2022 California Hidden Gem Interview: Gavin Hambrick is an Explosive Technician at Linebacker
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the shames of the shortened 2020 California high school football season played this spring was not getting to see linebacker Gavin Hambrick get after teams through an entire schedule. His Apple Valley squad went 5-0 as he stuffed opposing ball carriers 32 times with six tackles for a loss, a sack, and picked off a pass. Watching the 6-2, 220-pound, defender work, he is an explosive technician whose athleticism and IQ for the game shows in an instant on his game film. That talent has already brought three scholarship offers to one of the Golden State’s top hidden recruiting gems.
In an RNG first-look interview, Hambrick takes us inside his offseason workouts, that includes an expanded role with the Sun Devils on offense, and his growing recruiting process.
Interview
Gavin, one of the first things that pops off your film for me is your play recognition. Impossible to calculate, but how much of that is natural instincts and how much is part of your weekly preparation for games?
I’d say most of it is weekly preparation. I like to watch a lot of film, and watch film every day. The formation is big for me. For each game, I know the play and what they like to do in that formation.
Another big trait I noticed in your game is you don’t have many wasted steps. You break it down mentally in a hurry and go blow it up. What are some of the other attributes to your game that separates you from other inside linebackers?
I’d like to say I am a student of the game, and a big part of that is film. The reason I am so fast and quick to react is the amount of film I am watching. My pass coverage is a lot better than others. I like playing 7v7. Another thing is I feel that I am more aggressive and faster than other linebackers. I like to play fast. The speed that I play with is a lot different than other linebackers.
To prepare for your senior season, what have you been working on with the fundamentals this spring and summer on defense?
There was some stuff I noticed from last year that I needed to work on. Size was another thing; you can always get bigger and stronger. You can never watch enough film. I can read plays fast, but there are a couple of motions that I can get faster reading. You can always get faster with your reads. Footwork too; you can always get better at that.
Your closing speed shows, what have you been doing to improve upon that?
Resistance bands and I’ve been doing a lot up at the high school. We dug a new sand pit that I have been using. In the weight room I am doing power cleans, there is a lot of work that I can get done in the weight room.
You got a couple of receptions on offense last season, are you taking on a bigger role this fall?
Yes, I am. I will be the starting tight end. I split reps at tight end last season. This year I will have more catches and more yards.
Let’s talk about your camp season. Did you get a chance to compete at any college camps?
Yes, I did. I went to Northern Arizona, UNLV, Sac State, and all the way out to Duke.
How did the UNLV camp go for you?
It went well. I went to the Northern Arizona camp, talked to their coaches there. They said “we like you” and “we want to see more of you.” They were going to UNLV camp, so I went to that camp. I got an offer from NAU at that camp.
What did you showcase to the NAU coaches to get that offer?
My measurables and the thing I take pride in, my pass coverage. In man, I separated myself from others. Pass coverage is not easy. I work on it, and I show out at these camps with what I can do.
Going all the way across country to compete at the Duke camp, how did that go?
It went well. That camp had a different pace; it was an east coast trip. They liked my film. I talked to the coaches; it is going pretty good right now.
Duke is showing interest now, which other schools are as well?
I have been talking to Boise State, they have talked to my high school coaches. I am hoping to go visit there and talk to them in person.
How many offers do you have now?
Three: West Point (Army), NAU, and Fordham.
Which schools did you get to visit this summer?
Army and Fordham; they are both in New York.
How did the Army visit turn out?
It was crazy. They have a totally different atmosphere than in the high desert where I live. They have an amazing campus and atmosphere. Everything was amazing there. I loved it a lot.
Boise State is a potential upcoming visit, are there any other schools you may go see?
Yes, I am going to NAU on the 23rd. I might go out to Fordham this fall or to Boise State.
Gavin, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck preparing for your upcoming season and with your ongoing recruiting process.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Hambrick family; Gavin Hambrick