Interview: 3-Star 2020 California OT Andres Dewerk Updates Visits and Recruiting Process

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

What the future may hold for Class of 2020 offensive tackle Andres Dewerk is exciting to ponder. The Los Gatos High School standout is that rare mix of size (6-7, 300), determination, athleticism, and technique with a truck load of upside. The three-star California product is capturing the imagination of college programs as a future cornerstone tackle nearing double-digit offers to date: Boston College, Fresno State, Nevada, Oregon State, Sac State, San Jose State, UCLA, William & Mary, and Wyoming.

With Dewerk in the middle of a tough offseason grind preparing himself for his senior year and with a busy recruiting schedule with upcoming visits to Oregon and Oregon State, we got together for an in-depth one-on-one interview.

Interview

Andres, I like your game at left tackle. You are a mauler, you can pass block, and you finish plays. When you put the helmet on for a game, what motivates you to get it going?

“People who have doubted me. People that say I am all size not skill. I like proving people wrong, that is my motivation on the field.”

With your run blocking, you keep your pad level low and you plant defenders, what are some of the other strengths to your game in the ground game?

“I am a more physical than I used to be, and I have good footwork.”

On passing downs, you have good bend at the waist, good pad level, and you swallow up ends, what are some of the other traits to your game in the aerial attack allowing you to keep your quarterbacks blindside protected?

“My footwork. I have always worked on that. Having good footwork had made me into the player I am today. My hand placement is a plus to my pass blocking.”

Which areas of your game saw the biggest improvements last season?

“My pass sets – 100 percent. My kick, overall everything changed. Before, I was just not good at it. I have a new private lineman coach. I developed a better skill set with the extra work.”

What are the key areas of your blocking you are working on this offseason?

“I am working on getting stronger, having a better center of gravity, and my pad level.”

You got some snaps in at defensive tackle last season, will we see you more on that side of the ball during your senior year?

“Yes. Definitely. Our defensive coordinator wants me really badly on defense this year. He thinks I will be a good nose guard plugging the A gap. I am excited for that.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?

“Yes. My squat is 360, my power clean is 230, and I can dead lift close to 500.”

Which camps have you attended this spring already?

“I competed at the Under Armour All-American Camp (Folsom). I had a really good day there. That improved my stock. I had more attention from schools and recognition that helped a lot.”

Are there any other camps you may attend this spring or summer?

“I might go to some camps around here. I am looking at a USC, the Nike Opening Regional (Oakland), and a UCLA camp.”

With recruiting, how many offers do you have now?

“I have eight offers.”

Which programs were the last couple to offer you?

“I just got Fresno State and Wyoming.”

Nice. Which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Oregon and UCLA – a lot of the Pac-12. I am also receiving Ivy League interest from Brown, Yale, Penn, and Columbia.”

Which schools have you visited recently?

“I have taken visits to Oregon, UCLA, and San Jose State.”

How did Oregon go?

“It was great. It was amazing. They have great facilities and the coaches are nice. They are high on my list now.”

What about UCLA, how did that go?

“It went really well. The weather is amazing there. The facilities and coaches are really nice at UCLA. UCLA is a top school of mine.”

Do you have any planned visits ahead?

“Yes. I am going to Oregon State next Friday and to the Oregon spring game on Saturday of next week.”

With the recruiting process, what are the key attributes of a program that will help them earn your National Letter of Intent when the time comes?

“I am looking for a balance of academics and football, that is what I am looking for when choosing the right place for me.”

Have you started thinking about a commitment date yet?

“I haven’t thought about it yet. Some say commit early, and some say commit later. That puts pressure on me. I will think about eventually.”

Andres, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Dewerk family; Andres Dewerk at Oregon and UCLA