Interview: 5-Star 2022 Colorado RB/ATH Gavin Sawchuk Picks Up Where He Left Off

Written by Ryan Wright

Twittter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season was so impressive for Gavin Sawchuk, he earned second team All-State honors for Valor Christian. Without perspective, this may not seem like much, but for a freshman getting his first turn at varsity football in Colorado, the feat was pretty amazing. Now the high school football and recruiting universe is well-aware of the five-star rated recruit. Fans and college coaches alike want to see what the running back/all-purpose athlete will do next.

Earning five-star recruiting status does not come easy. For Sawchuk, he had to carry the rock 79 times for 695 yards with nine trips into the end zone and pull down five passes for 74 more yards posting two more scores. Get Sawchuk in the open field, there is no denying his speed and athletic abilities. As a kick return specialist, he took back eight for 408 yards with a long of 98-yards. Sawchuk and his Eagles’ squad picked up in the 2019 season where they left off collectively. Valor Christian completed a perfect 14-0 season in 2018 winning the 5A championship after downing Cherry Creek 24-14 for the trophy. The top-rated Colorado squad (MaxPreps) has that championship look again going on the road to Charlotte Christian (NC) coming away with an impressive 56-6 victory. In the win, their standout talent took nine carries for 92 yards with two touchdowns and hauled in one pass for 15 more yards.

The productivity and upside for the Class of 2022 prospect has not been overlooked by college programs. So far 11 teams have offered the 5-10, 175-pound, speedster with more choices to choose from coming down the line. To learn about the skills on the field and the recruiting process off it, I sat down with Sawchuk for an RNG exclusive interview.

Interview

Gavin, the team kicked off the season with an impressive 56-6 road win over Charlotte Christian (NC). What was clicking for you guys in the victory?

“I think it was our bond. This offseason, we have worked hard and practiced hard. The bond over the offseason helped us win that game. We trust each other and everyone knows what they are doing.”

How did it feel to be back on the field getting after it?

“It feels great. During the offseason, it is terrible going against your teammates every day seeing the same defense. It felt great getting back out there.”

You got after it out of the backfield pacing the team with two rushing scores. What was working for you in the opener allowing you to be productive?

“I think spreading them out helped. I had some good lead blocking on my runs, I was able to turn the edge and then run and do my thing. The blocking around the edge and with the blocking opening up downfield helped me.”

Which areas of your game did you focus on over the offseason to prepare for your sophomore season?

“I focused on strength. Last year I was a little light for a running back. My focus was to keep that same speed while gaining muscle.”

What are the positive differences in your game from the end of last season to the start of this one?

“I see improvements with my confidence. Last year, I was less confident in my game. Having played a full year at the varsity level, I am far more confident in what I can do on the field.”

Is there an area of your game that may get overlooked?

“Something what gets overlooked is my physicality. People see the speed on the edge, but I can run up the middle put my shoulders down for the tough yards.”

You got some snaps in at receiver last season, will we see more of you in the passing attack this season?

“Yes. I am hoping to spread out defenses and keep them guessing. It would be great to get more opportunities at receiver this season. It will help disguise our offense and make it harder to game plan against us.”

I know you have blazing speed with a 10.62 posted in the 100 that was highlighted with at least three kick returns for a touchdown last season. What is the best 40 you’ve posted?

“I have not run a legit 40-yard dash. My best hand-timed 40 was a 4.0-flat.”

Wow. Before we get into all the offers you have, which schools are showing interest?

“I have been talking to Notre Dame, they said it is early in the process and they are getting to know me. I have talked to South Carolina a little bit. I am keeping in touch with them; they want that relationship to build over the next couple of years.”

So, how many offers do you have now?

“I have 11 offers.”

Sawchuk’s Offer Sheet (11): Arizona State, Colorado, Colorado State, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Utah

Did you visit any programs this offseason?

“Yes. I was able to go to Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and to CU (Colorado). I have also been to CSU (Colorado State) and Nebraska.”

Since Michigan has offered, how did that visit go?

“It was really cool. I enjoyed it. The coaches were cool and the facilities were nice. I enjoyed it.”

And Ohio State, how did that visit turn out?

“That was cool. It was the same as with Michigan, they have nice facilities and the coaches were cool to talk to. I really enjoyed it.”

Are you planning any visits for this fall?

“I am not sure yet. My main priority is our high school football season. I want to be there for my team. I may not take visits this fall, but this spring and summer I will take trips out.”

Last question. The Eagles were perfect last season capturing the 5A state championship. What do you guys need to do throughout the season to repeat?

“The biggest part is executing. If we can do our jobs, we have a good chance of doing the same thing again this season.”

Gavin, thanks for your time today and good luck on the road to capturing another state title.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Sawchuk family; Gavin Sawchuk at Michigan and Ohio State