Interview: 13-Offer 3-Star 2021 California DE/TE Nick Fryhoff Updates Recruiting Process
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The spring evaluation period has turned Class of 2021 defensive end/tight end Nick Fryhoff into one of the hottest recruiting commodities on the proverbial trail. In March, the Foothill High School standout was an under the radar talent, but as of mid-May, he is now a three-star recruit with 13 offers in-hand. The 6-5, 230-pound, play-maker worked as a two-way starter against California competition in 2019 serving as a glorified offensive tackle on offense while putting a stop to 30 plays, 20 solo, with six tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. The physical giftings, productivity, and upside will continue to draw the eyes of college scouts until Fryhoff finds the ideal fit.
For an update covering his recruiting and spring workouts, Fryhoff steps inside the RNG Lab for a Q&A conversation.
*Click link for March 12, 2020, RNG video interview with Nick Fryhoff
Interview
Nick, for those that may have missed our video interview back in March, how did the 2019 season go for you overall?
“Overall, the 2019 season went really well for me and the team. As a team, Foothill went 11-1 with a 10-0 streak going into the playoffs. When we got into the playoffs, we had some key injuries and lost in the quarterfinals. But we made a lot of progress, I did too. For me, my speed and quickness improved – I improved all around last season. Hopefully we can continue that progress this season.”
You shinned on defense at end. When the season ended, what were your strengths as a defensive end?
“As a defensive end, it was my quickness off the ball, especially for my size. The use of my leverage, I have really good hand placement especially against the run, taking on the blocker extending my hands, and controlling where the running was going. My pass rush was good too. I was able to rush the passer really well; I had a lot of QB hurries last year.”
The coaches also lined you up at tight end, how did that part of your season go?
“It went really well. Our team really liked to utilize my blocking skills in max protection and goal line/short-yardage situations. There was a period of time when our left tackle was injured, they had me go in to help replace him. They relied on my blocking skills.”
Just to make sure I understand correctly, did they shuffle the line around or put you in at left tackle?
“Yes, they put me in at left tackle.”
Impressive. This offseason, what have you been working on with your defensive skills?
“This offseason I have been working on strength and speed, my explosiveness, working on my leverage, hand fighting skills, and moves to improve my pass rush.”
What has been your daily workout routine doing things on your own time?
“I have been working out pretty much every day. There are a couple of days for legs, that includes squats, deadlifts, and power cleans, and a couple of days for my upper body, bench, shoulders, and curls. Then I do conditioning and agility. There is a park nearby that has trails, I will run them going a couple of miles sprinting up hills. That is pretty much my routine.”
Have you maxed out this spring?
“Yes, but it was a while ago. My most recent maxes were 300 on bench, squat was 350, and my deadlift was 405.”
If the college camp season happens, are there any you may attend?
“A lot of the camps have been cancelled, but if they do work out I will go to camps at Stanford, UCLA, and Cal.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Duke and Princeton are the main ones right now.”
**Princeton offered after this interview
How many offers are you holding now?
“I have 12 (13) offers.”
Which schools were the last couple to offer?
“Eastern Michigan, Columbia, and UNLV.”
Fryhoff’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Bucknell, Columbia, Cornell, Eastern Michigan, Harvard, Lehigh, Northern Arizona, Pennsylvania, Princeton, San Diego State, UNLV, and Yale
Your recruiting process has skyrocketed since we last talked. What has this ride been like for you jumping up to 12 offers?
“It has been insane. My recruiting process has been a snowball effect. One school offers and then others then check me out. It has been a dream, and it has been crazy.”
Once campuses open back up, are there any planned visits, official or unofficial, you may take?
“I will definitely visit the schools that have offered me. The really important part of the recruiting process is to visit the campus, see the energy, and see the comfort level there. Right now, I am not sure which ones will be official or unofficial visits.”
Last part of the interview, talking about your grades. What is your cumulative GPA?
“My GPA weighted is a 4.61 and 4.0 unweighted.”
The ACT and SAT tests were cancelled this spring, did you get to sneak one in before then?
“No, but I did get a 1430 on the PSAT.”
Outstanding. Nick, congratulations on all the success this spring with your workout and recruiting process. Keep up the hard work.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Nick Fryhoff