Calabasas 2016 safety bringing Pac-12 coaches to the stands
Exclusive interview with Darrius “Vuko” Vukobradovich
The talent level of high school football in southern California is vast and full of Division-I caliber players. Every week future Pac-12, Mountain West, and some Big 12 and SEC difference makers take the field proving their worth against other highly touted gridiron warriors. To set one’s self apart from the group as a junior is not easy to do but that is exactly what Darrius “Vuko” Vukobradovich has done for himself.
The Calabasas High School rising star missed the first two games of the season but still finished with 83 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for a loss, and one pick playing primarily at safety but also filling in at outside linebacker when needed.
Watching the hard nosed 5’11”, 190 pound, safety shutdown a running play is routine. Vuko holds his assignment waiting patiently for a given play to develop then pops the ball carrier on the spot, a product of instincts and film study. Be it at linebacker, cornerback, or safety, he’s a sideline to sideline player who never gives up on a play.
Pac-12 college coaches have noticed Vuko’s play and have already started lining up hoping to establish a rapport with the future D-I talent.
In an exclusive interview Darrius sat down for a one-on-one interview going over the 2014 season, his offseason workouts, and how college coaches are approaching him on the recruiting trail.
Darrius, the Coyotes had a rewarding but tough season finishing 6-6. Looking back on the season how do you feel about the play of the team?
“We started off fast. Towards the middle of the season we lost a couple, then got real physical and started playing as a team. After we hit our four-game losing streak we started going harder in practice, in the weight room, and started preparing harder for games to turn the season around.”
What prompted the change in attitude?
“We held a player only meeting. After that we came out on fire.”
How does Calabasas look going into next year?
“We’re going to be good. We had a lot of sophomores on the team this year. Next year we will be real good with more experienced players on the team.”
On defense, what are your strengths as a player?
“At safety I’m very physical and good at reading the offense. When I’m reading run, I’m coming down hill fast. I’m there before everybody else making the play. I watch a lot of film. I know what’s coming so I react faster than most others do to a play.”
How well did you play in 2014?
“I think I did well. I could have made some more tackles and got some more interceptions but overall I did pretty good.”
What was your best game this season?
“Against Agoura I had 14 tackles, two sacks, and a pick. I think I had three tackles for a loss too.” (Calabasas beat Agoura 38-28 on Oct. 24.)
What are your goals for the 2015 football season?
“My top goals are team first and that is to win a championship and go undefeated.”
What about any personal goals or big stat lines?
“My personal goals are to become a better player, become a better leader, and learn the game more so I can become a better player.”
You lined up at several positions on the field in 2014 including running back. Will you have just one position to hold down next year or will you play multiple positions again in 2015?
“As of right now, I’m only going to play safety and in on nickel formations. I believe we’re going to have some linebackers coming in next season so I won’t have to fill in there.”
What schools are recruiting you right now?
“Notre Dame came up to the school recently. We went over my transcripts. Arizona State came up to the school recently too. ASU was my first offer. They offered me last May. I also have an offer from Washington. Washington State, Boston College, Arizona, and UCLA are showing heavy interest.”
Have you been on any unofficial visits yet?
“I’ve been to Arizona, UCLA, and USC on unofficial visits.”
Was there anything that stood out to you from one school over the other?
“There was something different at all the schools. Pretty much every college has the same type of facilities. The big difference is the personalities of the different coaches.”
Do you have a favorite school as of right now?
“I like all the schools. If I had to pick I’d go with Notre Dame or ASU. I’m planning on visiting Notre Dame and ASU over the summer.”
What position are the coaches recruiting you to play?
“Arizona is recruiting me at cornerback. Notre Dame is recruiting me at linebacker and USC and ASU are recruiting me at safety.”
What have the different coaches said about your game?
“They all like how physical I am on the field. They tell me to keep my speed and keep my IQ for the game, and say “you’ll be ready when you get here.”
When the time comes in choosing a college, what will help form your final decision?
“The coaches, playing time, and if I feel comfortable at that school. I want to feel like I am at home when I’m there and know I can be there for the next four years.”
Do you plan on going to any college camps this summer?
“I went to the Arizona camp last year. I don’t know if I will go to a camp this summer or not. I might go to USC and UCLA.”
Is there a college player you like watching play the game?
“Yes, Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olumu. He’s my favorite player to watch. I like his intensity and the way he plays. He’s very physical and fast.”
Do you play any sports other than football for Calabasas?
“I run track. The 4×4 and 200.”
What’s your best time in the 200 meters?
“21.6.”
Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?
My cousin, Lucky Radley (running back), has had the biggest impact on my career. He was in the same position as me in high school. He played at Taft then went to Utah before transferring to SDSU. He always tells me to keep my head up. He tells me how to workout and when to workout. He’s definitely had the biggest impact on me.”
Any chance of a family reunion on the Aztec’s practice field with you and Radley?
“I’ve talked to the SDSU coaches, it’s a possibility.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“I love being in the zone on the field. When the adrenaline is pump and the fans are loud, that’s when the game is exciting.”
Dedication, a mentor to help guide the way, physical talent, and extremely intelligent, all the positives Vuko has going for him. His future is wide open with numerous possibilities and options yet to come his way. One thing that is a known, Vuko will be playing Division-I football somewhere on Saturdays in the near future for a Power Five conference.
Calabasas was in a transition year in 2013 learning a new system installed by head coach Casey Clausen. If the name sounds familiar, it should. Clausen was an All-SEC Freshman performer in 2000 and the Citrus Bowl MVP 2002 playing for the Tennessee Volunteers. Who better else to give Vuko tips on how to destroy an opposing quarterback than a coach who knows a thing or two about playing quarterback?
Photo credit: Calabasas; Darrius Vukobradovich