Interview: 2021 RB Anthony Spearman Preparing to Showcase the Skills with Sierra Canyon
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The beginnings of an award-winning season were in motion during the 2019 schedule for Anthony Spearman. Lining up at running back for Sherman Oaks’ Notre Dame High School, the 5-10, 195-pound, back was featured in the Knights’ offense carrying the rock 63 times for 386 yards with four scores while hauling in eight passes for another 143 yards with a touchdown. But after five games against Division II California defenses, a knee injury cut short what was sure to lead to a high recruiting ranking and all the college offers that go with it.
Once the 2020 season kicks off in the Golden State, Spearman will be suiting up with Los Angeles powerhouse Sierra Canyon getting one last chance to showcase the all-purpose skills against some of the best players in the nation.
For an update on his offseason workouts, role in the Trailblazers’ scheme, and recruiting process, Spearman stopped by the RNG Lab for a confab.
Interview
Anthony, how have your offseason workouts gone?
They have gone really well. They have been hard as usual. I have been working really hard trying to get better for the upcoming season.
During the 2019 season, what offensive set were the Knights executing?
Everything – a Spread, two backs, a gun. We were running everything.
In which ways was the offensive coordinator feeding you the rock?
Last season, any possible way. I was out at receiver and in the backfield running inside and outside plays, zone runs, and swings. They were getting the ball to me anyway possible.
What scheme will you guys run once the 2020 season gets going?
It will be different now playing at Sierra Canyon. A lot of it will be the same as with Notre Dame; I’ll be keeping everyone on their toes.
What are your roles in the new offense?
Right now, my role is not carrying as much of the load. We have a lot of talent at Sierra Canyon. We have JJ, Jason Jones, and me at running back sharing the rock in the backfield, and we have talented receivers as well. I will be at running back full-time, and I may play some wing too.
How have you been preparing for the season from a strength and power standpoint?
This offseason I have mostly been focusing on speed. After my torn ACL, the first part of the offseason was physical therapy, then I kicked it off with speed. I have mostly been focusing on speed.
What have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
Man, running hills once or twice a week, doing sand and beach workouts, band work. Really, anything we can do.
What have you been doing to keep those game instincts sharp? Are you playing 7v7 or going to any camps?
This offseason, I have been focusing on training. I am playing on a club team. We are playing actual football.
With which team?
Playing with So Cal football club.
How many games have you guys played?
One so far.
How did that game go for you?
It was good. It felt good to be on the field with my boys playing the game I love. I felt really good playing again.
Did you have a good game and get some touches?
I had four or five touches. I had some first downs and big plays, but a couple were called back because of flags. We will get better as it goes.
From the 2019 season to this point, what do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?
One big strength is my vision, reading the hole, and seeing the defensive linemen and linebackers in the box. That is one big thing Sierra Canyon has helped me with since I have been there. I have honed in on that.
Let’s get into some recruiting. Which school has offered you?
Puget Sound.
Which schools are showing interest?
The top two are Cal Poly and University of San Diego.
Are there any visits you may take in the coming weeks to check out a campus, even if on an academic trip?
If I were to visit some schools, it would be to some of the schools around here like USC and UCLA.
For the college coaches out there that may not be familiar with you or your work ethic, what do you feel separates you from other seniors in this year’s class?
No one will outwork me. I know everyone says that, but I know no one will outwork me. I will hit up trainers throughout the day for a workout because I have too much energy. If I do not workout I cannot sleep.
Anthony, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with the club team further preparing yourself for your senior season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Spearman family; Anthony Spearman