Interview: Pac-12 in Heavy Visit Rotation for 4-Star 2022 California DL Nate Burrell
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College football programs are sold on 2022 defensive lineman Nathan Burrell, now it is up to the four-star recruit to find that ideal next level fit. The 6-3, 265-pound, end/tackle pressed Trinity League teams as a sophomore helping St. John Bosco to a MaxPreps national championship compiling 58 stops, 39 solo, with nine tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, a pick, three passes batted down, and forced a fumble. During the Braves six-game 2020 campaign this spring, Burrell posted 15 tackles, six solo, with three tackles for a loss, a half-sack, and four passes broken up.
With 13 offers down, Burrell is looking ahead to an open visit schedule ready to see where he may call home for the next four year.
Interview
Nate, I know the 2020 season this spring was a short one, but did you have fun being back on the field getting after Trinity League teams?
Yeah, it was really fun. After waiting and waiting to play, finally getting that time, even though it was five or six games for most teams, it was fun to be with my teammates even though we came up short. We are already back getting after it getting ready for next season.
After a big sophomore season with the Braves, what did you work on over the extended offseason to prepare for your junior campaign?
I tried to work on my pass rush as much as I can, and get bigger as a defensive lineman. My sophomore year, I was smaller. I was not in my best shape, but it was still a pretty good season. This season, I am still working on that and working on getting a little bit smaller. Those are the main things.
What defensive scheme were you guys executing this spring?
This year, with the versatility we had, we were running 3- and 4-man fronts. We were also showing some 5-man but only three were rushing.
As that end/tackle, which areas of your game showed the most improvement from the 2019 season?
I feel like this year it was with my gap play; my 1-11. A lot of teams we played, due to us having three defensive linemen, ended up with me getting doubled a lot. My gap control and play against the run was my biggest improvement.
In which contest did you turn in your best personal performance of the season?
I believe the JSerra game was my best.
Why did you pick that game?
I feel like I was the quickest in that game, and I had 1.5 sacks; that is good. As a run defender, going against Mason Murphy, he’s going to USC, was fun. He was really good.
How did that one-on-one showdown against Murphy go?
We didn’t go a lot against one another. In our defense, I would switch sides or go to the edge. When we did go against each other, he won some and I won some. No one got the edge on the other. I think we had five or six reps against each other.
Your motor to the ball and hands seem to never quit, is there an area to your game that might get overlooked by the casual fan?
Yes, actually that is a really good question. I feel like, I might not make the play but I force the play to my teammates. I did that a lot in Mater Dei. In that game, Kingston got two sacks. I wouldn’t say those are my sacks but I was forcing the play back to him. My play making and forcing the ball is overlooked. The casual fan may not notice that.
What are you working on with your game this offseason?
Getting my mechanics running better and getting my speed up. I started the season around 270, I have dropped 10 pounds already. My speed and get offs are important.
What lifts are you doing in the weight room?
We have different lifts every day… squats, that’s getting the legs, and bench press. We do a lot in the weight room.
Have you maxed out on bench lately, if so, what did you get?
My bench is around 330 to 345. We haven’t maxed in a while. I don’t want to give any maxes incorrectly.
Have you been to any national camps or have any coming up?
I have not been to any yet, but I do plan on going to a Rivals camp. I wanted to go to the Under Armour Camp, but I could not make it. That was a bummer.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Oregon State, Nevada, Vanderbilt, they show interest every now and again, San Diego State, Brown, and Princeton does every now and again.
How many offers do you have?
I have 13 offers.
Which program was the last to offer?
Cal was the last.
Burrell’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Boise State, California, Colorado, Kansas, Miami, Michigan, Northern Arizona, Oregon, USC, Utah, Washington, and Washington State
Burrell’s Top 10 posted on April 30: Top 10: Boise State, Cal, Michigan, Washington State, Miami, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, USC, and Arizona State
Nice. This summer, are there any visits you may take official or unofficial?
I have an official set to Cal on June 4-6. I am planning on going to Oregon, Boise State, Washington, and Washington State, but I am not sure which ones will be official or unofficial.
Nate, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you great success with your upcoming recruiting visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Burrell family; Nate Burrell