Interview: 3-Star 2019 JUCO OT Tim Anderson Grinding His Way to Power Five Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

With offensive line talents like Tim Anderson, it happens a lot, displaying the skill set of a next level player while in high school but not quite at the size just yet. The one-time 6-5, 265-pound, left tackle for Capistrano Valley High School is now a 6-5, 280-pound, road-grading right tackle for Saddleback College. Technically sound across the board, Anderson earned a starting spot during his true freshman season ending the year with first team All-State and All-Conference honors; that type of play draws Division-I attention. To date, eight offers have gone out from Arkansas, Louisville, Fresno State, Colorado State, Liberty, Alabama-Birmingham, New Mexico, and Arkansas State.

With an official visit already taken to Louisville, I caught up with one of the more coveted 2019 junior college offensive linemen in the nation to learn more about his overall game and recruiting prospects.

Interview

Tim, what was the transition like for you going from the high school ranks to California JUCO ball?

“It was a lot different. I did not expect the speed to be that much different, but there was a big difference. Everyone is stronger and faster. Sometimes I was playing against 21-year-old guys that were four years older than me. But, I adapted well and I had great coaching.”

Which part or parts of your game did you really have to kick into high-gear?

“Going in, my offensive line coach worked with us a lot on pass-set. I did not realize how fast the ends were going to be at the JUCO level. We worked a lot on kicking back, technique, and not leaning into the pass rusher.”

How did your overall abilities as a blocker improve during your freshman season?

“I think it got a lot better. My offensive line coach played in NFL for a couple of years. He broke down the technique for us. At first it was kind of weird, but in the end, I saw how much better it got me. I think I am a better pass blocker now that run blocker, and I feel like I am a good run blocker.”

Was there a defender that challenged you last season but helped improve your game for the showdown?

“Yeah. We had three defensive ends on our team that were really good; all three are playing at four-year schools now; N.C. State, Toledo, and Cal-Poly. Each of those guys helped me get All-State. I went against the best defensive ends in the state. They were insanely talented. They were something else.”

Which game was your best last season and why do you consider it your best?

“Probably the last Fullerton game in the playoffs. We came out well against them. Our offensive line played well. We had trouble with their stunts the first time we played them, but I think I did well against them the second time around. The outcome was not what we wanted (33-21), but we had great effort.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“The biggest thing, I came in light out of high school. I was 260 to 265. I am working on getting bigger. I have been doing a lot of offseason weight training. With football, we have a new line coach. We are working more on the physical part of the game. The goal is at the end of the game to keep going strong and finishing blocks.”

Have you been to any camps this offseason?

“Yes. I went to one on Saturday, a Colorado and Utah camp at Chapman. I had a great time.”

How did the camp go?

“I think it was good. We did a lot of combine drills. I feel I did well on the drills and testing. I did well on the three jumps and I got the highest 40-yard dash, a. 5.1. During the one-on-ones, Colorado wanted me to jump set differently, that was a little challenging but I did my best.”

Did you receive any feedback at the camp?

“I talked to a Colorado coach. They recorded me during the camp. He said they will head back and talk about me with the entire staff. They weighed me and got my height.”

Do you have any upcoming camps scheduled?

“I’m not sure yet. I want to go to a couple of more.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Oklahoma – they like my film, Oklahoma State, San Jose State, and Nebraska are all showing interest.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have eight offers.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I went to Arizona State. I saw their weight room and talked to coaches. I visited Louisville, that was an official. I had fun there. I had a great time out there.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“As of right now, no, but Arkansas wants me out there. I want to do that visit.”

What do you want to major in when you go to a four-year program?

“Criminal Justice. I would like to go on a law enforcement path or on a fire fighter path.”

When is your graduation date?

“I graduate in December.”

When you decide on the ideal collegiate fit for you, what key marks will that school need to have to be your school of choice?

“I want somewhere I would fit in well with the offense and be able to compete for the starting job. I want to earn the job. I am looking for a fit with the community in that area. I am looking for a fit with the coaching staff as well. I need to feel comfortable with them as well.”

Tim, it was great learning more about your game today, thanks for your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: hudl.com; Tim Anderson in action (2017)