Interview: 2019 California JUCO OT Tim Anderson Updates Season and Arkansas Official Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When Division-I football programs have immediate needs to fill on their roster for the following season, there is nothing better than coming across a junior college player ready to take on the demands. College football programs among the Power Five and Group of Five ranks are falling in love with Class of 2019 offensive tackle Tim Anderson, and for good reason – he has the size, physical nature, technique, and experience to jump on a roster to compete for a job from Day 1.

Anderson has worked on his craft from his high school days with Capistrano Valley to Saddleback College. The 6-5, 280-pound, tackle has worked into a well-rounded lineman more than capable of moving a defender off his spot in the run game while excelling at protecting the quarterback’s backside. After earning first team All-Conference and All-State honors as a true freshman with the Gauchos, Anderson’s name started popping up on recruiting boards across the country leading to double-digit offers from Arkansas, Louisville, Fresno State, Colorado State, UTSA, Liberty, Alabama-Birmingham, New Mexico, and Arkansas State with interest among other Power Five programs growing.

With Saddleback (2-3) midway through their 2018 season schedule and off an official visit with the Arkansas Razorbacks, I sat down for a catch-up interview with Tim Anderson to get the inside scoop.

*Click link for June 19, 2018, RNG interview with Tim Anderson

Interview

Tim, how is the 2018 season going for you in the trenches?

“It is going well. I switched from right tackle to left tackle this year. It was a little weird at first, but I adapted to it quickly. I played left tackle it in high school, it came back to me quickly. I am doing well now, and I am finishing my blocks better.”

How is the season going for the team overall?

“We had a tough start to our season. We have a lot of new guys on offense this year. We are still putting pieces together, but we are getting better, and we are getting there.”

Where are you showing the most improvement in your run blocking?

“I think for me, I have worked a lot on my get off, footwork, and my pad level. I think I am in better shape this season than last year which is giving me more power and allowing me to finish my blocks better.”

What about with your pass blocking?

“I feel like that has always been my strong suit. I am comfortable with pass blocking, it feels great. I have it down solid, even with the side switch.”

How are defenses trying to attack you?

“From last week when we played Mt. Sac, they blitzed seven guys on every play. That was different. My left guard and I, we have handled all the different schemes well this year.”

On the recruiting trail you are becoming more and more popular game by game. How many offers do you have now?

“I think I have 10-plus offers now.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I have been talking a lot to Houston lately. I have talked to Cal’s offensive line coach, Coach (Steve) Greatwood, many times recently as well. Coach Greatwood is close to my coach at Saddleback. Washington State has been in contact lately with Coach (Mason) Miller, their offensive line coach. USC has been in touch with me through their recruiting coordinator.”

Which schools have you visited either officially or unofficially over the last couple of months?

“I just officially visited Arkansas and I have been to Louisville and I went to ASU (Arizona State) with my old offensive line coach.”

How did the Arkansas visit go?

“It was amazing. I loved it there. They have one of the coolest stadiums I have ever seen. I really liked the program and coaches at Arkansas. I had a really good time there.”

What all did you do?

“On our first night there, I had dinner with nine other recruits and with the coaches at the Catfish Hole; that was some great food. I talked a lot to their offensive line coach, Coach (Dustin) Fry then. On Saturday, I watched the Hogs play Alabama; we had great seats for the game. I got to go into the locker room to hear Coach (Chad) Morris (head coach) speak to the players. On Sunday, I went looking around campus to see all of the facilities and the academic center.”

How did you see yourself fitting in within the Razorbacks’ offense?

“I thought it was a good fit. They are running a spread under Coach Morris, we do that at Saddleback. I like the high- fast-tempo offense. It was good seeing them in action. They are graduating three offensive linemen and I think they only have nine active linemen now with some guys who are hurt.

“I think Arkansas would be a really good opportunity for me to get good playing time early, the Arkansas coaches really enforced that during my visit. One other thing, the Razorbacks have the most loyal fans I have ever seen in my life.”

Beyond the fans, the stadium, and the facilities, what was your lasting impression of the school and the program?

“From the program point of view, I know it has been a slow start, but I know it is a process with a new coach. I think Arkansas is going to do well under Coach Morris, he is the perfect guy for Arkansas. I believe 100 percent in what he is saying about the direction of the football team. They are building something special there. I feel like Arkansas is going to take off.”

Which schools do you plan on visiting upcoming?

“I don’t have any visits set right now. If some of the schools I am talking to offer, I may take a visit to their school.”

Because you have so many offers, have you started thinking about a commitment date, if so, when might you commit?

“I don’t know the date, but I know it will be soon.”

By soon, does that mean days or weeks?

“I am not going to commit for another couple of weeks or so. There is a lot going on with school and football, and I have to get my family together. They got me to where I am at, I need to talk it over with my family and talk to my coaches about my decision.”

When you do commit, what will be a couple of key factors that will determine your final decision?

“I want to go somewhere I fit in with the offense, have a great relationship with the coaches, be at a good program, and like the location; I really liked Fayetteville. The academics are important to me as well. I really just want a good fit where I can have playing time to finish out my last couple of years of college ball.”

Tim, thanks for your time today and good luck this week on the field.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Anderson family; Tim Anderson at Arkansas