Interview: 2019 California DB/ATH Chris Roland Talks New Mexico Offer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Chris Roland-Wallace is a talent that has to be seen in person to fully appreciate; that is where my appreciation of his abilities began. Watching Roland during a 7v7 tournament a year ago, his athleticism, ability to cover, and range from sideline-to-sideline at safety stood out. He went on for a stellar junior season, making this writer proud and his Knight High School teammates as well, coming up with 41 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes broken up, and five interceptions. His athletic gifts were further put to good use on offense hauling in 42 passes for 611 yards with 10 trips into the end zone earning first team All-League Utility Player honors.
After a 7v7 season with Formula4Speed and a Premium 7v7 showcase, college coaches are starting to take notice of Roland. He earned his first offer on Thursday, May 3, coming from New Mexico. The offer on the table is sure to have a lot of company in the upcoming weeks with interest spreading to San Diego State, Arizona, UCLA, UTEP, Washington State, and Utah, among others.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the overlooked Palmdale (CA) area product for a quick one-on-one covering his offseason workouts and offer from New Mexico.
*Click link for Feb. 8, 2018, RNG interview with Chris Roland-Wallace
Interview
How are your offseason workouts coming along?
“My offseason workouts have been good. I’ve been working on my technique and the proper way to play the position. I have been working on my hips a lot, working on breaking on the ball, and coming downhill hard.”
Where are you seeing the biggest areas of improvement?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements coming down the hill. I’ve really improved on the proper position to make plays more often.”
You were all over the field last season, even carrying the ball here and there. Which positions will you play during your senior year?
“I will be at corner, safety, receiver, and maybe some at slot.”
You played 7v7 ball with Formula4Speed and did the Premium Showcase this spring, how did that experience help you?
“The players out there – there was a lot of great competition. Most of the guys are bigger, stronger, and faster than what I see in games during the season. That helped me a lot. That helped me to not rely only on my athleticism. I had to learn the game so I could become an even better player.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“I went to a Rivals camp.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve put down this offseason?
“My best is a 4.6, but I know I’m faster than that.”
Do you have any upcoming camps scheduled?
“I am planning on attending a Redlands camp, Arizona, Oregon, UCLA, and USC camps. I plan on attending more, but not all are set yet.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“UTEP, San Diego State, Arizona, and UCLA – they came by last week, there’s a lot. I cannot remember them all.”
Which other schools have come by Knight to see you this offseason?
“UCLA, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, San Diego State, Washington State, UTEP, and Merchant Marines (D-II).”
What are the college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my ball skills and instincts. They like my length.”
On May 3, the Lobos offered you, congratulations.
“Thank you.”
How did they notify you of the scholarship?
“Coach Scott (Baumgarner – RBs) came by my school. We talked for a little bit. They had been in contact with my coach. They broke my film down in front of the coaches. They had texted my coach letting him know that ‘we like him and we’ll be there soon.’ When he came by the school, we talked about the school, he asked about me, and asked if I had any questions. I asked a few questions. He told me, “We like you.” He couldn’t offer me in person, but told my coach about the full-ride offer.”
Silly question, but after all your hard work, how does it feel to finally start receiving the recruiting recognition you deserve?
“I feel great. I feel like I am getting what I have been working for all these years. It feels great. The offer makes me work even harder.”
You’ve been grinding hard all offseason, what are you doing for fun away from football?
“My friends and I, we go out to eat, go to Rocket Jump, or to someone’s house and play games. We always end up getting football games going.”
Do you have any plans, other than working out, you are looking forward to over the summer?
“I’m looking forward to going to the beach this summer.”
Chris, congratulations again on your offer and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Chris Roland-Wallace