Interview: 3-Star 2019 Notre Dame RB/ATH Christian Grubb Lighting it Up at the Right Time

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Come end of season in any sport, the good ones find that next level, that other gear deep from within to elevate their game above everyone else. That is what senior running back/athlete Christian Grubb has done down the backstretch of Notre Dame High School’s 2018 season and has kept it going through tough playoff games.

Grubb (5-11, 167) has rushed for over 100-yards in each of the last five games, including two playoff games, pushing his season tally to 1,166 yards off 147 carries with 16 touchdowns posted. His all-purpose nature has shown up on passing downs taking in nine passes for 278 yards with five more visits to the end zone. The hard work has propelled his Knights squad to a 9-3 record, ranked No. 13 in California (MaxPreps), ready to take on No. 15 Rancho Verde (12-0) in the third round of the playoffs.

Off the field, Grubb has scored a 26 on the ACT and is a hard worker in the classroom. He is receiving interest from UCLA with offers from Army, Drake, Cal-Poly, and Sacramento State.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I got a few minutes with the three-star rated recruit getting insight on how he has taken his game to another level when his team needs him most.

*Click link for Oct. 14, 2018, RNG interview with Christian Grubb

Interview

Christian, you have been a man on fire with the ball in your hands over the past five games rushing for at least 100 yards in each game. What is clicking for you when it counts most?

“I think what is really clicking is when I get the ball, I know my line is fighting to make big holes for me. I am seeing the holes and they are keeping it wide open for me then my speed and vision takes care of the rest. I am seeing so many nice opportunities in practice and then I am seeing them in games as well.”

In the opening round of the playoffs you ran past La Habra for 133 yards on 18 carries with a score and had a 60-yard touchdown catch. How did that game go for you from a schematic standpoint?

“We knew that they were trying to stop me on the run. We knew we could catch them off guard on a screen, that was my 60-yarder. After that screen, then they were ready for that. Then I was the lead blocker for the other running backs and we were switching it up. After that, the 10-yard runs started happening. We wore out their defense.”

You opened it back up against Los Alamitos in a 49-32 win rushing 21 times for 169 yards with two scores. What was working for you in that playoff game?

“In that game, I knew that my line, again, would be there for me. They were giving me pointers and tips. I was tip toeing in the hole on the first series. My coaches and linemen told me the holes were there. I knew they were there. After the first drive, I knew I had to step it up. The runs went from two to three yards and then to 10 to 15 yards, and then long touchdown runs.”

The Knights go into the third round to face No. 15 Rancho Verde (12-0). They have a very tough defense this year, what will the in-game match-up be for you against the Mustangs?

“I think we will have to get out fast and wear them out. We have to keep running our plays and do what we do best and hit them when they are least expecting. They are really good, we know they will not give up. It will come down to who wants it more. We will keep hitting them hard on both sides of the ball.”

You guys get the Mustangs at home, what will the crowd be like backing the team?

“The crowd, it will be a huge crowd. Our student section is coming out in force. The first 200 students get in for free; our parents have paid for their tickets. Hopefully the student section is packed and the band is always there supporting us. It will be a great atmosphere.”

Christian, thanks for your time today and good luck against Rancho Verde.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: LA Times: No. 23 Christian Grubb vs. Moorpark