Missouri Championship Game Interview with 2022 De Smet Star LB Chris Skiljan
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
De Smet Jesuit is playing in the Missouri Class 6 State Championship Game Saturday night (today) and Chris Skiljan will be featured at linebacker. The junior tackle machine had to sit out last year when the Spartans won it all due to transfer rules but is anxious to lead his team on the field this time around.
During his junior campaign, the 6’1″, 225-pound, playmaker has a whopping 57 total tackles including two for a loss and two sacks in just six games as COVID-19 shortened some of the season. This Class of 2022 recruit is already drawing interest from several colleges building before his recruiting process explodes.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Chris to talk about the state championship game and his junior season.
Interview
Chris, how would you grade your individual performance during your junior season?
Overall, I am very happy with my performance this year. After coming off my sophomore year of not being able to play due to being ineligible because of transferring schools, I was really looking forward to being able to play this year especially with all the uncertainty with COVID this season. I am just happy we were able to have a season and get to this point.
What would you say your best game was and why?
I think personally my best game was against Fox. With their style of offense, it was a lot of fun to play against a team that runs 90 percent of the time, especially at linebacker. I ended the game with 16 tackles.
How does it feel making it to the state championship?
It feels great to be able to go back to the state championship this year especially since last year I was on the sideline cheering on the team. This year it is really special because I finally get to be in the game out there with my teammates.
What is your mindset heading into the game?
My mindset going into the game is just to play to our standards and just play the same way we have been all year.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I think that my strength on the field is my ability to shed blockers and be able to find the ball.
How would you describe what kind of player you are?
I would describe myself as a physical player that all ways goes all out.
How would you describe what kind of teammate you are?
I would describe myself as a good teammate. I feel as if I am putting the team first. For example, when our defensive end was hurt for a game, we had backup linebackers but not anyone for the defensive end spot so I stepped up and learned D-end for that game.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My max bench is 315, my max squat is 405, and my max clean is 275.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Yes, I look up a lot to Ray Lewis. I look up to him because we play the same position and he is all about hard work and dedication and really inspires me.
What is one area of your game that you’ve seen the most improvement in since the start of the regular season?
I think where my game has most improved is just the understanding of the game. Being able to be in the game and actually see what our coaches have talked about has helped me to be able to recognize the same stuff next time on my own.
How do your skills fit in your team’s defensive scheme?
Our defense is all about being fast, physical, and swarming to the ball. I believe that my physicality fits in well with the team’s defensive scheme.
What do you like most about playing at De Smet?
I think what I like the most about playing at DeSmet is probably just the atmosphere there and how dedicated everyone is to the game; especially Coach Steeples. You see all the hard work and dedication he puts into the games and how much he truly cares about every player.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
Yes, I also play lacrosse in the spring.
What is your GPA?
3.64.
Are you receiving interest from any schools?
Yes, I just need some film to be able to send them since I was ineligible last year and unable to get a highlight film together.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Psalm 23: 1-6 or Isaiah 6:8.
Thank you for your time and good luck in the state championship.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; De Smet Jesuit LB Chris Skiljan