Interview: 3-Star 2021 Centennial DB Calvin Pitcher Adding Hybrid Defender Role to Skills

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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There is a battle cry for many Class of 2021 high school football players ringing throughout the country. The cry is simply to play football. The Coronavirus has upended the 2020 season for much of the country, even in those areas where a “normal” season has been pushed forward. On the surface, the want and desire to play is straight forward, this will be the last time for many kids to suit up and play the game. For others like three-star prospect Calvin Pitcher, it is another opportunity to earn a scholarship offer finding that next level ideal fit.

During the 2019 season, Pitcher produced a breakout season playing safety for national powerhouse Centennial High School. The now 6-1, 203-pound, defender tallied 61 tackles with a tackle for a loss, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt taken back for a score. When the 2020 season gets going in California, Pitcher is ready to showcase yet another side to his abilities, playing an outside linebacker/rover/safety hybrid. In addition to showing he can cover deep and fill the alley, Pitcher is ready to display his talents covering the slot, working in the box against the run, and blitzing off the line.

With the opening of California’s 2020 season delayed in the Southern Section another two weeks, full-pads club teams are popping up to help fill a void ahead of National Signing Day. Pitcher, along with many other seniors have jumped at the opportunity to further develop their skills against other highly recruited players with the chance to produce game film to share with college coaches. For someone like Pitcher who has the size, speed, and productivity while carrying a 3.6 cumulative GPA, all he needs is the game film to further prove he is a top Division I athlete.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Pitcher stopped by the Lab detailing his offseason workouts and new opportunities to play padded football this winter.

*Click link for RNG interview with Calvin Pitcher from Under Armour All-American Camp

Interview

Calvin, this offseason has been a long one. Overall, how have the workouts gone preparing for the 2020 season?

I have had more time to prepare which has allowed me to gain more weight. This year I will be more of a hybrid defender between safety and outside linebacker. I’ve been doing linebacker drills as well as defensive back drills. I am training to be bigger, stronger, faster, and working on my football IQ and footwork.

What position specific drills have you been doing to improve your technique at safety?

I train with Anthony Brown. He helps my man coverage, breaks, and cuts. Coach Coco, he helps me with my eyes getting me where I need to be at on the field.

And at linebacker, what have you been working on there?

I have been working on alignments, blitz technique, reading the ball, and knowing where I need to be when the play begins.

How have you added more power and strength to your skills?

(Laughs) I have been eating like crazy. No matter what it is, I have been eating it. I am drinking two to three protein shakes a day and lifting with my dad and four days a week at Centennial.

What kind of speed workouts have you been doing?

At Winners Circle, I have been going through their program for that day. I have also been doing speed training with Centennial as well. When I am with Anthony Brown, we do footwork drills and work on my breaks and cuts.

Did you get to post a 40-yard dash this offseason?

Yes. I ran a 4.65.

Beyond the drills, running, and weightlifting, what have you been doing to stay sharp? Are you getting with teammates doing one on ones, attending camps?

Yes, I have been doing one on ones with local guys at a local field. I have been competing at Winners Circle Showcases and club team practices that we’ve been having.

What is Centennial’s practice schedule?

Right now, we are only weight lifting and speed training. We lift weights four days and do speed training two days.

When the Huskies get the 2020 season going, what style of defense are you guys executing?

We are running a 3-4-4, like last year, but we will have more moving parts this year. I am a part of that playing an outside linebacker/safety role.

Let’s dive into that role. What all will you be doing in this hybrid position?

I will be doing it all. On one play I might be deep, the next playing man on the slot, or blitzing off the edge and doing inside blitzes. It all depends on who we are playing and what we are running.

Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?

I have three; Eastern New Mexico, Idaho State, and Valparaiso.

Have you been able to take any visits over the last few months?

Yes, we visited Idaho State in August.

How did that visit go for you? What all did you see and do?

I got to see the campus and met with the school of business. That was a big deal for me to see the campus and city, a place where I could spend four years.

Are there any visits coming up you may take or would like to take?

I want to go back to Idaho State, time will tell if it will happen.

A few minutes ago you mentioned play club ball. Which team are you playing with?

Winners Circle. They are a training facility here in our area. I was part of their program in July and August.

How does the new program work and/or line up with everything?

It is a two-month program that allows us to suit up again, play some real football, and get some more film. For a lot of us, this needs to happen before signing day. I want to get my name out there and show my ability to play.

Which teams are you guys competing against?

There are more club teams around So Cal participating. We will train at their facility and have games on the weekend.

How many games are you guys expecting to play?

I believe six games.

Do you know where the other club teams are developing or coming from?

I know there is a team in Fontana and Temecula. Programs are popping up everywhere now.

Calvin, it is always great talking football with you. I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the club football circuit as well as preparing for your senior season with Centennial.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Pitcher family; Calvin Pitcher