Interview: 211-Tackle 3-Star 2020 LB Caleb McCullough Previews Nebraska Official
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If there was a more active linebacker in the high school football ranks on a national level than Class of 2020 talent Caleb McCullough, that young man deserves an award. In one season, McCullough put up numbers that cover a few five- and four-star recruits’ careers putting an end to 211 plays with 13 tackles for a loss, six sacks, 17 QB hurries, a forced fumble and he broke up five passes. The exceptional season for the 6-2, 210-pound, Pacifica High School defender has brought 20-plus offers to the table but that list is already being narrowed down with official visits set to Boise State in October and a Saturday trip to Lincoln to see the Nebraska Cornhuskers take on Northern Illinois.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s best learning about his recruiting process and how his offseason workouts are paying off in the early part of the 2019 schedule.
Interview
Caleb, the Tritons defense has come out nasty holding teams right at 14 points a game in the first two. What is working for you guys in the wins over Dos Pueblos and Newbury Park?
“Our guys are flying to the ball. We are getting interceptions and creating turnovers, stuff like that. We are not letting guys run the ball on us. It is hard to win games when you cannot run the ball.”
You were a tackling machine last season notching a mind-blowing 211 stops. What is your role within the defensive scheme?
“My role is to make plays, put pressure on the quarterback, and help my guys out.”
How did you prepare for your senior year over the offseason?
“I was 188 pounds last season, I got up to 210 this offseason. I got stronger and I got faster this offseason.”
Which areas of your game do you feel are the strongest parts as a linebacker?
“I read plays fast and diagnose plays before it happens. A strength is my covering – I am getting better at that, flying to the football – that is why I had so many tackles last year.”
After what you did last season, what goals have you set for the 2019 season?
“I just want to win state. I have no personal goals really. I mean I’d like 10 sacks, some interceptions because I had none last year, but really all I want to do is win state.”
There are some big games left on the schedule, which ones have you excited to go mix it up?
“Oxnard and Santa Barbara, but really Oxnard.”
I know you have a lot of offers on the table. How many do you have?
“I have 21 offers.”
McCullough’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Cal, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Princeton, San Diego State, UCLA, UNLV, USC, Utah, Utah State, Washington State, and Yale
Did you visit any programs over the summer?
“Yes. Over the summer I visited UCLA and Arizona at a spring practice. Both were unofficial visits.”
Tell me about the UCLA visit.
“It went great. I watched one of their practices.”
And the Arizona trip, how did that go?
“It went great. I was there for their first spring practice. That was pretty cool.”
As a senior, the trips coming up are important. Which ones do you have planned?
“I have one on Saturday to Nebraska and I have one on Oct. 14 to Boise State – both are official visits.”
What has you excited about visiting Nebraska?
“Everything. I have never been on an official visit and I have never been to Nebraska. I heard about the game day atmosphere and excitement at their stadium, I want to see it. I am excited because this is my first official visit.”
When the Boise State visit happens, what has you excited about going on that one?
“I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan. Boise State has guys on the Cowboys roster like Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Darian Thompson. Boise State has produced a lot of great talent. I have liked them for a while. I like them a lot.”
Caleb, I thank you for your time today and wish you success on your official to Nebraska.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: McCullough family/Pacifica HS; Caleb McCullough crushes a quarterback