Interview: 3-Star 2021 DE Derek Wilkins Updates Recruiting and UCLA Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Rancho Santa Margarita Catholic defensive end Derek Wilkins is that strongside defender who can do it all with his hand in the dirt. His sophomore campaign against Trinity League competition was an introduction to what it takes to play at a high level against Division I California high school football teams. His junior season has been a breakout year full of dominating opposing offenses. At 6-5, 240-pounds, Wilkins can control the line of scrimmage or rush the passer which has led to 50 tackles, 29 solo, 15 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, a QB hurry, two passes batted down, four forced fumbles and three blocked punts. That activity against the best of the best has brought about offers from Arizona State, Cal, Oregon State, San Jose State, and Washington State.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got a few minutes with one of California’s fastest rising defenders in the 2021 class to learn more about his game while receiving an update on his recruiting visits.
Interview
Derek, before we get into the specifics of your season. You blocked three punts this year. What was your secret to helping your team gain momentum and field position with your play on special teams?
“The biggest thing is always about effort, even in the areas where people might not find it important. Those plays can have a big effect on the game. We are coached well. We go over special teams every day knowing stuff like that can change the momentum of a game.”
You were also popping guys this season jarring loose four fumbles. Was there a technique you were using to create turnovers?
“It comes back to practice. We tackle every day. We have two stations focused on getting the ball out. Once you have the dude wrapped up then it is about getting the ball out. It becomes muscle memory after repeating it in practice so many times; when he is wrapped up, punch the ball out.”
When the ball is snapped you are tenacious going after the quarterback or running back until the whistle blows. What is your mindset on any given play?
“I always try to take it play by play. During the play I am not thinking too much about the play itself. I am thinking about what our defense is running and I am always thinking about how I can affect this play. That motivates me to fly around to the ball.”
Are there any specific moves you like to use to get into the backfield?
“At 6-foot 5-inches and being long, my go-to move is the long arm. It lets me use my length and with some of the tackles not being the same height, I can get them on a level they do not want to be on.”
With your play on defense, how did you see your game grow during your breakout season?
“My technique has improved. Last year, after coming from Woodridge and jumping up to the Trinity League, that was a huge leap in competition. Getting that year in helped a lot and it helped going to camps like the Men in the Trenches and college camps. That helped me master my technique. I need to sharpen other aspects of my game, but it all comes back to technique.”
How were opposing teams scheming against you during the regular season?
“I have seen more double-teams and protection slides my way. I play hard no matter what. I am also seeing the ball go away from my side. The guard is also sitting inside waiting for me, but I keep playing my game.”
Of them all this season, which has been your best game?
“For me, it was the Mission Viejo game. I flew around and caused problems in that game.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“I am talking to Washington State, Northwestern and Nebraska a lot. UCLA and Boise State send me good luck messages each week before a game.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Four.”
*Washington State offered after this interview
Which school was the last to offer?
“Cal offered on Saturday.”
Nice. How did they offer you?
“Coach (Andrew) Browning (DL) offered over the phone.”
How did that offer come about?
“I met him (Coach Browning) at school the other day. We talked a little bit then. Their defensive coordinator, Coach (Tim) DeRuyter, was at our game against St. John Bosco. They liked what they saw and said I was a good fit for the program.”
From the summer to now, have you visited any programs?
“Over the summer I went to Notre Dame for a camp and I also went to San Jose State over the summer. I went to Oregon State during our bye week and I was at UCLA on Saturday.”
If you will, tell me how the UCLA visit went?
“It was really fun. It was fun to see them win (31-14 vs. Colorado). I really enjoyed meeting the coaches and I really liked the environment in general at UCLA.”
Coming up, are there any more planned trips?
“Yes. I am going to Arizona State sometime in the next few weeks and I would like to make it to a Cal game before the end of the year.”
Back to football. After a hard season, the Eagles made the playoffs. Silly question, but how excited are you guys getting an opportunity in the second season to make some noise?
“We are super excited. There are a lot of people sleeping on us based on our record. But what a lot of teams do not understand, we have grown this season. A lot of people do not see how talented we actually are. We are excited to go to the playoffs and show we can hang with all these other teams.”
If the regular season was not hard enough, the Eagles draw a tough first round match-up against Sierra Canyon. Of what you know of the Trailblazers right now, what kind of game are you expecting?
“I don’t know too much about them right now, but I am expecting a close game.”
Derek, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Wilkins family; Derek Wilkins preseason 2019 and at Oregon State (Sept. 2019)