Interview: 2020 California WR Trevor Gonzales is a Talent Teams are Sorely Overlooking

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In southern California, most of the high school football attention goes to the Los Angeles area teams and the schools within the Trinity League leaving out large swaths of talented teams and players along the way. One team most high school football fans are seemingly overlooking, for now, but will come to learn about come playoff time is La Costa Canyon. The Mavericks have fantastic talent on both sides of the ball able to win grind it out games led by linebacker Austin Nicholas and can put up points with the best of them thanks to emerging Class of 2020 receiver Trevor Gonzales.

Gonzales is every offensive coordinator’s dream and every defensive coordinator’s nightmare. At 6-5, 180-pounds, Gonzales is not only big and fast but fluid and athletic capable of getting off the line anywhere on the field and uses his frame to his advantage on third down plays or jump balls in the corner of the end zone.

The Mavericks are 6-1 on the season with big wins over Cathedral Catholic (19-7) and San Clemente (38-35) with the lone loss coming in a 12-8 defensive struggle against San Marcos on Sept. 28. The squad rallied their last time out for a big 30-19 win over Valley Center as they continue through their Division-I Avocado League schedule with Carlsbad up next. All leading to big opportunities for statement wins in the playoffs.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with arguably one of the best talents in the state of California among the 2020 class that no one has heard of yet, but they will.

Interview

Trevor, it seems like the Mavericks have been in a lot of slug it out games this season. Winning six games in that fashion has to bring the team together. What is the mindset of the team in practice and during games?

“With each game, we take each week like it is an individual season. We don’t look behind or ahead, we stay focused on the task at hand.”

You guys started off the season winning five in a row and then entered into a defensive fight against San Marcos (12-8) but rebounded with a big 30-19 win over Valley Center. How did the loss to San Marcos bring the team closer and how did the win help refocus the team as you near the playoffs?

“The loss motivated us, that showed against Valley Center. The win gave us momentum. We felt like it was a good win with room to improve going into our bye week.”

For you personally, how has your junior season gone on the field?

“This year has been pretty good so far. I feel like I could have played better but overall it has been a good season.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I think my best game was probably the first one against Cathedral Catholic or against El Camino. In the Cathedral Catholic game, I had a big catch before halftime to put us up. That was a game changer. In the El Camino game, I had a few catches and a big third down reception.”

You also do a great job of adjusting to the ball, what are some of the other strengths to your overall game as a receiver?

“My strengths are going up and grabbing balls and using my height and jumping abilities to make plays. Another strength, I secure the ball before running.”

Is there an area of your game you feel may get overlooked?

“Blocking. As a receiver, I feel that gets overlooked all the time. I am a very good blocker, that is not taken as serious as it should.”

I agree. Last week was a bye week for you guys, what did you work on over the bye?

“Our motto is to win the bye. We did not rest, we went hard and worked on getting better.”

You get Carlsbad (4-3) this week, what kind of challenges are you expecting from the Lancers defense?

“They have a really good secondary. They have good corners and a safety who is committed to Washington, I believe. We will do what we have to do and work for the win.”

It is still early in your process, but are you receiving any recruiting interest?

“I am receiving interest from Fresno State.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am planning on going to Fresno State soon. I am aiming for the 27th.”

Do you play any other sports for La Costa?

“Yes. I play basketball.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“My cumulative GPA is a 3.8.”

Which classes are your favorite?

“The classes that are my favorite – math and my AP Psych class.”

Trevor, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck on Friday against Carlsbad and in the finale against Torrey Pines.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for Trevor Gonzales’ 4-game junior season Hudl reel

Photo credit: La Costa Canyon HS; No. 4 Trevor Gonzales