Interview with Overlooked 2020 Calabasas LB Zack Shadorf
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Since the 2015 season Calabasas High School has built a winning program becoming that squad on the gridiron no one wants to face. And over the past three seasons as a starter, Class of 2020 linebacker Zack Shadorf has more than done his part laying down the proverbial pieces of the foundation and framework through blood, sweat, and tears keeping the Coyotes fierce on defense. Yet, despite the Coyotes winning ways and Shadorf earning first team All-Marmonte League and first team All-CIF honors, the 6-3, 210, versatile inside/outside linebacker remains one of the more overlooked prospects in his class out of Southern California.
A three-year starter for the Coyotes, Shadorf really started coming into his own during the 2019 season. Working his way into a trusted play-maker on defense, the Calabasas coaches lined Shadorf up everywhere in the box seeing him shine upon the call to action. Shadorf was a force against the run, a presence off the edge, and covered receivers, backs, and tight ends in the slot coming up with an estimated stat line of 100 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and knocked away two passes.
With an offer from University of San Diego, a 3.7 cumulative GPA, and an 1180 scored on the SAT, I sat down with Shadorf in a catch-up interview going in-depth on his senior season and the growth of his game into one of the LA area’s top linebackers.
*Click link for in-2019 season interview with Zack Shadorf
Interview
Zack, you were a presence on the field during your senior season bringing an intimidation factor to games. What was your mentality on the field for a given game?
“During my senior season I felt that I had to have more aggression and I need to bring more of a bully mentality on the field. I wanted to go out there and have the other teams feel my presence. I had gotten bigger, faster, and stronger, I wanted to utilize my body more this year.”
You were in a unique position during your senior season getting to play that versatile and vital outside linebacker role in the Coyotes scheme. What all were you doing on the field in 2019 at that position?
“All of it depended on the offense we played. I did a little bit of everything. I would rush off the edge, played some at middle linebacker, and dropped back into coverage. I played a lot of man-on-man because of my speed and size. Sometimes I would come down as fifth man on the line.”
Calabasas played a lot of talented teams last season, how did your overall game improve during your senior year?
“As we ran through each team, the schedule got harder and harder. As a linebacker you learn more and the game slows down. You see everything going on with experience. During each game I felt more matured. My coaches trusted me as a three-year starter, they trusted me to do whatever they asked. They would throw me in the fire during practice, because they knew I was able to adapt quickly. Covering one-on-one, I had not down that before; that was something I improved upon last season. I worked with our DB coach and Coach Clay (Chris Claiborne – head coach).”
Calabasas’ coaching staff was full of former NFL and college talent, how did the coaches help improve your understanding of the game?
“Our coaches, Coach Clay and Coach King, they knew how to breakdown everything to a simple form and build you up from there. Because they played in the NFL, we had film sessions almost every day, before and/or after practice. They were able to breakdown the schemes and put us in the right positions and spots to succeed.”
The way you understand and see plays developing shows, thus you are always around the ball. Is there an area or aspect of your game like that trait to your skills that may get overlooked?
“Definitely my hitting. I hit hard on the field. I bring more intimidation to the game than people realize. My football IQ is something else that may get overlooked. I have been playing linebacker since the third grade. I know the game well. Being a leader on defense and calling audibles, that may get overlooked as well.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on to stay in football shape?
“I’ve been running going to the gym to workout. I have maintained my speed and added strength. I’ve been working with a sports group keeping stretched out and in shape this offseason.”
After the season you turned in, how do you view yourself on the recruiting trail?
“I am extremely overlooked, the way I play football should be recognized.”
Agreed. Zack, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts and recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Calabasas HS/Shadorf family; Zack Shadorf (2019)