Interview: 2020 OL Drake Metcalf is Building Something Special at St. John Bosco

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

One can pretty much put ink to paper on any starting football player coming out of California’s Trinity League being a talent worth watching. A player coming out of arguably the nation’s toughest high school football conference is well-coached and has gone up against some of the country’s best players drawing out the best in all who suit up… a statement that may read as an opinion but is a fact. When Trinity League players break onto the scene as underclassmen, especially at one of the nation’s top powerhouse programs – St. John Bosco, opponents beware and college coaches take notice. One such player, Drake Metcalf, has arrived.

Metcalf earned a patch on his letterman’s jacket early in the 2017 season lining up at right tackle for the Braves. Injuries along Bosco’s line forced Metcalf from work on a drive here or there or in blowout wins into the starting lineup. As the season progressed, and the Braves moved from one of the nation’s toughest non-conference schedules into league play, Metcalf started to grow into his new role gaining confidence in his abilities. By the time the playoffs hit and the Braves were in the hunt for another Southern Section and California CIF state title, one could see that the 6-3, 265 pound, sophomore was a player on the rise who had earned his spot as a Braves starter.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising 2020 talents in the trenches covering his sophomore season on the field and his offseason workouts.

Interview

Drake, how did you prepare for the 2017 season during the summer?

“I was in the weight room a lot getting ready with teammates to get as big and as strong as I could. I worked on my speed and agility. Without good speed and technique, you cannot go far. You have to have great footwork. Aside from working out, I worked with Jackie Slater (NFL Hall of Fame OL) and a close friend that played on the defensive line for the Cowboys. It was stressed to me to know what the defensive linemen are doing. If you know what they are doing you can prepare for it. I also worked with my dad, Wes Metcalf, a lot. He has taught me all of the techniques that I implement into my game today.”

When the season began, what role did you have on the Braves roster?

“When the season began I was second-string right tackle behind Marist Talavou. They were putting me in against teams like Dorsey to see if I would be ready for the Trinity League games. When Marist went down, his shoulder popped out, I was in throughout the season. Jace Fuamatu, a senior, and I were in and out after Marist’s injury. I started against Dorsey (Game 4) and against Santa Margarita, Servite, and Rancho Cucamonga… As soon as my coach knew I could play against the big schools in non-league games, he trusted me for league games.”

The Braves, as always, played one of the tougher schedules in the nation. Which game during the 2017 was your toughest game?

“I’d say starting against JSerra (Catholic). They were the hardest defense to play against. Abdul-Malik McClain (USC signee) is a 5-star and one of the top defensive ends in the nation. I was able to protect DJ (Uiagalelei) from getting sacked. I dealt with that challenge really well. I realized if I can hold my own against him, I could do it against anyone.”

How did that game help push your game forward?

“Playing against Malik motivated me to play to the top of my game. There were a lot of college scouts there. I was able to showcase myself to colleges across the nation – that helped with my confidence. I was able to play at the top of my abilities with confidence for the rest of the season.”

How did your game improve throughout the season?

“As the year went along my pass protection got a lot better. Going up against good defensive ends, you have to be patient. I would reach out with my pass set. I was not getting beat, but realized I could be more efficient. I had room for improvement. I had to wait for him instead of me going to him. I worked on it day in and day out. I hit my goal for pass protection this season.

“My run blocking also improved. My dad always stresses to me, be evil, mean, wicked, and nasty. You need to be a mean guy on the field. You see that in the NFL. You have to be mean between the snap and the whistle. I got better at striking and moving the defender so my running back can run behind me.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“I think my strengths are my aggressiveness, patience, and my footwork. One of my best attributes is being aggressive and moving the defender off the ball on a run block.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on gaining more weight, getting bigger in general, stronger in weight room, and quicker on the field.”

As the roster currently stands, will we see you at right tackle again next year or will we see you at another position?

“I will play tackle in 2018, but you more than likely see me at left tackle blocking for DJ’s blindside.”

With your starting spot on the Braves offensive line, are you receiving any recruiting interest?

“I am being looked at by UNLV, where my dad played in the 80’s, USC, and UCLA. LSU was the first school to look at me. I am also receiving interest from Stanford.”

Did you get to take any game day visits over the fall?

“I took multiple at USC with Coach Terry and a few to UCLA. I was at UNLV’s Big Man Camp last summer. Coach Travis Burkett (UNLV running backs) wants me to come to their games. I hope to go there this spring or summer.”

Other than UNLV, do you have any other planned visits coming up?

“I am planning on going to Houston on Feb. 2 and LSU on Feb. 3 with one of our coaches and DJ.”

Nice. Good luck on the visits. How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 4.2 cumulative GPA with honors courses.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“U.S. History.”

Are you playing any other sports for Bosco this spring or summer?

“I might throw the shotput. I am trying to fit it in with our football schedule.”

Back to football, are there any camps or combines you may attend this offseason?

“Yes. I will attend the Under Armour All-American Camp (Feb. 25), the Rivals Combine, and the Nike Opening Regional. For college camps, I am planning on going to the UNLV Big Man camp this summer, USC and UCLA. I am hoping to go to a Stanford camp this summer as well.”

You’ve listed out a few, but what offseason goals have you set for yourself?

“I’m really focusing on bettering myself by learning defenses. You have to know what the defensive linemen are doing; that will better my game. Seeing how they are lined up, in a power or speed stance, I will know what to do. I am working on my punch to blast defensive ends out of my area on a pass block. Another goal is to get stronger.”

Drake, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: John Deyoe; No. 60 Drake Metcalf