Interview: 3-Star 2021 California ATH Mitch Leigber Talks Football and Notre Dame Visit

Contribute Now

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If there is one thing that is certain when watching Laguna Hills’ high school football team, Mitch Leigber keeps the official scorekeeper busy. Over the last two seasons, Leigber has ripped through Sea View League competition as an all-purpose talent on offense and defense. And with each season, he keeps pushing his game to new heights.

The 2018 campaign was a breakout year for Leigber, and on both sides of the ball. As a running back, he carried the rock 99 times for 616 yards with five scores and hauled in 17 passes for 314 yards with three more scores going up on the board. As a safety/linebacker, he put an end to 61 plays, 42 times by himself, and picked off a pass. As mentioned, the progress in his game shows, and was on full display during his junior season. In an all-state worthy performance, the 6-1, 200-pound, athlete ran rough 148 times for 963 yards with 11 touchdowns and lined up on the outside securing 32 for 510 yards with 10 more reasons to celebrate, and even threw a 50-yard touchdown pass. On defense, he was rock solid with 109 stops, 39 solo, tallying 5.5 tackles for a loss, four picks, and forced a fumble in stats posted through 10 games.

The three-star recruit has brought college coaches from the west coast to the yard with offers extended from Colorado State, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, and Washington State. To learn more about his overall skillset and recruiting process, I got a few minutes in with Leigber after he took a trip to South Bend over the weekend taking in the Irish pouncing Navy.

Interview

Mitch, other than play in the trenches, which you may have and I just did not see it, it looks like you pretty much lined up everywhere possible on the field this season. If you will, list out all the positions played?

(Laughs) “I played running back, receiver, strong safety, and outside linebacker.”

During the week, how did you prepare for that workload?

“Wherever my coaches put me, depending on who we were playing, I would prepare mentally and physically by watching film knowing my responsibilities.”

Your speed stands out. What is your fastest timed run posted?

“The last time I ran a 40 was last offseason, I ran a 4.65.”

Your game speed is faster now.

“Thank you.”

After watching your film, a very unofficial stat, is it true that you led California in one-handed grabs this season?

(Laughs) “I don’t know about that.”

In all seriousness, how did the pass reception part of your game come alive this year?

“Running efficient routes, catching the defensive backs off-guard, and my QB put it on me to make plays when I had the chance.”

What about as a running back?

“Mainly, I am a running back. As a running back, I know how to read blocks and my offensive line always gave me holes. I made people miss in the secondary and went from there.”

On defense, they had you over the top and down in the box. I’m sure it depended on the team you were playing, but where were your various responsibilities within the defense?

“It did depend on where I lined up if we were playing more of a running or passing team. As an outside linebacker, I would take on blocks, make tackles, and make the running back cut it up into the defense. As a safety against a passing team, I would play the coverage and make plays. If it was a run, I would come up and make the play.”

How did that part of your game grow?

“My biggest improvements on defense were coming up and making plays and getting into the backfield as well. With my coverage, I had four interceptions this year. I was able to play efficiently. I was seeing where the QB was looking and make a play off that.”

Of them all, which is your favorite position?

“My favorite is strong safety. I am more of a defense person. I love making tackles and getting interceptions.”

We are turning on your best game of the season, which tape are we watching?

“I would say our game against Bellflower. I had four receiving touchdowns and two rushing. I had an interception and around 10 tackles.”

That qualifies as a top game. With your play on the field, which schools are showing interest?

“Cal, UCLA, more recently I am talking to Nebraska, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are all showing interest.”

How many offers do you have?

“Seven.”

This fall, have you visited any programs?

“Yes. Last weekend I went to Notre Dame. I had a great time there. I toured their facility and the campus, and watched their game against Navy. I had a great time there.”

Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?

“4.0.”

It is early for you, but have you taken the ACT and/or SAT yet?

“I have taken the SAT; I scored an 1100.”

The offseason is here for the Hawks, what will you focus on with your workouts?

“Mainly, I plan on working on speed and quickness as a defensive back and my overall strength. I will work a lot on my DB skills.”

Mitch, it was a pleasure today getting the interview in with you. Good luck with your offseason workouts until we talk again.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Leigber family; Mitch Leigber at Notre Dame