Interview: Going In-Depth with 3-Star 2019 California LB Zach Brogden

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If a high school football player can get it done in California’s Trinity League, safe bet said player will be able to replicate the same success at the college level; this thought holds more than true for Zach Brogden. Brogden was a key clog in the box for Orange Lutheran High School during the 2017 season and returns for a senior year sure to hand out more bell ringing hits and grass stains going on the backside of hopeful running backs.

Brogden had what could easily be called a breakthrough season during his junior campaign coming up with an estimated stat line of 90-plus tackles, 78 of the solo variety, with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, a pick, and a forced fumble. All the hard work on the field led to first team All-Trinity League honors, something not easy to do, especially for an underclassman. Brogden was also used in the Lancers offense as a short-yardage back rushing 17 times for 73 yards with three scores going up on the board.

The now 6-1, 215-pound, backer added some meat to his frame along with strength and speed over the offseason leading to what should be another standout season. With offers from Air Force, Nevada, Sacramento State, and San Jose State and a long list of schools showing interest that includes Vanderbilt, Rice, Kansas State, Princeton, Army, Boston College, and Harvard, just to name a few, Brogden’s recruiting stock is set to soar during the 2018 season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star linebacker to learn more about his overall game and recruiting ahead of a big season for Orange Lutheran.

Interview

Zach, the Lancers have a tough schedule again this season playing some of the best teams in the state in non-conference action before starting games against the top conference in the state, the Trinity League. With this daunting schedule you are about to play, how did you prepare for the season over the spring and summer months?

“Over the spring and summer, I focused in the weight room and increased my speed. I played at 185 last year. I was moving people around then, but I wanted to gain weight to move them around better this season.”

With the added weight, have you kept your speed?

“Yes. I have kept my speed and agility this offseason.”

Nice. What are the strengths of your game as a linebacker?

“My strengths – I have a high football IQ. I can call out the play before it happens. I am good against the run and I am a solid tackler. I am fast, good at coverage, and I am good coming downhill. I stick in my gap as a hard-nosed linebacker with speed behind me.”

I like it. You mentioned your speed, what is your best 40-yard dash time?

“My sophomore year was the last time I ran one. I ran a 4.6 then; I have gotten faster.”

What are some of the things you will continue to work on throughout the season?

“During the season, I will work on chemistry with my linebackers. We have one that did not play as much last year, we are working on our chemistry. I will continue to work on my body so I can stay healthy throughout the season.”

What is a typical Lancers football practice like with the Lancers?

“Very intense and energy all over the field. We have a lot of top people out there ready to play. Our coaches are on us, pushing us to get better and not letting us slack off.”

How is the team looking in fall camp?

“We are looking very good. We are athletic, fast, and physical. We all have the same mindset and great chemistry. We are a brotherhood.”

Did you guys scrimmage a team last week to prepare for the season?

“We played Downey last week.”

OLU opens with San Juan Hills on Friday, what kind of game will the Stallions offense give you and the Lancers defense?

“From what I have seen, they like to run a lot of passes across the middle – I am looking for big hits and quick picks against their passing attack. They have a strong left tackle, I think he is ranked No. 2 in the country. I am ready to compete against him and get better.”

Game 2 of the season is a heavy weight matchup against Centennial, have you started preparing for that game yet?

“No, sir. We are focused on San Juan Hills. Centennial will be a big game for us, but we are focused on San Juan Hills. I am ready to set the tone for the season. We are not messing around this season.”

What other games on the schedule are you excited to play this year?

“Mater Dei, I think we can beat them. We want to take that No. 1 spot. They play IMG this year. If we beat them, we show we are among the best in the nation.”

What personal goals have you set for your senior year?

“My goals, last year I did well with my tackles. This year, I want more sacks, I want more picks, and I want more tackles for a loss. Last year I was the No. 1 inside linebacker for tackles for the Trinity League. I want first team All-Trinity League again this year.”

You get some snaps in at running back as well, what goals have you set on the offensive side of the ball?

“I am looking forward to getting more reps at running back this year. Last year, I averaged seven yards a carry. I am looking forward to being used in short-yardage situations to get us first downs and I am ready to score some touchdowns this season.”

You have four offers on the table from Air Force, Nevada, Sacramento State, and San Jose State, which other schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Vanderbilt, Army, Navy, Rice, Hawaii, New Mexico, Cal-Poly, Boston College, Montana, Montana State, UTEP, Kansas State, Princeton, and Harvard.”

Wow. That is a lot. Is there an aspect to your game you feel gets overlooked by college coaches?

“My physical play and solid tackling. My tenacity and ability to play sideline to sideline. I never give up on a play.”

Have you taken any visits so far in 2018?

“I have been to Nevada, Sacramento State, and San Jose State.”

Do you have any visits planned for the upcoming season?

“Yes. I am going to Nevada for an official to see their game against Oregon State on Sept. 14.”

That will be a fun game. With a big choice upcoming, what will be some of the things that factor into the school/program that is the ideal fit for you?

“Comfortability. I am looking for a good relationship with the coaches, a brotherhood among the players, and a good place for me overall. I am a big outdoorsman, I love nature; a place where I can do things outdoors would be great. More of the decision will be about the coaches and that relationship and my fit with the defense.”

Have you started looking at a commitment date yet?

“I am looking for an early commitment, but it depends. I am open to process.”

Do you plan to be an early enrollee?

“No. I plan to finish out my senior year at OLU.”

Zach, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Featured photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 42 Zach Brogden pre-snap vs. Chaminade (2017)

Photo credit: Brogden family; Zach Brogden gets to the quarterback