Interview: 2022 California RB Darian Leon-Guerrero Turns in Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A tip of the hat to Darian Leon-Guerrero on the junior season produced. During Vacaville High School’s 5-0 campaign, the junior all-purpose back split California defenses on the ground and in the passing attack with great success. In those five games, the 6-0, 190-pound, rising star covered 701 yards off 74 totes with 15 trips into the end zone. Keying on him between the tackles opened up 138 yards off six receptions with another trip into the end zone. After the showcase season, the Class of 2022 now has interest coming in from across the country.
In an RNG first-look interview, Leon breaks down his play on the field this spring with a look inside his popping recruiting process.
Interview
Darian, the 2020 season this spring was a breakout one for you. But you gave the Bulldog fans a sneak peak of coming attractions during your sophomore campaign rushing 22 times for 191 yards with four touchdowns. What were the differences allowing you to run over and past San Joaquin area squads during your junior year?
At first, I transferred in my sophomore year. I was training, but I was not as strong as I am now. Going into my junior year I trained hard, and we went from a Wing-T to Spread. Over the offseason I worked hard on getting my strength up and improving my balance. In the Spread, you want to be patient and allow plays to open up.
What were some of the designed plays called to get the rock in your hands?
One of the main plays we were running were the zones, inside and outside. We had Disco play, a swing pass to me. I love stiff-arming and going one on one with the linebackers. I love taking it up the field for the touchdown on them.
After the fantastic 5-0 run for you guys, what did you feel were your strengths as an all-purpose back in the team’s offense?
One of my strengths was hitting the hole hard, being patient, and looking for the holes using my field vision. I’d read the defensive linemen. If we were going to the right, I’d see if we had color in one of the gaps. If so, I knew the backdoor would be open for a cutback. Stiff-arming is a strength of mine. I love getting low and using my balance. I try not to be too shifty. My style is one cut and get into the end zone.
When the 2021 season gets going, are you taking on any additional roles?
I will still play running back, of course, but this year I am trying to play some safety. I feel like I can be a great threat for us there. My coaches may put me some at slot. I hope coach will put me in out there. I am working on it.
What goals have you set for yourself this offseason heading into your senior season?
One of my goals is to get stronger and faster. I am doing track now to work on my speed. I want to put on 10 pounds this offseason, but keep my movement. Most backs are in the 190 to 205-pound range.
What are some of the exercises and drills you are doing to increase your speed and agility along with competing in track?
For track, I do our normal daily workout. I stretch two to three times a day. At track practice we are always working on our hips, and I am doing that in the weight room. Hurdles and stretching are the big key factors.
Which events in track are you running?
I am running the relay, 100, and 200.
Looking ahead, are there any camps you may compete at this summer?
There are a couple of camps I am going to. My family and I are trying to figure it out to see what is the best opportunity for me. We want to get a list of camps together.
Are there any college camps you may compete at this summer?
Yes, I am planning on going to a Dixie State camp in Utah, one in Nevada, and Colorado State has reached out to me about one of their camps. I may go to Stanford and all the local ones. I am still trying to figure that out.
Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Yesterday, Army texted me wanting me to fill out a questionnaire. Yale has reached out wanting my measurements and Colorado State has texted me. They asked for my transcript, and Davidson has texted me too.
What is your cumulative GPA?
3.86.
Nice. Understanding you and your family are still putting your summer schedule together, are there any visits you may take or would like to take this summer?
I’d love to visit Stanford; they are local and it is a good school. UCLA, Alabama would be cool to visit and so would Clemson.
Darian, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success with the rest of your track season and with the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Joel Rosenbaum/Leon-Guerrero family; Darian Leon-Guerrero