Interview: 1,300-Yard 2021 California APB/CB Nico Estrada Covers Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2019 season kicked off in San Diego, opposing defenses had no idea what was in-store for them squaring off against Nico Estrada. Estrada spent the previous two seasons on defense in Kearny High School’s secondary with teams unaware of his talents as a running back. At the end of his junior campaign, the 5-9, 175-pound, all-purpose back had covered 1,306 yards on the ground off 140 totes with 14 trips into the end zone and hauled in 10 passes for 198 more yards with three more scores posted on the board. The 2019 saw Estrada continue taking on Division-III California offenses registering 26 tackles.
The breakout season has caught the eye of Idaho and Missouri State with offers dropped as more programs in the region take notice. To cover it all, the season and the recruiting, Estrada sits down for his first RNG interview.
Interview
Nico, you were breaking the backs and ankles of defenders last season crushing them with your speed and agility. What offense were the Komets running a year ago?
“More of a Spread. Our offense was never isolated for one person. We got the ball out a lot; a lot of players had great stats. We were spreading it around to everyone.”
What were some of the plays called to get you the rock?
“I’m a speedy guy, I like the outside, but I like the insides too. They were getting the ball to me on pitches, stretches, 64 zone, outside runs, and counters.”
The line was doing a great job of giving you creases allowing you to get to the next level, then you were exploding for big gains. What were some of the other strengths to your game last season?
“My receiving part of the game. As a running back, that is a big part of our offense. I take pride in catching out of the backfield. My burst; I find a way to get to the hole and burst through it.”
Keeping with that. Your game evolved in the passing attack as well. What were some of the ways the OC was implementing your skills in the aerial game?
“Sometimes, I was in the slot. I learned a lot about playing the slot in 7v7; that helped in games. I was also getting the ball on flares. My receivers would block for me and I would shift my way through the defensive backs.”
When the 2020 season kicks off, which positions will you play?
“I want to play defense; I started off as a defensive player during my freshman and sophomore years. Running back is new to me. My junior year is when I jumped to it for real as a running back. I had shied away from being a defensive back, but I started as a corner. I will try to play everything during my senior year. My offensive coaches will try to keep me away from defense. I think I will be playing corner, strong safety, slot receiver, and running back. I like playing rover too.”
Over the offseason, what all have you been working on with your game?
“During the 7v7 season with Team Makai, that helped me a lot. I was working on my stiffness trying to get looser in the hips. I’ve been conditioning and working out every day.”
This summer, might you compete at any college camps?
“Yes. I am looking at South Dakota and Columbia camps.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“South Dakota, Columbia, and Southern Utah.”
How many offers do you have?
“Two; Idaho and Missouri State.”
Have you had a chance to take any visits?
“With my 7v7 team during my sophomore year, we visited UNLV and UCLA.”
Once everything opens back up, what is one thing you are excited to do again?
“I was dying to play more 7v7. Our team was so good. We were young and destroying everyone. I want to play 7v7 again. I’ve been working on my hands – I just miss the game. I want to play it again.”
Nico, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts until everything opens back up.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter/Estrada family; Nico Estrada