Interview: 2022 California OT/DT Talent Nate Maier is a Specimen in the Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The reality with a young man like Nate Maier, college coaches can line him up anywhere in the trenches, on either side of the ball, and get the results desired. As is, the 6-6, 290-pound, Class of 2022 prospect projects on the offensive line at the collegiate level. For Rim of the World High School, Maier is working over opposing California defenses primarily at right tackle but also slides down to right guard in certain packages. When the field is flipped, he anchors the Fighting Scots’ defense at tackle and end. The displaced and truncated 2020 season to the spring has slowed Maier’s recruiting process, but teams are now finding him in a hurry. Three offers are down and recruiting interest now spans the Pac-12, Ivy League, and the SEC.
In a follow up RNG interview, Maier updates us on the team’s three-game season this spring looking at his growth on both sides of the pigskin.
*Click link for RNG video interview with Nate Maier
Interview
Nate, the 2020 season finally happened with the Scots plaing three games. How did it feel to be back at it?
It feels good. Playing club with a team from Apple Valley was fun; I did that for about 12 weeks. But it feels good to play with my sandbox friends, training and being in school with them. It feels good to be back with my family at Rim.
Those three games, is that it or are you guys getting more?
That was it. Coach had to call the season early due to lack of numbers and inexperience. The three games played were action packed and hard fought. A lot of learning came from those games. It was short lived but it was a fun three games with solid practices.
Let’s start off with offense. What offensive scheme were you guys executing this season?
We were more of a power offense running the Pistol and some Spread as well. It is a very knock you in the face outwork you offense. We were very heavy in the run game.
Where all did the coaches have you lining up?
I played offensive tackle, right tackle and right guard. They use me for pulling, running strong iso (isolation), and leads; that’s what I was doing at guard. I get it done upfront.
After the three games, where were you seeing the gains with your pass-pro?
The main work with pass pro was with Giant Skillz. They are a great organization with a family feel and vibe. They are very tight. All props to Coach Chris and Coach Sandoval at Apple Valley. I learned a lot from him. I have improved a lot. My balance and speed improved a lot this season. My speed, power, and my punch as well. I was 10 times more explosive off the line and using my punch. Using my hands as first line of defense was crucial. I improved on that a lot.
My awareness, play recognition, and knowing where the defensive linemen were going improved as well. If they were to jab out and spin in, I was on it. I no longer have tunnel vision. I am ready to go.
What about with your run blocking?
My explosiveness. I improved on that this covid season. My strength, as heavy as I was, and at the weight I was playing at (325), I improved on that. I was still moving quickly and effectively. My hand and feet placement along with getting my steps down on outside or inside zone blocking or power up the middle plays. My hand placement on run blocks, feet, hand and explosiveness all improved.
This offseason, have you maxed out in the weight room?
Yes. My bench is up to 415, my squat was in January without cables was 545, and my clean was 345.
Incredible numbers. Congratulations.
Thank you.
You also get after it on defense, how did that part of your game get going during the 2020 season?
I played end and tackle. This season, I held my own up front with the help of CJ King at end; he is committed to Redlands. I don’t know my stats, but I know I improved on hand placement, my physicality, and being violent with hands and feet. I did pretty well.
Against Summit, I had eight or nine tackles. I know I had two sacks this year. I have been playing both sides my whole life. In club ball I played some defense, I played nose guard. Overall, on defense it went well. I am looking forward to improving on that side so I can understand that more as an offensive lineman, what they are attacking and looking for.
What is the focus for your offseason workouts?
On the field, I want to increase my speed, drop some time off my 40 and off my 3-cone drill. Constant improvement is big for me. I am working on my feet, getting faster, my kick step, my run blocking and the sequencing of my feet.
In the weight room, I am working on my strength and my endurance in the weight room doing higher reps with heavy weight and working out longer. I am also studying defensive linemen and other offensive linemen. This offseason I am working on more than just my body, I am also working on my mind and improving my football IQ.
Let’s turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Fresno State, Notre Dame, San Diego State, Nebraska, UCLA, USC, Arkansas, UCF, Harvard, and Yale.
How many offers do you have now?
Three: Maryland, Dartmouth, and Yale.
Nice. What is your cumulative GPA?
A 4.0. I am hard on myself in the classroom. It is big for me to get good grades. There is life after football. I want to get my bachelor, masters, and doctorate, like my mom. School has been big for me. I want to be like my mom. My goal is to get a doctorate in psychology.
Very cool. With recruiting, are there any visits you may take this summer?
Yes, I am going to visit Fresno State, Notre Dame, and Dartmouth. I am hoping to go to USC, Yale, and down to Alabama as well. I’d like to visit Michigan, Nebraska, Army, Texas, and Oregon as well.
Are there any college camps you may go compete at this summer?
I hope to go to a couple. I have been in contact with Florida State, they have a camp in June that I hope to get to. This summer should be very eventful. FSU, if Cal has one, and USC’s Junior Day camp, if that is open.
Nate, did we cover everything you’d like to talk about today?
I want to say thank you, and let you know I appreciate what you for all you do for us kids getting the word out to the public and to the coaches about us. I am looking forward to talking again soon. If I can, I’d like to share my appreciation to Giant Skillz, Coach Sandovall, and Dave Otey.
Nate, thank you for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck at all the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Maier family; Nate Maier