3-Star 2017 California LB Colin Schooler Playing above Rating for Mission Viejo

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is a three-star recruiting gem in California kept secret by west coast schools hoping to get one of the biggest steals of the 2017 recruiting class come National Signing Day in Colin Schooler.

The Schooler family has been through this before giving the Ducks the last laugh on the recruiting trail just three months ago. Colin’s older brother, Brenden Schooler, was an under the radar gem coming out of the 2016 class. His lone offer was from Wyoming. On June 30, long after all the hoopla of National Signing Day, Brenden signed with Oregon; a rare occurrence so late in the process and that far into the summer.

If Brenden was an afterthought to Division-I schools, he and the Schooler family get a collective last laugh seeing the true freshman become an immediate impact player for the Ducks. Schooler is tied for fourth on the team in total tackles with 17 and has swooped down from his safety to spot to collect a team-high two of the Ducks’ five interceptions on the season.

The athletic bloodline continues with Colin. Colin is an absolute two-way beastly star for Mission Viejo. The Class of 2017 recruit showcased his skill set as a junior playing all over the field lining up at linebacker, running back, full back, tight end, and in the slot, something he continues to do as a senior. So far on defense this season, the 6-1, 225 pound, athlete has an approximate stat line of 46 tackles, 15 solo, four tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a 69-yard pick-six in just five games played. On offense, he has pushed his season rushing total to a team-high 280 yards on just 37 carries with seven touchdowns scored, inching closer to his approximate 1,000 yards gained on the ground as a junior. In the passing game, Schooler has pulled in six passes for 109 yards.

All of the high productivity on the field has helped Mission Viejo maintain their status as a California powerhouse. The 2015 season ended with a perfect 16-0 record and the Diablos are racing to a second consecutive undefeated season starting out 5-0 in 2016.

All of the winning has brought some colleges around the yard. Colin has not been slept on as badly as Brenden, but still not receiving nearly as much attention as he should. Teams to offer already includes Buffalo, New Mexico, San Jose State, College of Charleston, UNLV, and Nevada. Teams showing interest includes Oregon, USC, UCLA, Colorado State, Utah, Washington, Notre Dame, and Colorado.

The next big question, what is taking Oregon so long this time around?

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Colin going over his senior season thus far and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Colin, this might be kind of a silly question, but how does it feel to be one of the key contributors to the No. 18th ranked teams in the country (MaxPreps)?

“It’s an honor. It’s pretty cool to think that I am on one of the top teams in the nation.”

You play so many different positions, which position is your best?

“Linebacker.”

Which is your second best?

“Running back.”

Which position are most colleges recruiting you to play?

“All of them are recruiting me to play linebacker.”

What is your game preparation each week for all the roles you have with Mission Viejo?

“On offense, my home is at running back. The coaches know that I know everything there. If they want me in at tight end, fullback, or in the slot, we will practice it that week. If I have any questions, Matt McDonald, our quarterback (2017) will help me out.”

What are some of the parts of your game you are working to improve?

“During the off-season I practiced on reading stuff faster and working on my pass drops to cover the pass better.”

Did you max out in the weight room over the summer?

“I did. I got close to the 1,200 pound club getting to 1,185. My bench was 330, my clean was 365, and my squat was 500.”

What are some of your strengths on the field at linebacker?

“I think my overall awareness of the game and my nose for the ball are my biggest strengths. I’m big enough and fast enough to cover any run game.”

Are you happy with your personal performance on the field so far this year?

“Yeah. I’m always work on something, but I can’t complain because we are undefeated.”

Speaking of, do you think the team has a good shot at closing out the regular season undefeated again this year?

“Yeah, I think we have a good shot at that. We’ve done it before we can do it again. I think we’ll be able to finish it off this year.”

Do you play any other sports for Mission Viejo?

“Last year I was on the basketball team. I throw shot and discus too. I was league champ in those two events.”

Nice. What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 3.2.”

What have you scored on the ACT or SAT?

“I got a 22 on the ACT.”

Transition into recruiting. Which schools do you have offers from right now?

“UNLV, Nevada, New Mexico, Buffalo, Charleston, and my latest one is San Jose State.”

Of the schools that have offered, are any pushing a little bit harder than the others to forge that bond with you?

“UNLV is pushing pretty hard.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Oregon, Washington State, Utah, USC, and Washington. Notre Dame has sent some letters.

Have you taken any visits so far this season?

“I have not taken any official visits. I’d like to after the season. As of right now I’m just focused on my season.”

There is a loaded college football schedule this weekend. I’m sure Oregon is one of the teams you are interested to see play, but are there any other games on the docket you are excited to see?

“I’m looking forward to the Louisville verses Clemson game. My Saturdays are always busy watching all of the games.”

Colin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Mission Viejo High School; Colin Schooler gets another tackle.

Photo credit: Schooler family; Colin Schooler at USC.

Photo credit: rivals.com; Colin Schooler wins Linebacker MVP Award at a Rivals camp.