Interview: Bishop Amat 2018 DT Aaron Maldonado has Attributes of 5-Star Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

It’s that time of year when push has come to shove and teams along with all of their players either show out or shut up. For fans in the stands, points on the board and highlight reel worthy plays are the draw to many high school games but for those in the La Puente area, seeing Aaron Maldonado grow into his natural abilities is worth the price of admission.

If two teams line head up to see who has the stuff in the fourth quarter, a stud linebacker or elite running back can control the outcome of any game. There is nothing as lethal as a dual-threat quarterback who is a pocket passer but can run when needed. The position that can outshine all of them ending a play before it ever begins is a tough as nails defensive tackle… meet Aaron Maldonado.

Maldonado terrorized opposing California high school offense during his sophomore season coming up with 28 tackles, 18 of those solo, along with three sacks in just six games as a starter. The 6-3, 304 pound, line mover is quick, strong, and just coming into his own. After an off-season of hard work on the field and in the weight room, fans, opposing offenses, and college recruiters are all waiting to see just how good Maldonado will be during his junior campaign and for different reasons.

During his sophomore year, Maldonado was already bench pressing 335 pounds, squatting 425, and reported a power-clean max of 275. His strength, on the field performance, and world of potential has led BYU to offer already with teams like Nebraska, USC, and UCLA, among others, showing interest.

Because of his offer from BYU some recruiting sites have set Maldonado’s recruiting ranking as a three-star, but the ranking is certainly not based off of his potential or abilities. Once the season kicks into gear, and Maldonado is able to put in a full year at the varsity level against top California talent, expect his offer total to rise along with the current perception of his recruiting ranking.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Maldonado for a quick preseason interview covering his summer workouts, camps, and recruitment to date.

Interview

Aaron, which camps did you attend this summer?

“I went to Fresno State, UCLA, USC, and Washington State… (thinking), and that’s all.”

Which camp did you turn in your best performance?”

My best performance was at USC.”

What did you do there to showcase your skills there?

“During one-on-ones I did well and I showed I was coachable. They really liked that. They liked my technique a lot too.”

What did you work on to prepare for your junior season this summer?

“I mainly worked on my speed and strength.”

How did you work on your speed?

“I did a lot of jump rope and ladder work to improve my quickness.”

Did you max out in any of your lifts this summer?

“No. I really have no idea what my max levels are right now. The last bench I did was three plates plus 35s (395 pounds).”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“BYU, they offered me, and Nebraska. UCLA gave me a recruiting card. I’m excited about that.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?

“I’ll check out some UCLA games with the recruiting card. One of my uncles is a big UCLA fan. One of my other uncles is a big USC fan. I’ll go to games for both schools this season.”

Do you know which games yet?

“We’ve been checking some out but I have no idea which games I’ll go to yet.”

How does the Bishop Amat team look right now?

“We are a young team right now. We have to stay positive and believe in ourselves. If we stay positive and keep working hard we will have a successful season.”

What is the strength of this year’s team?

“Being connected as a team. We have a strong brotherhood and bond.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are excited to play this year?

“I’m just excited to play this year.”

There’s not one game that has you a little more excited than the others?

“Alemany (Mission Hills on Oct. 21).”

Aaron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Maldonado family; Aaron Maldonado with former Bishop Amat legend and Chicago Bears (1992-1995) and Indianapolis Colts (1996) veteran offensive tackle Troy Auzenne (6-8, 315).

Click the link for Aaron Maldonado’s 2015 season highlight reel

Photo credit: Maldonado family; No. 77 Aaron Maldonado

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