Interview: Recruiting Interest Building for 2023 California OLB Samarai Anderson at College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a long history of Centennial High School producing fantastic collegiate defenders, and Samarai Anderson is working hard to keep the tradition going. The 6-1, 210-pound, outside linebacker got in the box against California offenses during the Huskies’ five-game season taking down 15 ball carriers with five tackles for a loss, four sacks, and six quarterback hurries while forcing a fumble and picking up two pigskins off the ground. Ahead of a planned breakthrough junior season, Anderson has showcased his skills in front of seemingly every Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference team at Redlands’ camps this summer. The result? Anderson is on recruiting boards and climbing.
Making his first visit to the RNG Clubhouse, Anderson updates us on his college camp circuit and preparations for the 2021 schedule.
Interview
Samarai, even if it was shortened, the experience picked up for you during the 2020 season had to be immensely valuable for you. What were some of the things learned taking on varsity competition that has helped you with your offseason grind?
Going against those varsity guys on the big stage on Friday, it was different than freshman football. It taught me to work harder and to get bigger, faster, and stronger for those big time games.
What style of defense were the Huskies executing last season?
We ran a 3-4.
What was your role within the scheme?
I was playing more of an outside backer; I was covering a lot too. My coaches had me on the weak side, the boundary, blitzing and getting pressure on the quarterback. When needed, I would cover.
To prepare for a full season going against top California offenses, what have you been working on with your fundamentals?
I have been working on my pass rushing skills and man coverage against the slot. This season I will be going against faster guys at Mater Dei and St. John Bosco. I have worked on my coverage and pass rushing going against the big guys in the box.
What have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
Some of the drills I have been doing is working on my 40, my get off, sprints, banded sprints, ankle mobility, and Plyometrics.
The 2021 season is getting closer and closer. When Centennial kicks off, what goals have you set for your junior run?
This year, we have a lot of weapons on both sides. We expect to take it all this year.
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
I have gone to a lot of Redlands camps, four or five of them. I competed at a Winner’s Circle camp, and just got the MVP. And I went to a UNLV camp last week.
How did the UNLV camp go?
It was great. There were a lot of schools there, and a lot of competition there. I made a relationship with the defensive coordinator from Washington State; that was good.
Very cool. After competing at all the different Redlands’ camps, what has been some of the feedback you’ve received from the different coaches?
They like my ability, that I can come up and impact in the box and that I can cover as well.
Getting into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest after all the camps?
Arizona State, Washington State, Boise State, Fresno State, UTEP, and Yale.
Have you been able to visit any schools this summer?
Yes, I visited UCLA with a couple of guys from my school and with Drake Jackson’s (USC) dad (Dennis). That was a great experience.
What all did you do while visiting UCLA?
We weren’t allowed to do the workout, but we got to see the weight room, the campus, how they eat, and see how their whole day goes. It was a great experience.
Samarai, I enjoyed lining up the player with the game film today. Wishing you the best the rest of the summer preparing for you junior season on the field.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Anderson family/NIL; Samarai Anderson