Interview: St. Margaret’s 2021 DE Nick Ostlund Proving to be A Rising Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Due to circumstances, there are certain players who leave the high school ranks a little more prepared for what they may face at the next level than others. If it is playing in a tough conference going against top talent each week or if it is playing for a smaller school having to fill multiple roles learning to be a team-first player and versatility along the way. Whatever may come Nick Ostlund’s way when it is his time to matriculate to a college program, rest assured he will be a step ahead of most in his incoming peer group thanks to his time with St. Margaret’s Episcopal.

At St. Margaret’s Episcopal High School, the roster posted lists 41 total players. The quick math, that does not fill a two-deep roster meaning guys with the ability to play more than one position and on both sides of the ball have to do their part to secure victories. Securing victories is what the Tartans are doing well after a 10-2 run in 2018 and a 5-0 start to their 2019 season. Despite the low enrollment numbers on the gridiron, the Tartans still compete at a high level going against California Division V opponents.

During Ostlund’s sophomore season, he started on offense at right guard with backup duties on defense. Now the 6-3, 248-pound, rising talent is a two-way starter rolling at right tackle on offense and up and down the line on defense playing a three- five- and nine-technique as needed. Ostlund has responded in his every down role dominating opposing linemen for 27 tackles, 12 solo, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal.

Word is trickling out on Ostlund with offers dropped by Alabama-Birmingham and Austin Peay with other next level interest coming his way. In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s unknown talents in the 2021 class getting the inside scoop from the man himself.

Interview

Nick, the Tartans have jumped out to a 5-0 start. What is the team doing well on both sides of the ball leading to all the wins?

“Our defense is looking great and our offense is getting there. We are finding the dog in us. Our energy is there. We are becoming more stable and consistent. We were up and down at the beginning, but now we are on the same page and getting better every game.”

You are getting after it this season off the defensive line. I know you are playing some at end, are you lining up anywhere else on defense?

“We run a five-man front with two linebackers that come down. I am over the guard, over the tackle and on the outside. This experience is good for me. Depending on how I grow, I can be a defensive end or tackle in college. I see it as the best of both words.”

Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game this season on that side of the ball?

“My dad and I were talking about that recently after looking at film from last season. Last season, my lower body was good but my upper body and hands were dead. Watching film from this season, I am making a lot of progress with my hands and my rips. I am very happy with it.”

You have a big motor and shed blocks with ease, what are some of the other strengths to your overall game?

“You touched on it; I have a motor. I look at it this way, if there is something in front of me, I can get past it. I am more agile as I play more and more into the season. The mentality that I play with, I am never a yard behind or a yard too far ahead. I am always in front of the play. If I get too far up field or too far back, I make sure that it never happens again. If I am too far up field or behind that is a loss for me.”

You are playing on both sides of the ball again this season. Where are you showing the offensive improvements?

“I did not work on offense as much, but I am showing consistency with my blocking especially with my hand-placement. I am not striking above the shoulder pads but hitting the ribs and upper chest with strike. On offense, it is about consistency. To have a great game, you can’t have three wins and lose on the next play.”

Which game this season has been your best overall?

“Our last game against Santa Fe Christian has been my best (won 20-14). I had 2.5 sacks and some tackles for a loss. I was being a dog all over the field. When I stepped away from that game, I realized that is how I need to play every Friday.”

That is great that you know what you can do on the field and want to replicate that going forward. Now, you guys get Bellflower (0-6) on Oct. 4. What kind of game are you expecting from the Buccaneers offense?

“In the first quarter of their games on film, they don’t look like an 0-6 team. They have had some tough games on their schedule. We have to get on them early. We don’t want it to slip away. We can give them no chances to score and get into the game.”

Going into recruiting. I see you have already picked up some offers. Which schools have extended an offer?

“UAB (Alabama-Birmingham) and Austin Peay have offered me.”

That’s great. Which schools are showing interest?

“I am talking to a lot of Ivy League schools. Over the summer, I went to Yale and Columbia camps. Montana, I love that school from what I have seen so far. My old running back is there and killing it. Chicago is showing interest, I attended one of their camps. I love their school as well.”

Separate from the camps, have you visited any schools over the offseason to date?

“Yes. I went to a BYU game, a USC game, and a San Diego State game. I loved all three of those.”

Nick, it was great getting time in with you today. I hope you and the Tartans continue to dominate this season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: proactionphoto.com; Nick Ostlund in action (2019)