Interview: 10-Offer 3-Star 2021 California DE Nick Dimitris Talks Breakthrough Season

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For a weak-side defensive end, Nick Dimitris proved to be one heck of a defensive lineman this season with Sierra Vista. In his first season playing varsity football, Dimitris exploded onto the scene for Sierra Vista playing across the line for the Dons, even at nose guard. The 6-4, 235-pound, natural was able to use his speed, quickness, raw strength, and developing technique against Montview League competition putting an end to 33 plays with 21 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and forced two balls loose, picked up a fumble, and picked off a pass in seven games. The quick result for the California product has been 10 offers extended by college programs seeing his upside and development as a difference maker prospect.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s fast-rising defenders in the 2021 class to learn more about his breakthrough year with an update on his recruiting visits and offers.

Interview

Nick, you were a big presence on the Dons’ defensive front. In your words, how did your junior season on the field go?

“It was cool. This was my first year, it could have been better. I need to polish my technique. I feel that my footwork is down, but I need to use my hands more. I would give myself a 7 out of 10.”

Because of your athleticism, size, and strength, the Sierra Vista coaches were able to line you up all over the line, even at nose guard. Which scheme did you guys run, and where all did you line up?

“We ran better at a 5-front with me at nose guard. I would bull rush the center at nose guard. At tackle, I can get there faster. We played against a lot of run teams. I can get to the ball off the snap. The impact of the game for us this season based on the teams we played was in the middle against the run.”

How did your skills grow throughout the season?

“It grew a lot. I built up my confidence. My coaches helping me in practice prepare for the games helped me improve a lot.”

What do you now feel are the strengths to your game as a defensive lineman?

“Right now, my footwork, my get off, my quickness, and my confidence. My wingspan is a strength. I can get off the line and play with them using my wingspan and strength.”

Of the games played this season, which was your best personal performance?

“My best games came against Bassett and Garey. In the Garey game, they had fast running back, but he was not going anywhere against me. That was my best game.”

Over the offseason, what are your goals in the weight room?

“The goal is to take advantage of the weight room. This offseason, I will take the weight room serious.”

With your skills, what will you focus on during the winter and spring months?

“The focus is to hit the weight room hard and work on my footwork.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports coming up?

“Yes. I am playing basketball and track.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“USC, UCLA, and Notre Dame are showing interest.”

How many offers do you have now?

“Ten.”

Dimitris’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, LSU, Penn State, Tennessee, Washington State, and William & Mary

Which program was the first to offer?

“William & Mary, Coach Brennan Marion (OC/QB).”

Kind of a silly question, but what was it like getting that first offer?

“It was cool and exciting. I looked up the college, William & Mary is a great school in Virginia. The coach, he is a very nice coach.”

Have you visited any programs during the season?

“Yes. I went to USC, UCLA, and ASU (Arizona State).”

How did the USC trip go?

“It was pretty good. I got the idea they want me even though they have not offered. They have been to my school as well.”

And UCLA, how did that go?

“That was pretty good as well.”

What about ASU?

“ASU has a nice environment. There were a lot of celebrities there, a lot of basketball stars. Coach Antonio Pierce, their linebackers’ coach, I was with him and their recruiting staff during the visit. They talked to me about my game and gave me advice.”

Going forward, do you have any planned trips ahead?

“Yes. I am going to Washington State this spring. I am going to LSU as well. I will try to visit the majority of colleges that have offered me.”

Nick, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you good luck with basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Nick Dimitris