Interview: 3-Star 2022 California OLB Eoghan Kerry Fitting Dangerously Well in Mater Dei Defense
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
California’s Trinity League is among the best of the best high school football conferences in the country. Every year the programs within produce numerous five-, four-, and three-star talents that go on to grab national headlines for their play on the collegiate field. After transferring from Bakersfield’s Centennial High School, Eoghan Kerry is picking up the mantle taking his 70-tackle nine-sack sophomore season with him playing outside linebacker in national powerhouse Mater Dei’s 3-4 defense. The 6-3, 225-pound, three-star defender already has four offers with interest streaming in from teams like Clemson, Notre Dame, and UCLA.
Adding Kerry’s talents to a roster already filled with California state championship contending skill further pushes the narrative on the Monarchs battling for a national title. Ready to showcase his improving athleticism and technique, Kerry sat down for another RNG interview ahead of the planned 2020 season kickoff giving an update on all including recruiting.
*Click link for August 2020 RNG interview with Eoghan Kerry
Interview
Eoghan, let’s start with all the work you’ve been putting into your game over the fall and winter months in the weight room. What are some of the lifts and workouts have you been doing to push that part of your game forward?
I have been getting in the weight room working every day on bench, military press, and all the lifts. I have also been working with an Orange County trainer using resistance bands, hammering on the tires, and doing the VertiMax. With the workouts, I have been shredding the fat off and building muscle at the same time.
What have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
This offseason I have been working with Coach Tony for my speed and agility. I have been running with sleds and parachutes and doing leg workouts. I have also been working out with Ground Zero on drills, doing sprints, and on my own doing the ladder and footwork drills. This offseason I am staying conditioned and running sprints.
When we last spoke, you were preparing for the Monarchs’ 3-4 defense at outside linebacker. How have you adapted to that new role with Mater Dei?
I love it. It is different than Centennial, and it fits me well. This season I will be off the edge blitzing; I love it. They also have me dropping back. The versatility I will be showing on the field this season will help my recruiting. This season I will be more than just rush the passer. I feel like I fit in really well to their defense.
You touched on this just now, but going a little deeper. Within the scheme, what are your responsibilities? What all will you be doing?
Setting the edge, rushing the quarterback, and covering.
How have you prepared for the upcoming season from the mental standpoint?
I have been watching film on our team and on our opponents so I will know what they are doing or will do, if we play this season. I have been learning the game more by watching NFL games and doing my own research. Another thing I have been doing, I am being a mini-DC to understand the game better to further my play.
What is the practice schedule for the Monarchs, or what is it going forward?
Going forward, I am not sure. We were practicing four times a week since August, but we’ve been off for two weeks now. I am not sure when we will head back.
What else have you been doing to stay sharp? Have you been attending any camps or playing 7v7?
Absolutely. A month and a half ago I went to The Opening Regional. I scored a 106.56 putting me among the Top 15 athletes nationally. I am hoping for an invite to the finals this summer to show I have gotten even better.
As always, I’m eager to get that update on your recruiting. Since our last conversation you’ve added a couple more offers to the list, which schools have offered?
Since we last talked, I have added offers from Colorado, Yale, and Pennsylvania. UPenn offered last week.
Kerry’s Offer Sheet: Colorado, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Yale
Which programs are showing interest?
Notre Dame is showing a ton of love. Clemson is too. Both are sending a lot of messages and stuff in the mail. UCLA showing a lot of love. I have been talking to Florida State a little bit. Oregon State, Boise State, and Cal are also showing interest.
Getting an update on the schools you might visit in the coming months when allowed. Which ones are on the potential visit list now?
I want to get out east to check out Clemson and Notre Dame. The Florida State coaches want me out there. I’d like to visit some west coast schools too, but I am not sure when that will happen because of the dead period. USC, UCLA, Cal, and Oregon are some of the west coast schools I’d like to visit as well.
Eoghan, always a pleasure catching up with you. I appreciate your time.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Kerry family; Eoghan Kerry