Kansas Football: Interview with Lawrence Free State 2021 LB Gage Callaghan
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
High school students are encouraged to play multiple sports during the school year to help them become more successful athletes which leads to better performances both on the field and in the classroom. One good example of a stellar student-athlete is junior Gage Callaghan at Lawrence Free State in Lawrence (KS) who stars on the football and baseball teams.
The 6’2”, 185-pound, star plays catcher on the diamond and linebacker on the gridiron. During his junior campaign, Callaghan racked up 41.5 total tackles and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown against Shawnee Mission East. On the football field, Callaghan does a great job delivering big hits against the run game but can also drop back limit big plays in the passing game.
The Class of 2021 prospect is currently drawing interest from numerous local colleges including Nazarene University and has plans to attend some camps and Junior Days.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Gage to discuss his junior season at Lawrence Free State and his recruiting process.
Interview
Gage, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“I thought the 2019 season went pretty well for us. It didn’t finish like we wanted it to but I feel like if we could’ve done a few things a little better we would’ve been competing for a state championship.”
How would you grade your individual performance in your junior season?
“I thought my performance this year was pretty good. I could’ve been a little more aggressive in my run defense but overall I played pretty good.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I think my strength is having a good football IQ. I can realize a situation and usually after watching some film can figure out who the opponents go-to guy is.”
What was your most memorable moment in 2019?
“I think my most memorable moment was my first game of the year because it was my first time staring on varsity and it was just a good atmosphere. Another one had to be when I got a pick-six in the game against Shawnee Mission East to help shift the moment of the game.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“I earned All-Sunflower League and non-senior state honorable mention.”
Do you have any college offers?
“No, sir. Not yet but I’m receiving interest from Mid-America Nazarene University and Missouri Western State.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“I’m working on my run and pass reads, and working on making them quicker so I can make the close plays that could make a difference a game.”
What do you like most about playing linebacker?
“I’m like the field general of the defense.”
Is there current linebacker that you try to model your game after?
“Bobby Wagner because he knows where to be at and when to be there and I feel like that’s what I need to do to help my team.”
What other sports do you play at Lawrence Free State?
“I play catcher on the baseball team.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math, because I catch on to it very easily.”
What is your GPA?
“3.7.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My uncle, dad, and grandpa, as well as my coaches, because they all love football and are always there for me when I have questions.”
What do you like most about playing at Lawrence Free State?
“Football is very important to our school. People always show up to games whether they are home or away. We also have cross-town rivals that we grew up playing with and when we get to play them it’s always a close and fun game.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter. I like this quote because I’m not the best player in my league or even on my team but this reminds me of that if I work hard, I can be as good as my abilities will allow me to be.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Lawrence Journal-World; Lawrence Free State Linebacker Gage Callaghan