Interview: Santa Fe safety Charles Gaines heads towards the proving grounds of his senior season

Written by Ryan Wright

Chances are unless you are from Edmond, Oklahoma, or your team played against Santa Fe High School last year, you have never heard of Charles Gaines, but all of that could change during the 2015 season.

Gaines did not necessarily explode onto the scene during his junior season. The 5’11”, 165 pound, safety was thrust into a starting position a couple of games into the season and then started learning the nuances of the position on the fly. His stat line will not overwhelm but college coaches see the beginnings of something special. To date Avila University and Bethel College have offered and more colleges could come his way with scholarships if the upcoming season goes as planned for Gaines.

When the 2015 season does roll around multiple colleges will be on hand at some point to see the talent on display in Edmond. Playing opposite of Gaines is Calvin Bundage. Bundage is an outside linebacker/safety who long ago topped the 20 offer mark. Wide receiver Mitch Perkinson is another prospect gaining attention throughout the region on the one-day college camp circuit. Zeke Jenkins, Juan Johnson, Darran Williams, and Delwin Richard are all guys to keep an eye as well.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I sat down with Charles to go over his offseason preparations for the 2015 season, his recruiting, and a look ahead to the upcoming season.

 

Charles, last year was your first year to start for Santa Fe. At what point in the season did you get the starting nod?

“I played the first game and then I think it was the second or third game when I started.”

How was that first start for you? Was it exciting or nerve racking?

“It was exciting and nerve racking because I knew I had to get out there and the get the job done for my team. It was my first time at that position.”

What did you learn as a first time starter last year?

“I learned that the game is much faster, very fast and much more physical and intense.”

What have you been doing in the offseason to prepare for your senior season?

“I’ve been lifting weights, doing footwork, and I’ve been going to camps. I still have some camps to go to.”

You’re scheduled to be a starter this year at safety. Will you also play other positions of defense and see some time on offense?

“Most likely I’ll just play safety but I want to see if they’ll play some at receiver.”

How are your hands? Do you have good hands?

“Yes sir.”

Did you play any 7×7 in the offseason?

“Yes sir.”

Which team?

“Santa Fe.”

Did you play any receiver for your 7×7 team?

“No just safety.”

How did the Santa Fe team do in 7×7 tournaments during the offseason?

“We did real good actually. We’re going to have a real good team this year.”

You mentioned the team is going to be real good next year. What makes this year’s team better than last year’s?

“We look good. We’re getting more physical and faster. We’re more up to speed with things. Our defense is really explosive.”

What are your strengths on the field as a safety?

“I have good coverage, I’m physical, and I can get to the ball quick.”

Have you looked at the 2015 schedule yet?

“Yes sir.”

Are there any games on the schedule that you are excited to play?

“Jenks and Broken Arrow.”

Why do you want to play Jenks and Broken Arrow?

“They’re just – they’re used to winning games. I just want to beat them. I think we have what it takes to beat them and put an end to that.”

Do you have a stat line goal for the season?

“I just want to help the team getting tackles and interceptions. Anything I can do to help my team to better them and myself.”

You mentioned camps earlier, which camps have you been to so far?

“I’ve been to Kansas. My upcoming camps are Arkansas State, Harding, UCO (Central Oklahoma), North Texas, and Texas A&M Commerce.”

I know you have a couple of offers. Which schools have offered you so far?

“I have offers from Avila University and Bethel College.”

What have you learned from the camps so far that will help you during your senior year?

“My footwork and hip technique and how to get quicker. I’ve been working on getting my foot planted in the ground quicker.”

How did the Kansas camp go for you?

“It went real good but it was hot. Other than that it went real good. The coaches helped us on keeping our eye on the ball coming out breaks.”

What other schools are showing interest in you that have not offered you yet?

“I’ve received emails from UCO, Midwestern State camps I was invited to, and Trinity International.”

What are your goals for the 2015 season?

“Just to be a better player than I was last year and help team reach a higher level than our expectations. I want us to get that gold ball.”

Which NFL player or players do you watch play the game so you can learn more about the position?

“Earl Thomas, from the Seahawks and Kam Chancellor.”

Why those two guys from the Seahawks? What is it that you appreciate about their game?

“They’re just very athletic and physical. Earl Thomas is a small guy but he’s very physical with it.”

What has been your most memorable moment playing football?

“Playing football for Santa Fe – we have an interaction with the coaches, how the coaches care about us and show that they are really there for us. Fun matters. That’s why I want to play football. It’s fun.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The physicality and the tackling.”

 

Photo credit: tulsaworld.com; Charles Gaines in action

Photo credit: Charles Gaines