Interview: Florida 4-Star 2021 TE/ATH Michael Trigg was Unstoppable
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Odd to think about what could have been for Michael Trigg during the 2019 season, but one still has to wonder. As is, the 6-4, 225-pound, athlete had as amazing a season as anyone in the nation, yet some of the stats could have been even better.
There is a reason Trigg is a four-star recruit approaching 50 total offers – he is a dominating force on the field as a two-way player. On defense, the end/outside linebacker stopped 83 plays with 41 solo tackles adding 24.5 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, a pick-six, picked up two loose balls, jarred two loose and blocked a punt and a field goal.
The “what ifs” for the Seffner Christian Academy standout comes on the other side of the ball, where he is being heavily recruited. Stats posted through 13 games during the Crusaders 10-4 season has Trigg with 82 receptions for 1,232 yards scoring 16 touchdowns. The added layer, Trigg played three games at quarterback completing 24 of 38 passes for 242 yards while toting the rock 56 times for 196 more yards with five more trips into the end zone. The projected stats for a full season playing his tight end/receiver role, 115 receptions for 1,725 yards with 20 scores posted on the board. Regardless of what could have been, Trigg still broke every Seffner Christian Academy school receiving record earning All-State honors in the process.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Trigg gives texture to his fantastic junior year with an inside look at his recruiting process.
Interview
Michael, you were a one-man wrecking crew last season for the Crusaders. It looks like you were having a lot of fun out there imposing your will against the competition. Did you enjoy dominating the season the way you did?
“Yeah, it was alright. I loved the tough games, like our last one (Champagnat Catholic). I love the competition.”
The stat line you posted was ridiculous across the board. Of all the positions played, which do you like the most and which do you feel is the natural fit?
“Probably tight end and receiver. I was a running back when I was younger. I catch the ball well; it helps working out with my dad. I think a natural position is as a flex tight end, that is what I am being recruited as.”
College coaches may see you as a next level tight end, but you run your routes, especially the double-moves, like a receiver. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a receiver?
“My elusiveness, especially for my size. People do not think I am that fast. The way I catch the ball and my natural catching abilities are other strengths.”
The coaches got the ball into your hands at quarterback last season. How many games did you play as the field general for the team and how did that opportunity come about for you?
“I played three or four games at quarterback. Our quarterback hurt his shoulder, but he was still practicing. One practice on a Thursday, they put me in at quarterback. I ran a read-option and started throwing. Our quarterback was hurt, he had to be released by a doctor before he could play again.”
Back to your receiving skills; going over 1,200 yards receiving had to lead to some sick games in the stat column. Which game did you post your biggest stat line?
“Against Northside Christian. I had nine receptions for almost 300 yards with five touchdowns.”
Wow. That is a season for a lot of receivers. Not to be undersold on defense, you had a big season on that side of the ball as well. What was working for you as that outside linebacker/end allowing you to tear it up?
“Using my speed. I’m not the biggest, but by using my feet and getting engaged, using my speed easier is than using your hands.”
Sticking with defense, what are you working on with that part of your game this spring?
“Getting stronger and bigger. I want to get better at handling double-teams.”
And on offense, what are you working on there?
“Getting bigger, my speed, and running better routes. I run good routes but I want more separation.”
Which other sports are you playing?
“Basketball.”
How did your basketball season go?
“We went to regional finals, the year before we went to state.”
Turning to recruiting. The love from the college ranks is surreal. How many offers do you have?
“I don’t know the exact number. I know I am close to 50, maybe 47 or 48.”
There are so many offers, at this point can we look at some of those as cash vouchers? Can we start handing some of those out to other people?
(Laughs) “Yeah I guess so.”
Trigg’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Bethune-Cookman, Central Florida, Duke, FIU, Florida, FAU, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, N.C. State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Florida, Southern Miss, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Utah, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia
From last season up to this spring, did you get a chance to visit any programs?
“Yes. I went to South Carolina, Auburn, and FSU.”
How did the trip to South Carolina turn out?
“It was pretty good. I love the coaches and the facilities there, they are really nice.”
And Auburn, how did that one go?
“It was good. The campus was amazing, and the coaches gave some valuable information.”
Follow up question, what valuable information did they tell you?
“They said with the recruiting process, take as many visits as possible. They told me recruiting is about relationships, not as much about football. Relationships will take you farther than football.”
Makes sense. And Florid State, tell me about that one.
“That was pretty nice too. FSU is close to home, we did not have to drive far. The coaches were cool and their uniforms are nice.”
When things get going again, are there any planned trips ahead?
“None set yet. I am trying to get some set up.”
Recruiting is a difficult process, especially trying to figure out which opportunity will be best for you. When the time comes to make that decision, what does the ideal fit mean to you?
“A place where the offense has a good number of tight end targets, a good relationship with the coaches, and a winning program.”
Are you going to put out a top schools list?
“I don’t know if I will. I want to leave all my options open.”
Is there a commitment date you have in mind?
“I am thinking about doing it at an All-American Game.”
A new question to my Q&A interviews, the virus buster. What have you been doing during your downtime to keep yourself entertained?
“Playing games, doing a lot of jump rope, and doing a lot of school work.”
Michael, I had fun going over your play on the field and your recruiting process today. Thank you for your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Trigg family; Michael Trigg at Georgia and Auburn