Interview: 3-Star 2019 RB Christian Grubb Talks Notre Dame Football with Bishop Amat Preview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If ever looking for a poster model for a high achieving student-athlete, Class of 2019 running back/athlete Christian Grubb might be your guy. Grubb is not only excelling on the field for Notre Dame High School, but the Los Angeles area standout is also getting it done in the classroom where he carries a 3.2 GPA this semester and scored a 26 on the ACT. On the field with Grubb working his magic, the Knights are off to a 5-2 record marching through the schedule with a Mission League showdown on Friday that may determine the league champs.

Grubb’s productivity on the field has always been there. He showcased his blazing 4.36 timed 40-yard dash during the 2017 season by rushing 69 times for 644 yards with seven scores and pulled in two passes for 27 yards. He even burned Chaminade for an 80-yard kick return for a score. The 5-11, 167-pound, play-maker is back at it during his senior year leaving opposing defenders in his dust. Through seven games played this season, he has 69 carries for 569 yards with eight trips into the end zone and has pulled in three passes for 136 yards with each one resulting in a touchdown.

So it seems, few schools have heard about Grubbs yet. Three offers have been placed in front of him from Cal-Poly, Drake, and Sacramento State. Local interest is starting to brew from UCLA and USC among others. More opportunities to display his abilities against tough competition are ahead starting with Bishop Amat on Friday.

In a Recruiting News Guru mid-season catch-up interview, I was able to track down the speedy three-star rated player for a quick one-on-one covering his growing skills and recruiting process.

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

Interview

Christian, Notre Dame came out of the gate dropping two but have reeled off five consecutive wins. What has been working for the Knights during the win streak?

“I think what has been working, for the first two games we alternated two quarterbacks. Once we went to one, with Cooper Meek, that is when the team chemistry got better. We started communicating better on and off the field as well. That played a big role in why we have been winning lately.”

You guys just pounced on Loyola winning 28-7. How did that game go for you?

“Personally, it was good. During the first series, I sprained my ankle but I returned a couple of plays after that. They wrapped me up tight on the trainer’s table and I played the rest of the game, and scored a touchdown.”

Fantastic. Which game this season has been your best?

“The best game of the season for me might have been Moorpark or Serra. Even though we lost to Moorpark (35-34) and beat Serra (38-7), the Moorpark game really showed me fighting for yards and trying to make plays going for the win.”

In the many ways that you can, how are you showcasing your overall talents this season?

“I think I am showing my talents by being a team player. Physically, I am using my speed to help get my teammates better in practices for the games. I am challenging them in practice. I think that is helping in the games.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your skills this year?

“The biggest improvements are my ball security and my field vision. Those two areas of my game have gotten a lot better.”

What kind of defensive front are you seeing when you are in the backfield this year?

“A lot of times they blitz off the edges to make the quarterback keep the ball. Sometimes they bring the safety down as an extra linebacker to try to stop me.”

You have three receptions for 136 yards taking each to the house… do you tell your quarterback Cooper Meek, “hey, you throw it to me you know I am going to take it to the house?”

(Laughs). “No. Our coach is calling the play. When he calls the play, then I know it will be a good play for me.”

Is there an area of your game that you have not been able to showcase as much or a spot that might get overlooked?

“I feel like one spot that may be overlooked is my abilities as a receiver. I used to play receiver when I was younger. During my sophomore year, that is when I started playing running back. There are things I need to work on with my route running, but I think I would be good at it in college if asked to do it.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now but have not offered?

“Army and UCLA are showing the most interest right now.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes. I am going to a Cal-Poly game on the 20th for an unofficial. My official there will come later on this season. I have one set with CSUN (Cal-State Northridge) for track.”

Back to football. You guys get Bishop Amat (6-1) in a Mission League showdown on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from the Lancers defense?

“I expect them to want this win. They will do what they need to win. They will bring it all. They want to go undefeated in league like we do. It will be a good game on Friday.”

What do the Knights need to do on Friday to tack another win on the board?

“We need to have all our plays lined up and engrained in our heads. We need to go out there and make no mistakes with no penalties. We need to hold it down on defense. On offense, we need to run it hard and get after it in the passing game. No matter what is going on, we need to keep calm and we will pull through.”

Christian, great catching up with you today. Good luck on Friday against Bishop Amat.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Jeff Mitchell; No. 24 Christian Grubb