Interview: 2019 California ATH Christian Grubb has Elite Speed and Then Some
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are football players that are “fast” and then there are guys like Christian Grubb. There are very few true Christian Grubb type of players on the gridiron with that next level gear that is often referred to as elite speed or world class speed. No matter how one defines it, Grubb has it and is a surefire weapon on offense for Notre Dame High School.
Even in the Knights crowded house backfield with then- senior Noah Taylor and fellow talented Class of 2019 running back McKel Broussard, Grubb was too talented and too explosive to leave on the sidelines. The 5-11, 167-pound, pure athlete carried the rock 69 times for 644 yards with seven trips into the end zone averaging 9.3 yards per tote. Watching his game film, one gets the sense that when Grubb takes off, the world around him becomes a blur as he is about to time travel leaving the rest of us, and the competition, behind.
Worth noting, the acknowledgement of Grubb’s ability to travel any distance at an elite pace is not just lip service. During the 2017-18 track season, he laid down a 10.7 in the 100 meters and a 21.66 in the 200. At a Notre Dame workout, Grubb threw down a 4.36 hand-held 40-yard dash.
Even in one of the hottest recruiting beds for college football talent, Grubb has flown under the radar to this point, but all of that is starting to change. With appearances on the college camp circuit, next level evaluators are taking notice.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Los Angeles’ hidden recruiting gems to learn more about his gridiron skills and recruiting process.
Interview
Christian, it does not take long to realize your speed is next level all the way around, how fast are you?
“I’m pretty fast. I ran a 10.7 in the 100 and I ran the 200 for the first time this year posting a 21.66. My fastest 40 was last year at school, I ran a 4.36 hand-held.”
In addition to your speed, you have very good field vision, how have you developed that over the years?
“I have developed it by practicing and tracking myself on film to fix my mistakes. I fix my mistakes in practice so it does not show up in games. I am always watching and reviewing my tape to see where I can improve.”
I hate to ask you this, but did anyone catch you from behind last season once you broke into the secondary?
(Laughs) “No.”
That is what I thought. Beyond your speed, what do you consider the strengths of your game at tailback?
“My strength, my vision – the way I read holes quickly, and my agility – I feel like I can attack the hole fast once I see it. I have a desire to win, that drives me.”
Where all might we see you on the field during your senior year?
“Hopefully at cornerback, running back, and on special teams.”
What are you working on this offseason with your game?
“I am working on getting my hips looser so I can get lower when I hit holes. I am working on my ball security and change of direction.”
How did spring practices with the Knights go?
“They went well. I have just gotten back in spring practices because of track, our track team was in Fresno. We look like a strong team this year.”
Where did you see the biggest growth in your skillset during spring practices?
“I think a lot of it is my ball security. I am holding it high and tight. I am keeping two hands on the ball. I have practiced on my routes and hands. Kickers kick balls towards McKel and I, we practice that a lot. We practice our get off. We go hard for the first 10 yards for the look and feel of a game.”
Did any college coaches come by Notre Dame to meet with you in-person or to watch you in practice?
“Yes. Cal-Poly San Louis Obispo, Utah State, Northern Arizona, Hawaii, Southern Utah, San Jose State, Eastern Washington, Nevada, and UNLV.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your abilities?
“They like my speed. Some coaches think that I am not a next level running back but more of a receiver because of my speed and height. Some see me at cornerback.”
Are you open to playing receiver or corner at next level?
“Yes.”
Which other schools that you did not previously mention are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“USC and UCLA.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have an offer from Cal-Poly San Louis Obispo.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am planning on going to Cal-Poly San Louis Obispo, USC, UCLA, and Utah State.”
Have you attended any camps or combines this offseason?
“I have attended one camp so far, the USC camp.”
How did the USC camp go?
“It was a good camp. It was really fun.”
Of your abilities, what were you able to showcase at the USC camp?
“I was able to show my speed and agility, and how quick I can get off the line. I improve in my change in direction. I showed my ball security and how well I can catch the ball.”
What other camps are on the schedule this summer?
“I am going to camps with UCLA, Oregon, Arizona, and a Rising Stars Camp in Sacramento on Saturday. I may go to some others as well.”
Last question, if a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they pursuing?
“They are pursuing a student athlete who is respectful, works hard, and gives 100 percent to everything he does on and off the field.”
Christian, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the college camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Grubb family; Christian Grubb in action