Interview: 5-Star 2022 Colorado APB Gavin Sawchuk Covers Breakout Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watching Gavin Sawchuk with the pigskin in his hands is a thing of beauty. Like a rocket exploding out of the backfield and then an eagle gliding across the sky towards the end zone, give Sawchuk a crease and the game becomes a footrace based on angles with the Valor Christian standout winning his match-ups. Sawchuk entered his sophomore season as one of the best in his class in Colorado and nationally cementing his spot with an amazing 2019 campaign.
All knew big things were ahead for Sawchuk after his freshman year with Valor Christian. The Eagles soared to a perfect season hoisting a 5A championship trophy seeing their rising star romp for 695 yards on the ground off 79 totes with nine scores while pulling in five passes for 74 more yards with two more trips into the end zone. His play on special teams helped change the course of games taking eight kicks back for 408 total yards aiding in his five-star recruiting status.
After earning second team All-State in 2018, what could Sawchuk do for an encore? The 5-11, 180-pound, tailback tore through opposing defenses for 1,786 yards off 197 carries with 23 scores going up on the board. His 13 passes hauled in for 143 yards with another touchdown helped propel him to first team All-State honors. Off the field, the honors have continued to pour in with 16 college programs extending scholarship offers.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Sawchuk covers ground on his game during his sophomore run with an update on his recruiting opportunities.
*Click link for Sept. 2019 RNG interview with Gavin Sawchuk
Interview
Gavin, we spoke at the beginning of your sophomore season covering how hard you had worked in the offseason to prepare for the challenging schedule. You tore it up approaching 1,800-yards on the ground. Was there a point during the season where everything started to click for you hitting a groove out of the backfield?
“Yes; towards the middle of the season. My offensive line and I developed well together. That was a big part of my success. If I don’t have them it is hard to make plays on my own. They were a big factor helping me get to where I needed to be.”
What were some of the play calls that were getting the rock in your hands?
“The coaches were calling everything. I was running inside and outside, all over the place.”
How did your skills as a runner improve throughout the season?
“They improved a lot. I was more comfortable as the season went on. I saw more of the plays developing and I had more fun. My yards after contact and my patience allowing the play to develop also improved. We would breakdown film on what I should be looking for on each play.”
You were a workhorse for the Eagles right at the 200-carry mark; how did you take care of your body to rebound from one game to the next?
“Before every game I had a PT (physical therapist) I would see to get ready for the game. After the game, I would visit the PT again, as well as take ice baths and drink protein shakes.”
What are you doing so far this offseason with your workouts?
“We are in track season now. I am transition some to strength training; I am working on both strength and speed. I have not been on the field, but I have been on the JUGG machine to keep those skills down.”
Which events are you running during the indoor season?
“I am running the 60 and 200 during the indoor season. During the outdoor season, I will be running the 100 and 200.”
Has the indoor season started, or are you guys preparing for the season?
“We’ve started. I’ve competed in two meets. My fastest 60 was a 6.78.”
Nice. Going back to football; will you be expanding the positions played on the field in 2020?
“I played cornerback growing up, I plan on playing some corner this year. I hope to play receiver too. I will go out to the slot to be more of a threat on the field.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“That is hard to tell because I am an underclassman. Interest has been shown through coaches coming up to school. I have seen UCLA at school. I am meeting the coaches at the school, but we can’t reach out to each other yet.”
Where is the offer total at now?
“I have 16 offers.”
Sawchuk’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Colorado, Colorado State, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, USC, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin
Did you get to take any visits during the season?
“No, but before the season I visited Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State. I also visited CU (Colorado), CSU (Colorado State), and Nebraska for their spring game.”
Any planned visits ahead?
“After our outdoor season, I am thinking of checking out some schools.”
NSD is an exciting time with a lot of big decisions going on among your teammates and friends. Watching the activity close to you and on a national scale, what were some of the things you learned or that caught your eye during the early signing period and on Wednesday?
“There were a couple of things. With those recruits close to me, I like to ask them advice about their decision. I’ve been able to get some good advice. The main advice I received was, instead of being pushed by other coaches and people to a decision, do what is best for you.”
That is a perfect way to end the interview. Gavin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: CHSAANow.com; No. 27 Gavin Sawchuk