Interview: Talented 2019 California MLB Jake Medders Updates Spring Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Without the fanfare given to his peer group in the 2019 recruiting class, Jake Medders had a junior season on the level of some of the best in the state of California. The 6-3, 215-pound, inside linebacker took control of his Arcadia High School defense coming up with 105 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. If that was not enough, he helped the Apaches again on offense at tight end pulling in five passes for 35 yards with one touchdown and as a blocker in the run game aiding in an 8-4 season. The notoriety that may have eluded him in 2017, is starting to pick up in a big way on the recruiting trail; UCLA, UNLV, Yale, New Mexico, Montana, and Oregon are just a few of the schools taking a closer look at the next level ready linebacker.
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with the rising Golden State talent after he competed at the Elite 11/Nike Opening Regional in Las Vegas for an overview on his spring workouts and growing recruiting prospects.
*Click link for Oct. 17, 2017, RNG interview with Jake Medders
Interview
Jake, how are your offseason workouts coming along?
“They are going well. All my lifts have gone up a lot – my bench is now 315 bench, 450 on squat, and I am deadlifting 520.”
Impressive. What are you working on with your technique this offseason; which area of your game is a big focus this spring?
“After watching my film, I saw that my hips were tight and I was not tackling at the level I should be; I am working on that.”
How are spring practices going?
“They are going well; we have one more week of practices. I have learned a lot this spring. It has been fun being back into the loop. I’ve gotten more physical this spring; that has showed up during 7v7 tournaments as well.”
How are the Apaches looking this spring?
“We are looking good. We will be better than last year. We have a lot of returning players coming back. We are making changes on defense, which is more fun for me.”
You are a linebacker but have also played some tight end during your sophomore and junior seasons, where all might we see you play during your senior year?
“Currently, I’m at linebacker now but I will be moving to tackle on offense this season.”
Are you excited about playing tackle this season?
“If that helps us be successful, I will do it.”
I got to see you in-person at the Nike Opening Regional in Las Vegas, how did that go for you?
“It went really well. I like seeing how I improved from the U.S. Army Combine (San Antonio) in January. All my times and drills improved dramatically. My power ball was in the 99 percentile; that surprised me.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule for this summer?
“I am signed up for an Azusa Pacific, USC, and a Redlands camp.”
If you will, update me on your recruiting interest.
“UNLV, New Mexico, Fresno State, Wyoming, Montana, Southern Utah, Montana State, Yale, and San Diego are all showing interest in me.”
Which colleges have come by school to see you in-person or to watch you in a workout?
“UNLV, San Diego, Yale, Oregon, and UCLA have come by this offseason to see me.”
What are the college coaches telling you they like about your skills?
“They like my size, how I come downhill, and how I can drop into coverage.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits in 2018?
“I have visited Fresno State, Montana State, Montana, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Yale.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“I have a 3.5 GPA.”
Nice. Last question. If you could talk to each college coach in the nation individually to tell them about the type of student-athlete you are, what would you tell them?
“I would tell them that I am a hard worker both in and out of the class room. I am dedicated to my team and will do anything to see us succeed as a unit. On the field, I am a very rough, physical player and when it comes to the classroom I put in the same amount of work, if not more, as I do on the field. I go all in and give 100 percent no matter what I do.”
Jake, thanks for your time today and good luck with the last week for spring practices and the upcoming college camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jake Medders at the Elite 11 Regional in Las Vegas