Interview: 2021 California DE Sebastian McQuigg Updates Workouts and UNLV Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One thing a college coach cannot teach is size nor heart. Once defensive end Sebastian McQuigg gets on the UNLV practice field, the Rebels’ staff will have a gem in the Class of 2021 preferred walk-on. At 6-5, 255, McQuigg has the D-I frame and weight, and has the grit and determination to be an impact player for the Mountain West Conference program. Through the years, McQuigg has worked on his craft with San Diego’s Patrick Henry High School ending his junior season with 22 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. Going through the extended California offseason, McQuigg has worked nonstop to transform himself into one of the state’s best, there just hasn’t been any high school games to showcase the developing skills.
In an update interview with McQuigg, he covers ground on his preferred walk-on commitment to UNLV and all that he has done to prepare for his senior year and the next level.
*Click link for Oct. 2020 RNG interview with Sebastian McQuigg
Interview
Sebastian, let’s get a quick update on your offseason workouts. Preparing for the 2020 season on defense, what have you been working on?
I have been in the weight room a lot. I am getting stronger every day with my trainer, Coach Sparks. He is over by QUALCOMM. Every night and on the weekdays, I am working out or practicing with my club team or high school team. My high school team is practicing, we have not discontinued practices. The way we did it was with AAU insurance. We plan on having a season. I am practicing to stay in shape for the 2020 season and seeing the benefits and the physical differences from the hard work.
And in the weight room, what have you been doing?
Every day we start with a warmup, then we do some bench, deadlift, or triceps cable pulls. We do a wide range of workouts. My trainer is a self-made man. I admire him seeing what he has been through to this moment. He has me doing bench, squats, hacks squats, shoulder shrugs, cleans, quick flips – a form of a hang clean. Almost anything you can think of we do it.
Working with your trainer, have you maxed out this offseason?
No. I want to max before going to UNLV to set a new goal for myself once I am there.
Are you still planning on playing tight end this season or has that morphed into tackle?
With the whole offensive tackle ordeal, I am a backup. I plan on playing tight end with my team and possibly my club team in the Winner Circle League. This is the first year of club ball, I am playing tight end with my high school and club team along with defensive end.
How is the season going with your club team?
I just finished with Xclusive Speed, that was winter club ball. This spring season I will play for San Diego Elite.
How have you prepared technique wise for that role on offense at tight end and/or tackle?
The only thing for offense that I have been doing is practicing with my high school team. My head coach is a smart guy. He played quarterback in NFL for over a decade. He has the knowledge. Our head coach is also our tight ends coach as well. He has been helping me learn the knowledge at the position. He’s helped boost it and helped my route running too.
Let’s get into the work on the skills at defensive end. What all have you been doing on that side of the ball?
Our practices and workouts on my own. I have been walking around doing a double-swipe and quick jabs at home when I get bored. I work on my moves at practice with my high school and club team, and do simple stuff on my own. Some days have both practices. I am putting in a lot of work throughout the week.
On Feb. 6, you announced your commitment to UNLV. Walk us through the recruiting process between you and the Rebels’ coaching staff.
A couple of months ago, Anthony Rosas started helping me. I benefitted from Anthony Rosa; he’s committed to UNLV. When we last spoke, I had two offers. After that, Anthony noticed I had D-I size and skill. He said I will help you get a spot at UNLV.
UNLV’s defensive line coach (Chad Kauha’aha’a) got my film and workouts and said this is a guy we can bring in to make a change. Anthony has been helping me out. UNLV got my recent film; their defensive line coach offered me as a PWO (preferred walk-on). That will help me accomplish my goal of playing D-I football.
They have something special going on at UNLV. They just had a record-breaking class. This new staff and class, we will be making a difference and shocking the world with what we will bring to the Mountain West Conference. A huge shout out to Anthony for helping me get to UNLV.
At which position are they bringing you on to play? Do they see you as an end or are they wanting to add more weight to you moving you to tackle?
Defensive end. When I get there, I will let them know I do play tight end as well.
Knowing that you will get a chance to play D-I football in the Mountain West Conference, how does it feel?
I feel really good. My dream has come true. I still have to earn my spot, but I 100 percent believe in myself. I have been at the bottom my whole life and am ready to put in the work. Once I committed, it was great, but it is time to get back to work to make a name for myself. Baker Mayfield was a preferred walk-on at Texas Tech and Oklahoma, but took the Browns to the playoffs for the first time in years. I plan on being a great name for preferred walk-ons and I can’t wait to do it with the Class of 2021. I am fired up and ready to make a name for myself at UNLV.
Sebastian, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with the new club ball season and your high school season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: McQuigg family; Sebastian McQuigg