Interview: 3-Star 2021 Oregon TE Carson Cota Preparing for Big Two-Way Role with the Panthers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The possibilities for the South Medford offense with Carson Cota on the field seem without limits. The 6-5, 225-pound, talent can effectively line up anywhere from the outside, slot, and in tight with a hand in the dirt effecting games with his receiving and blocking talents. He ended the 2019 run with 25 receptions for 333 yards with two scores going against 6A Oregon teams. He pulled some double-duty lining up at defensive end, a role that has turned into a second starting position for the 2020 campaign. All of the work put into his game has yielded four offers and three-star recruiting status so far.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Cota runs down his offseason workouts with an update on his recruiting options.
*Click link for April 13 RNG interview with Carson Cota
Interview
Carson, from our previous conversation I know the 2020 season is an important one for you with a bigger overall role with the Panthers. Catch us up, how have your strength and conditioning workouts gone to prepare for the upcoming grind?
I’ve been working out a lot with my dad and doing our team workouts. After workouts with my teammates, I usually go out and run routes with my dad or brother. Our team stuff is just started; I’ve been doing some of that with the team too.
As a tight end, you are a dual-threat with your blocking and receiving. Let’s look at your blocking first. Where are you seeing the improvements in your run and pass-pro?
I definitely have gotten stronger. I can lift more weight, as you get older you get stronger, that will be better this year. This year I will be quicker too.
Routes, hands, and speed – all key attributes for a receiving threat. How have you taken those traits to your game to another level?
Last year when I went to the combines I ran a 5.1, this year I ran a 4.8. I have gotten faster. On my routes I am working with my brother a lot. My routes are crisper now. They will use me in the pass game more this year too.
Your athleticism will be on full display on defense at end with the Panthers this season. How have you trained to improve the technical parts of squaring off against top Oregon offensive tackles?
Staying low, exploding, being quicker than the offensive tackle, and making sure I am using my hands more this year. I have been working on my hands a lot this offseason.
When you are getting your lifts in, what kind of training are you doing and where are you seeing the gains in your overall strength?
The typical lifts, bench, clean and squats. I have improved on all of them since last year. Mainly in my squats, they have improved the most.
What are your updated maxes?
On bench I did 225 four times and on squats I don’t go over 315.
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest this offseason?
Kansas State, Central Michigan, and Virginia.
How many offers do you have now?
Four; Georgia Tech, New Mexico State, Oregon, and Utah State
Once the opportunity arises for on-campus visits, are there any you may take?
If I get to visit anywhere, yes. I’d like to visit Utah State, New Mexico State, and Oregon unofficially.
In all areas what is going on for the season is different, have you guys started fall camp or do you start soon?
We were kind of getting into the groove then our season was moved to this spring. Now we are working out but not practicing. We are in January mode right now for a regular season. I am not sure when we will start.
When is the scheduled first game as of right now?
In March.
Of all that you will be doing on the field this season, what do you want to showcase the most of your talents for college coaches?
That I have gotten faster, my routes are better, and that I can be a diverse player in the slot and out wide as a tight end. I want to show that I am versatile within an offense.
Carson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the extended offseason workouts.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Cota family; Carson Cota at Oregon State