Interview: 2021 Calabasas OT Anton Ambuehl will be a Hot Collegiate Prospect This Fall
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2020 season kicks off, college football coaches will be lining up to see Anton Ambuehl in action. After transferring from Brentwood High School to Calabasas, the Class of 2021 offensive tackle had to sit out six games but returned to anchor the left side of the line for the Coyotes down the stretch run in 2019. Even in limited action for the 6-6, 275-pound, lineman, Ambuehl showcased enough to earn offers from Fordham, North Texas, and Northern Arizona. Ambuehl displayed quick feet against the rush and getting out on screens, a solid blocking base with movement in front of the ends, and was great at getting his hands onto defensive linemen finishing the block with authority.
In an RNG first-look, Ambuehl covers his play on the field while updating his workouts with a look at his growing recruiting process.
Interview
Anton, you had a tough job last season playing left tackle for one of California’s top teams. How do you feel the season went for you personally?
“Sitting out the first six games was tough, but I tried to be the best team player as I could. Once I got on the field, I was good as new. I was excited and motivated as ever to play my best. I got better and better last season all the way through the St. John Bosco game.”
There were big changes for you on the field going from Brentwood to Calabasas. Was there a difference in the caliber of ends and outside linebackers you were facing between the two different divisions?
“For sure. Calabasas has more competitive and better teams they go against; that was one of the main reasons I transferred, to play against the best of the best. Everyone is bigger, faster, and stronger. It is a more competitive game at that level. The competition played pushed me to be better.”
Your size can allow you to dominate, but your footwork makes the difference, especially with your pass-pro. How did that part of your game come along last season?
“I started working with Jesse Sapolu (49ers) at The Men in Trenches camps. That boosted my game. I realized that I cannot just rely on my weight and size. Defensive ends are faster now a days. I strive to be quicker with my feet and use my athletic abilities with my size and strength.”
How did your run blocking improve during the 2019 run?
“When I came back, I had a chip on my shoulder. I was more aggressive than before. I embraced it with my guard Campbell Mcharg, that helped out a lot. I was enjoying every moment.”
Other than sitting out due to the transfer rule, was there a challenge you faced on the field last year? If so, what was the challenge and how did that adversity help you grow as a player?
“The thing I needed to work on most was being too tall on my run blocking. I corrected that towards the end; ends were getting under me. I have been stretching twice a day and doing different exercises to improve a lot on that.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your technique?
“Faster feet and staying lower in my set. I was training constantly with coaches until that was constricted. I’ve been doing ladder drills and lifting like crazy every day. I have been maximizing the most of this time.”
The last time you maxed out, what did you throw around?
“Two months ago was when I maxed out last. On squats I was in the low 400’s and on bench I was at 300.”
Before everything became constricted, did you get a chance to compete at any camps?
“No. I was invited to the Under Armour All-American camp, but my registration did not go through. I have competed at The Men in the Trenches OL/DL camps.”
Looking ahead, are there any college camps you may attend this summer?
“I am trying to schedule some, but we are not sure which ones yet. All the camps will be moved because of the virus. We are trying to plan it around our training camp for the season.”
A couple of minutes ago you said you’ve been working out like crazy. What are you doing during your daily workouts to stay in shape?
“I lift seven days a week and I run three days a week. I run on Monday, Wednesday, and on Friday. I do my lower body three times a week and my upper body the other three days. On the seventh day, I leave it open to work on my back and stuff like that. I am also conditioning on a field and I am running on the beach for endurance training.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as we near camp season?
“Utah, I am receiving letters from them, I have been invited to UCLA, and I am talking to Rutgers and Sacramento State.”
Which schools have offered?
“Fordham, North Texas, and Northern Arizona.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Last year, wen to Duke.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun to break the boredom of being at home all the time?
“Playing video games, watching Netflix, and playing basketball with my brothers. We have a very competitive household; we have to play some sports. I have been doing school work and trying to pass the time with family dinners.”
Anton, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you success on your workouts until everything gets popping again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Calabasas HS/Ambuehl family; No. 75 Anton Ambuehl in action and at Duke