the toughest guy you have gone up against this season or last year?

“Last year, verses (American) Heritage in the second round, Brian Burns (FSU defensive end). He was very quick and his technique was really good. He made me a better person and better player. I kept my feet moving and my hands moving against him. He helped my pass set in that game.”

Did you max out in the off-season?

“Kind of. I had a nagging injury so I could not go all out. My bench was 305 and my squat was 365.”

You have six offers on the table from Auburn, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Fresno State, Mississippi State, and Missouri. Are any of the six schools showing more interest in you than the others?

“They are all pretty much the same. They are all showing me love. There is not one over the other showing more interest.”

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

“Kentucky and Penn State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I took one to Florida to watch my cousin (Joshua Hammond – freshman wide receiver) play.”

Do you have any visits planned coming up?

“No.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.2 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I start taking those test in the spring.”

Last question, what is your motivation out on the field?

“During our pregame, I have a play list of songs that keeps me hyped and motivated to go out there and do the best I can.”

Sebastian, thanks for your time today and good luck through the rest of the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Interview with Sebastian’s older brother Eugene at Pierce JUCO in LA.

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Photo credit: flickr.com; Sebastian Sainterling at a camp.

Photo credit: Scoopnest.com; Sebastian Sainterling pre-season.

Photo credit: scout.com; Sebastian Sainterling at Florida.