Interview: Overlooked 2019 California DE Shan Sachdeva Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season was a big one for Class of 2019 defensive end/tackle Shan Sachdeva. The 6-4, 245-pound, Stockdale High School talent was a versatile piece to the Mustangs defense lining up wherever needed up front. Compiling 63 tackles with seven sacks against Division II California competition, Sachdeva helped his team to a 7-6 campaign. Offers from Franklin Pierce and Southwest Minnesota State have been extended with a range of interest coming in from Tennessee to New Mexico State.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Sachdeva covering his senior season on the gridiron with an update on his recruiting prospects.
Interview
Shan, how did your senior season go on the field?
“I really enjoyed it. It was a fun year. I got better. It was more of a year to enjoy the game and go out there to go win the game.”
You played defensive tackle and end in 2018 for Stockdale, how did your game improve in the trenches throughout the season?
“My offseason goals were to get my hands quicker and increase my overall speed. Most of the guards I go up against are too slow. With my speed, I was able to make backside tackles and I was able to get to quarterbacks quicker. I was able to use my hands better this year, that helped me a lot.”
Leaving the high school ranks for college, what do you feel are the strengths of your game overall?
“I got better at breaking down the person I am going against. If he is stronger than me, I can beat him with speed. If he is faster than me, I can beat him with strength. My ability to breakdown the opposition will be a benefit at the next level.”
Which game during the 2018 season was your best?
“I would say the second round game of the playoffs against Tulare Western was my best game.”
Why do you consider that to be your best game?
“I had two sacks, a tipped pass, and nine solo tackles.”
That is a good game. Is there an area of your game you feel gets overlooked?
“You can’t see it, but how much and how hard I work. I don’t like to promote how hard I am working on Twitter and places like that, but I am always working hard. I am always improving and putting time in the weight room to get better every day.”
What have you been working on since the season ended?
“I am in basketball now, but I am also training with weights throughout the week and working on my lateral speed and quickness. I have been working on coming off the edge faster.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from New Mexico State, Kent State, Tennessee a little bit, San Jose State and Sacramento State.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have two, from Franklin Pierce and Southwest Minnesota State.”
What do you feel sets you apart from other Class of 2019 recruits in your same position?
“How hybrid and versatile I am along the defensive line. I can play the interior to the outside. I have speed, strength, and I can use my skills in different ways than others. I can play any spot really – I think that makes me different than other 2019 recruits.
“Shan, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success in basketball and along the recruiting trail.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Shan Sachdeva’s Hudl reel
Photo credit: Sachdeva family; Shan Sachdeva at UNLV
Photo credit: Sachdeva Twitter; Shan Sachdeva helps up QB after hit