Interview: Missouri 4-Star 2018 DT Trevor Trout Easing Way into Recruiting Process

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The push on the college football recruiting trail to take action seems to start earlier and earlier for young men across the nation. What used to be a senior sometimes junior classification affair has turned into a recruiting march for some beginning during their eighth grade season. One Class of 2018 recruit getting plenty of attention but choosing to take his time through the process is defensive tackle Trevor Trout.

Trout has all the characteristics of an impact player at the next level. He has shown he can dominate the competition for Chaminade High School (St. Louis) against Missouri talent helping lead the Red Devils to a 12-2 mark during his sophomore season making a run to the semifinal round before running up against a stout Fort Osage squad. Along the way, Trout ended up with 66 tackles and five sacks earning four-star status by recruiting services.

College coaches agree with the assessment. So far the 6-3, 300 pound, line mover has acquired 11 offers from some of the top programs in the nation. The list includes UCLA, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Miami (OH), Texas A&M, and Tennessee. That list is sure to double with teams like Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Clemson, Kansas State, Louisville, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Wisconsin all reportedly showing interest.

The Red Devils are off to a 6-1 start to their season after taking apart DeSmet Jesuit 56-7 on Friday night.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Trout before Chaminade’s matchup against DeSmet Jesuit to get his thoughts on the season and an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Trevor, how did championship game loss to Fort Osage (63-28) help motivate the team through the off-season and so far into the 2016 schedule?

“It was motivating. We got a taste of it and how to play in the big games in the playoffs. Now we are working to get back there again this year.”

You guys are off to a 6-1 start and ranked No. 4 in the state by MaxPreps, how does the team look going into the second half of the schedule?

“There is always room to get better. We are going in strong to district. We want to get everything done and ready for November.”

Of the games left, which game are you most excited to play?

“I look at it as the next game is the most important game. So far, that is how I have gone about it.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“Staying in my gap and knowing how to play the run well. Knowing what is going on in the backfield and things of that nature.”

What are you working to improve upon with your game?

“My pass rush and chasing down the ball.”

What is your weekly game preparation?

“I watch a lot of film and study. We start learning about the next team the day after we play the last team. We watch a lot of film and have great study guides at our school to help us prepare.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your sophomore season?

“I was first team All-Conference, All-District, and Defensive Line MVP by Rivals. I think I was preseason All-Metro this year. That was pretty cool. I was a Freshman All-American too.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 11 offers.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now that have not offered you yet?

“Off the top of my head, Penn State, Georgia – they have been around lately, Kansas, Michigan State, and Ohio State.”

Of the teams that have offered you, are any pushing a little bit harder than the others to forge that necessary bond with you?

“I can’t say yet. It is so early in the process. I’m still talking to a lot of schools. I can’t say one over the other but there are some pretty obvious ones in touch with me. Schools like Mizzou, Iowa Nebraska, and UCLA. All of the first couple of schools to offer me. It has not gotten to the point where I am starting to cut schools. Things can change. I’ve known those coaches the longest. I’m not saying they are my top schools.”

Trevor, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 91 Trevor Trout.

Photo credit: 247sports.com; No. 91 Trevor Trout between plays.

Photo credit: rivals.com; Trevor Trout at a Rivals camp.