Interview: 3-Star 2020 Upland OL Joseph Church Talks Play in the Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Upland High School was the beast of California’s Division-II classification in 2018 running their record to 12-3 with a CIF title against Rancho Verde to show for it. The Highlanders threw down against top teams like La Habra, Mission Viejo, Damien, Rancho Cucamonga, Heritage, Norco, Calabasas, and Sierra Canyon to make their mark. The offense averaged 28 points per contest with a passing attack guided by quarterback Evan Rowe and a ground game that featured four-star tailback Cameron Davis. One of the breakthrough talents on Upland’s squad last season starting to reap the benefits of his play this spring is three-star offensive lineman Joseph Church (6-5, 285). Church has pulled in an offer from Arizona State with interest picking up.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising talents in the offensive trenches covering his junior campaign and offseason workouts.
Interview
Joe, the Highlanders schedule was packed full of tough California competition. How did you prepare for each game throughout the season?
“I kept watching film on the guy I was going against throughout the week. During practice, I was focused and made sure I knew what I was doing during our walk-throughs.”
Which game last season was your best overall performance?
“Our CIF championship game against Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley – won 24-13).”
What did you do well against Rancho to make that your best game?
“It was important for the team and for the school to win that game. I was mentally ready all week for the game. Right after we beat Calabasas (30-21), I was preparing for the game. I was ready to prove myself in the championship game. I was watching film all week with my dad.”
Was there a game where a defensive lineman challenged you?
“Yes. Heritage (Romoland) had a defensive end that challenged me. He was my size and fast too.”
How did that challenge help make you a better lineman?
“I started learning all of his moves throughout the game, his stutter steps. I just kept studying him and started winning the battles.”
Cameron Davis had an amazing senior year in 2018 rushing for 1,947 yards and 20 scores, what was it like blocking for him?
“It felt really good. I was the only underclassmen on the offensive line. Everyone on offense were all pretty much seniors. He is one of my really good friends. He would always thank us after the game for blocking for him.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game as a run blocker?
“My steps, getting off the ball, and once I step I shoot my hands. When I take my steps, I shoot my hands forward so the defensive lineman cannot get his hands on me before I get my hands on him. I have a stutter step one of my coaches taught me that helps me at the second level. You have your base in your legs when you get to second level, and you have to keep driving your feet.”
Same question, but with your pass-pro?
“My setup and coming out of my stance is a strength. I shoot up and kick so the end cannot go anywhere. I know where he is going to go.”
Which areas are you focusing on this offseason with your workouts?
“I am focused on my technique, speed, and footwork. Technique is important to my play.”
Have you been to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I have been to the Saturday camps with PTP (Prime Time Polynesian) working with their offensive line coaches.”
Nice. I know you have an offer from Arizona State, which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from Nevada, Kansas State, and San Jose State.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am going to San Jose in June and I am hoping to visits Arizona State this summer. I was supposed to visit Arizona State already, but I had the flu.”
Joe, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Dave Samarzich; No. 79 Joseph Church