Interview: 2023 DE/TE Freddy Lujan is Already a Two-Way Veteran for Don Lugo

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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A freshman season playing varsity football with Don Lugo High School has ignited the football fire within for Frederick “Freddy” Lujan. Taking on Mt. Baldy League competition, Lujan was called upon in Game 1 of the Conquistadors 2019 season to fill in for an injured defensive end. From there, Lujan kept the momentum going playing end and tight end for Don Lugo. That experience has carried over into the offseason for the 6-0.5, 230-pound, two-way player lining up for Trust the Process during California’s 11-on-11 padded club ball season this winter.

The dry run during club ball season is carrying over into the 2020 California season beginning this month for Lujan. The Class of 2023 talent is ready to showcase what he’s learned and how hard he has worked. For insight on his goals and how he has pushed himself to this point, Lujan stopped by the RNG Lab for a first-look conversation.

Interview

Freddy, during the 2019 season you were the enforcer in the box for the Conquistadores on both sides of the ball. That role of being a counted upon tough guy the team can rely on for a stop or for yards running behind on offense, how did you come to that from within you?

From being a freshman on varsity, that was a lot of pressure. My freshman season people said I could not do it, I was too small, and not strong enough. I wanted to prove them wrong. During the offseason I got faster and was lifting more.

I was third string in our first game against Alta Loma. In that game, one of our defensive ends was hurt. My coaches told me to go in. I was scared at first, but after my first tackle I knew I could do it. After that, my teammates had trust in me and they started depending on me more to contain the end. Last season, they never ran outside of me. I kept it in and contained for my linebackers and other defensive linemen.

Playing end for Don Lugo in 2019, what scheme were you guys running and what were your roles?

We were running a 4-4 or 4-3. My role as defensive end was to contain the outside, don’t let anything break so the linebackers could fill the gap.

When the schedule ended what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?

The things I was doing really well were making sure no one got outside of me. If they did, my speed was good enough to catch them. I was physical. With my pass rush, I had three moves in my head; a first, second, and a third move for each pass rush. I always knew what I was going to do. It was more difficult as pass rusher than I thought, you have to read everything. You have to rush the outside and not let the quarterback bounce it out.

And on offense, what was the set and your responsibilities?

Our offense base was a tight end with two receivers and a running back. We ran a pro-style set. My role, I had two blocks, get the linebacker or hook the end. Hooking the end was hard, because the ends were bigger and more experienced. I had to get lower than them and use my strength. It worked. They had me in on passing plays too running routes. I had to make sure I could read the defense, read their formation, so I could get open.

What were the key traits to your game on that side of the ball?

I was able to get inside the bigger guys using my leg power to beat their arm power. A lot of the ends I faced did not know how to use their legs. I squat a lot; it was way easier to drive them back. They got annoyed with me because of that. I could hook them and I was more physical than all of them.

Throughout this extended offseason, how have you added more power and strength to your game?

I have benched a lot more, curling a lot more, and running. I run two miles every day. This offseason I have worked a lot on my squatting and deadlifting, power and hang clean. I focused more on my legs this season and worked on my speed but have tried to keep a balance with all that I am doing.

To make this happen, have you been working with a trainer?

Yes, I have been working with PTP (Prime Time Players). I signed up them about eight months ago. With them I have been lifting weights, benching, working on pass rush move, and run defense. I have also been training with TTP (Trust the Process) playing club ball. They have taught me a lot. They have taught me a lot of different moves, how to read offenses, and how to get faster off the ball. Putting those two training facilities together helped me a lot.

What have you been working on with the fundamentals to your game on defense?

I have been working on my hands, pass rush skills and moves, and run defense. Playing club ball with TTP this offseason, I have learned how important it is to know down and distance. I thought I could just shoot up field off the snap. But once I started to recognize the downs, TTP helped me with that, I could make plays knowing what to expect off down and distance.

And on offense?

My route running. My blocking is really good, I need to work on my route running. I have worked on having more power in my blocking and working on my route running; route and run blocking. Catching the ball, working on my hands, and making moves to break off the linebacker or cornerback that is on me.

Club ball with TTP, how did that go?

It went really well. Playing club ball, there were a bunch of players from all over. I was playing against D-I players with a bunch of offers, and against some who were playing varsity for the first time. I was able to face some of the best players in the area. I realized my potential playing against them.

That’s great. In club ball, where were you showing improvements after all this hard work?

The differences, I am way faster off the ball, I am able to read offenses, I know what they are doing before they do it, and I can come off the edge faster. Plus, I can play defensive tackle and end now.

When does Don Lugo begin the 2020 season?

We begin the season on Saturday. Our first game is against Alta Loma. I am ready for the season. I am ready to show what I have learned from club ball to here.

For the 2020 season, what goals have you set for yourself?

For the season, in each game I want at least seven to eight sacks. It is a lofty goal. I also want to make my opponent quit. I want him to tap out before the fourth quarter.

Freddy, I am excited to see how the season goes for you. I hope you accomplish your goals and show out this season.

Thank you, sir.

Camp Registration

Photo credit: Lujan family/TTP; Frederick Lujan