Interview: 3-Star 2019 Saguaro SS Nate Polk Talks Championship and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
On the gridiron, there is dominance, domination, and dynasty; what Saguaro High School has achieved over the past six years has been a progression up the ladder of success to dynasty status. The Sabercats notched their sixth consecutive 4A Arizona state title on Friday, Nov. 30, taking down Salpointe Catholic 42-16 for the trophy. The string of winning seasons and hardware for the mantle does not come without top talents like three-star Class of 2019 safety Nate Polk applying their trade game after game and year after year.
Through the ups and downs of the season, Saguaro head coach Jason Mohns knew he could count on Polk to be a force on the field. The intimidating safety stands at 6-3, 190-pounds, daring receivers to come across the middle and running backs to break out of the box. As a unit, the Sabercats defense was unrelenting holding squads to an average of 13 points per game notching three consecutive shutouts at the end of the regular season and into the first round of the playoffs. Even with all the blowout wins putting the starters on the sidelines for the second half, Polk still registered 36 tackles, 17 solo, one tackle for a loss, seven passes broken up, one forced fumble, and a team-high four interceptions.
College programs throughout the Pac-12 and Mountain West are loving what they are seeing. Eight offers have been extended to Polk from Arizona, Utah, Oregon State, Army, Air Force, Louisville, San Diego State, and Oregon with interest coming in from Colorado, Cal, and Oklahoma State.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Polk to get his thoughts on the Sabercats championship season, his contributing play, and his recruiting process.
Interview
Nate, Saguaro did it again, another 4A Arizona state title. What was the playoff run like for the Sabercats this year?
“It was us just going game by game, grinding out each game each week, and knowing our opponents inside and out. Our defense was solid the entire season and our offense stepped up when we needed it.”
Walking off the field with a 42-16 win over Salpointe Catholic in the championship game, what was that moment like for you?
“That had to be one of the best moments in my life. Being a senior after four years here, it all paid off. And, all the young guys cared, that meant a lot to me.”
Which of the playoff games were your best?
“For me, in a playoff game… the Cactus game (won 69-6).”
What did you do well to make it your best?
“I was real-aggressive, getting tackles, forced a fumble, and was helping my team out.”
You led the team in picks this season with four, what was working well for you to net four this year?
“I felt that my coverage overall improved. My vision of the field improved. I was seeing what the quarterback was looking at, picked up on routes, and reacted on the ball faster this season than I did last season.”
Overall, which areas of your game as a defensive back improved the most this season?
“My open field tackling and coming down against the run.”
With the offseason now here, what goals have you set for yourself?
“I want to get my footwork down, increase my speed, and get up to 200 pounds.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Colorado, Oklahoma State and Cal.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have eight offers.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?
“Yes. I am scheduling visits to Air Force, San Diego State, and Utah.”
Nate, congratulations on winning the championship and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Nate Polk