Interview: Kansas to California, 3-Star 2021 WR Theo Grabill Adding Tight End Role to Resume
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Spread offense is all about creating mismatches putting defenses behind the proverbial 8-ball trying to cover talent on talent. What Class of 2021 receiver, and now also tight end, Theo Grabill (6-3, 210) brings to the field promises to be that nightmare for defensive coordinators. After playing his junior season with Blue Valley North High School in Kansas, an All-State campaign that concluded with 79 receptions for 800-plus yards with 12 trips into the end zone, Grabill will get a chance to work over top California defenses as that versatile playmaker at Los Angeles’ Cathedral High School once the 2020 season kicks off in January.
For an update on his transfer, new roles, and recruiting options, the three-star talent made another visit to the RNG Lab.
*Click the link for the June 2020 RNG interview with Theo Grabill
Interview
Theo, let’s update everyone. You played the 2019 season at Blue Valley North in Kansas, at which school are you lining up with for the 2020 season?
Cathedral in LA.
After playing 7v7 in California, you are well familiar with the style of play and top players in the area. As a receiving threat, what have you worked on during the extended offseason to showcase against all the four- and three-star players you’ll face during the 2020 season?
I’ve worked a lot more on releases and side to side movement along with my speed and quickness. I’ve done a lot of lifting getting ready for the season. This year I will be playing tight end too.
What style of offense will the Phantoms execute during the season?
We will pass a lot. We have a lot of really good receivers on the team, that is great for us. This year we have a new running back; we will run more than they did last year.
How are your skills going to be utilized within the scheme as a receiver and with your new role at tight end?
They have me moving around a ton, at tight end and receiver, some in the slot and out wide. I will be lining up at tight end running routes and blocking. And I will be playing some defensive end as well.
What are some of the routes you’ll be running?
Oh, gosh, everything. Something I have prided myself on is running all the routes. Because I can run all the routes, defensive backs don’t know which route I will run. Because I can do it all, they can’t try to guess which route I am running before the play. There is nothing they can do to stop me.
Circling back, are you excited about getting time in at defensive end this season?
I am. I am really excited. It is fun. I am more of a pass rush guy coming in on third and long or second and long. It is a lot of fun, and similar to playing receiver. It is all about getting off the ball, but as an end, also having to get past the offensive linemen. Being a faster guy than offensive linemen, I find it a lot of fun.
How have you added more strength and speed to your skills this offseason?
When I am in Kansas City, I work with my trainer Brandon Adams. He is a body builder. He helps me a lot. In LA, I work with Coach Ro; he helps me a lot. Pretty much our entire offense has been training with Coach Ro. We are all working together building chemistry. We are all on the same 7v7 team too. That helps build chemistry. We are learning our spacing and what everyone likes to do.
With all the work you’ve been doing, did you get to post a 40-yard dash this offseason?
I did with Maurice Greene. When I was in Arizona working with him, I ran a 4.48. I am going down there for Christmas.
The Olympian Maurice Greene?
Yes, sir.
Very cool. Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest ahead of the 2020 season?
I was getting some from Arizona, but they fired their staff. FIU is another one. Everything has been stagnant because of the virus. Tulsa is showing interest and I just got a preferred walk-on offer from Mizzou.
How many offers do you have now?
I have six, seven with the PWO from Missouri.
Grabill’s Offer Sheet: Cornell, FAU, Missouri State, Nevada, New Mexico State, and Yale
Are there any upcoming visits you may take, even just to see the campus?
I’d love to visit Mizzou, if they open up.
Going into the classroom, what is your current cumulative GPA?
My overall is a 3.5. This semester I had a 3.8 GPA.
Nice. And what is your ACT score?
I scored a 24 on the ACT.
When you decide to make a decision on where you will play college ball, what all will go into that informed decision?
I want a school that really believes in me and an offense where I fit in. I love to be moved around within the offense, because I can do a lot of things. It is important to be at a school that will allow me to do a lot of different things. I think that is one of my most valuable assets, doing multiple things. I am also looking for a coaching staff that can develop me.
When are you thinking about committing? Are you going to commit on National Signing Day or wait?
I have set everything off until after the season and then I will go from there.
Theo, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Grabill family; Theo Grabill