Interview: 2018 Texas OL Alex Costilla is a True Trench Hog Nasty Ready to Mix It Up
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
On every snap of the ball, double-digit hits are doled out between defensive and offensive players on the gridiron. Some players more than others relish the opportunity to unleash their fury on the opposition looking for any chance to ring a bell and hand out a grass stain or two before the whistle blows. When watching Class of 2018 offensive lineman Alex Costilla play, one quickly gets the idea that a play without burying a defender is a wasted play.
Costilla was a beast in the trenches for San Marcos High School during his junior season lining up at both left guard and right tackle. The 6-4, 300 pound, road-grader took it as a personal affront when opposing 6A Texas defenders took the field. The football use of the term “head on a swivel” is best applied to those defenders not already knocked on the ground by Costilla taking a nasty (compliment) approach to breaking the will of other Texans. For his efforts, Costilla was an honorable mention All-State performer, third team All-Central Texas honoree, and a first team All-District selection in 2016 after earning top newcomer of the year honors in 2015 in the 27-5A district.
The Rattlers surprised many rolling to an 8-4 mark in 2016. The winning ways has helped draw recruiting attention for Costilla with Stephen F. Austin and Texas State having dropped early offers. The list of other potential suitors includes TCU, Texas Tech, Air Force, Army, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas-El Paso. When the 2017 season kicks off for San Marcos, Costilla has another surprise in store for next level scouts, he will be lining up at left tackle once again showing his versatility to any Division-I college football program in need.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Costilla covering his off-season workouts and growth as a lineman while getting the inside scoop on his college camp circuit.
Interview
Alex, how did your junior season go?
“I thought it went pretty good. It was an adjustment going from left guard to start the season and then to right tackle by the end of the season. I had never played tackle before then. It was a good learning experience for me.”
Playing right tackle, how did your game expand even more as an offensive lineman?
“I learned how to read the faster guys off the edge. If they run outside and come back in, how to stop them; stuff like that. I learn a new position and the footwork it takes to play tackle.”
Between guard and tackle, which position do you like best?
“I love being a guard.”
Which position will you play during your senior year?
“Left tackle.”
Wow. Another change. Are you excited about playing left tackle?
“Yes, sir.”
At this point in your playing career, what are the strengths of your game?
“I’m a very good run blocker. Getting up, kicking out, pulling, and getting around the center to get in on a linebacker are my strengths. I love delivering the punch, not waiting on the nose guard or defensive tackle to come at you.”
What have you been working on this off-season?
“My pass-pro, a lot. Being on the left side is a new position for me. I need to work my feet so I can move faster. I’m polishing up my run game too. You can always get better.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this summer?
“No, not during the summer. Last time I maxed out on squat, I squatted 500 raw with no belt at the start of junior year. Power clean, I love that. My max on power clean is 290.”
Which college programs came by San Marcos to talk to you this spring?
“Texas Tech, UTEP (Texas-El Paso), Air Force, Abilene Christian, West Point, Liberty, Kansas, a few more like Navarro (JUCO), Lamar, New Mexico, and UCA (Central Arkansas). That is all I can think of now.”
Are any other schools showing interest in you that you did not list?
“TCU.”
Did you attend any college camps this summer?
“I did. I went to Texas State, Texas A&M Commerce for a big showcase, Baylor, and TCU.”
Which camp was your best?
“The A&M Commerce camp. That was a mega camp with a bunch of schools there.”
What did you do well there?
“I felt I did really well during the one-on-ones.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I went to TCU, Texas State, and Baylor’s Junior Days. I might take an unofficial to Louisiana-Monroe soon. I have to talk to their coaches about that.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.2.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. But I am trying to schedule those for as soon as possible.”
Back to the Rattlers, looking ahead to the season. Will you play any defense during your senior year?
(Laughs) “No. I ask every year to play defense but they do not throw me in there.”
How does the team look going into the season?
“We have a young team, maybe 15 returning guys in total. Our guys are really young. We have a lot of work to do, but they have a lot of heart and they work really hard.”
Have you set any goals for the 2017 season?
“Every year we do a pin chart. During my sophomore year, I was the youngest on the line. You always have to step up and prove yourself. With the pin chart, my goal is to have the most pins. I was tied for the most pins with 111 in 2015. Last year I got 109. This year I want 115 pins.”
Pins are knockdowns plus pancakes?
“Yes.”
When does fall camp start?
“This is our last week of workouts. Then we have a week off and start up in pads in two weeks.”
Are you excited for the season?
“Oh, definitely. Getting the pads on – that will be great.”
Alex, thanks for your time today and good luck with your fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: sanmarcosrecord; No. 75 Alex Costilla at right tackle (2016).
Photo credit: Randall Villacardo; No. 75 Alex Costilla (2016).
Photo credit: Costilla family; Alex Costilla at Baylor (2017).