Interview: 2019 California CB Damond Callahan Determined to Improve upon League Defensive POY Honors
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are a lot of players in football that talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. One of the great things about Class of 2019 cornerback Damond Callahan, not only does he walk the walk but when talking to him, he knows he does not have to talk about it after cementing himself as a top California defender earning San Gabriel Valley League Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2017.
The surface scratching of talent for Callahan started to breakthrough during his sophomore season posting an estimated stat line of 39 tackles, 28 solo, and a fumble recovery. The 6-2, 180 pound, rising star frustrated opposing offensive coordinators, quarterbacks, and receivers during his junior year putting an end to 20 plays with six passes broken up and eight picks racking up 147 return yards in the process through 10 games played. The play on the field helped Warren High School from a 2-7-1 season in 2016 to a 6-4 mark last season.
The stout defensive play is attracting a lot of attention from Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference teams. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Callahan for an overview on his junior season, spring and summer workouts, and an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Damond, you had an explosive junior season playing corner for Warren picking off eight passes. Give us the inside scoop – how did you intercept so many passes?
(Laughs) “I stuck to my technique, stayed inside, read hips, and followed the receiver. We played a lot of man this year. Playing man used to be my downfall, but my coach worked with me and I got better at it.”
What do you feel are the overall strengths of your game as a defensive back?
“I am very physical off the line with my press. As I said, I have gotten a lot better at playing man. I am good playing off too. When I am in off-man, I can see the whole field. When I am off, I can see receiver and quarterback which makes it a lot easier to pick off passes.”
Which areas of your game grew the most as a defender last year?
“My attitude towards the game. I was not as physical last and I was not as competitive on the line. I made myself more competitive this year by taking away the inside and jamming receivers at the line.”
You got some snaps in at receiver in 2017 pulling in three passes for 38 with one touchdown, will we see you playing more on offense next year?
“Yes, sir. For sure.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this offseason?
“My speed and my man technique. I have posted a 4.4 in the 40 (yard dash), I want a 4.3 this offseason.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball again this spring?
“Yes, I am. But, I don’t have a team right now.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Utah, Oregon, Colorado, Boise State, Arizona State. Colorado’s head coach came down to talk to me.”
That is impressive. What all did you talk about with Coach (Mike) MacIntyre? How did it go?
“It went very well. I was shocked. It is rare for a head coach to come see one player. I tried to stay cool and not be nervous.”
Have any other schools come by Warren to meet with you in person?
“Yes, sir. Utah, UNLV, Fresno State, Oregon, and Arizona State have come by school to meet with me.”
What are the coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my size. That is the first thing coaches tell me. They like my size and my speed. They ask me what I want to work on this offseason and I tell them my speed. That shocks them because they know how fast I am but they like that I am honest with them. They like how long I am as well. My size, speed, and length are the main things college coaches tell me they like about me.”
With all the interest you’ve garnered, are you planning on taking any unofficial visits this spring or summer?
“I am taking one to Utah in March. On Feb. 24, I am going to Fresno State for a Junior Day event. I am trying to get to Colorado too this spring.”
Are you planning on going to any camps or combines this offseason?
“I will go to an Oregon camp and I might attend a Washington camp. I might go to the Adidas and Under Armour camps.”
What are your offseason goals?
“I want to work on my leadership. I want to win CIF. For me to be a leader, I have to take myself more serious. I wanted 10 picks in 2017, I want 10 picks in 2018. I want to improve my speed and my leadership this offseason.”
What does the team have to do this offseason to make a title run in 2018?
We have to come together as one. We cannot have individuals going their own way. To play those great teams, and beat them, we have to trust and love each other. Jared Gonzales and I, he plays opposite of me in the secondary – he is my man out there. He had four interceptions last year. All would be lost out there without him. Together, all the seniors have to lead the team for us to be successful in 2018.”
Damond, great catching up with you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts and track season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Damond Callahan at a 7v7 tournament
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 2 Damond Callahan